While some experts have made a case for ditching the junk drawer, they continue to be a kitchen staple. Collecting miscellaneous items in a single drawer seems to just happen over time, without any exact rhyme or reason. Unfortunately, however, many kitchens — especially in small apartments found in desirable cities — simply don’t offer the room. It’s not uncommon for a kitchen in say, New York City or Washington, D.C., to only have enough drawers to hold necessary utensils and tools. If this is the case for you, fret not. There are ways to maximize your storage space in a tiny apartment, including some great alternatives to a junk drawer. Instead of compiling random articles in one of your kitchen’s drawers, take advantage of some of your counter space. This could look like piling your things on a pretty plate you picked up at a flea market or a sleek catchall tray. Other excellent junk drawer alternatives that will keep your things out of sight are wall-mounted baskets and storage ottomans.

What won’t fit in one of these solutions will have to find another home. Unopened mail and loose papers you’re holding onto can go in a sleek magazine holder, while extra scissors and pens can be tossed in storage cups. Both can be left out on a desk in a home office or placed in another area. Other office supplies can also go in a desk drawer, as can adrift chargers. No desk, or have a desk without drawers? A tiered storage caddy on wheels can come in handy for these items. For everything else, use one of these alternatives to a junk drawer.

Catchall trays — which come in all different shapes, styles, and materials — are best for items that you’re reaching for more frequently, like keys, AirPods, stray jewelry, lighters, and hair ties. A pretty dish or catchall tray can go anywhere on your kitchen counter that doesn’t feel too in the way. You can also place multiple throughout the home to serve different purposes. Maybe a tray on a table in your foyer holds your keys, wireless earbuds, wallet, and spare change to keep your entryway clean and organized. Keep another on an accent table, desk, or bookshelf in the living room or on a dresser in your bedroom for other items. 

A wall-mounted hanging basket may be better than a tray if you don’t have the surface space or simply cannot stand any visible clutter. A basket made of jute or rattan that hangs in the kitchen is ideal for holding things you’d want out of sight such as flashlights, charging cords, tape measures, and box openers. Again, wall-mounted baskets of different sizes can be hung in different rooms outside of just the kitchen. Incorporating a storage ottoman in your living room or office space is another great solution to living without a junk drawer that hides clutter away. This solution is best for those who have lots of miscellaneous items they want to store all together.