The One Everyday Item You Should Never Store in Your Junk Drawer

Some items have a way of taking over your junk drawer—batteries being one of them. New, used, half-used, in their original packaging, or scattered about, batteries tend to collect in number and dominate the common junk drawer. But, while easily accessible and easy to locate, the junk drawer could actually be a hazardous place to store these household essentials. "Keeping batteries in a cluttered junk drawer is more dangerous than most people realize," shares storage organization expert Gerrit Jan Reinder.

Below, learn why batteries should never be stored in the junk drawer and where they should be stored instead. Plus, discover the other items that are unsuitable for storage in your home's junk drawer.

Why You Should Never Store Batteries in the Junk Drawer

"A junk drawer should hold only low-value items, like pens, tape, stamps, or a small notepad," says Jenny Dietsch, executive organizer at Getting It Done Organizing. Think loose keys, stray business cards, trash bag ties, measuring tape, and small office supplies.

Batteries are not among those items safe for storage. Here's why.

Risk of Fire

Loose batteries can come in contact with metal that's in the drawer, such as paperclips and spare keys. "[This] can cause a short circuit, producing heat which may result in sparks or a fire," Reinders explains.

Battery Leakage

Batteries contain electrolytes, a mixture of chemicals that can be corrosive and flammable. When battery casings are compromised, dangerous electrolyte leaks can occur. “The clutter of a junk drawer increases the risk of damaging battery casings, which can release harmful chemicals and reduce battery life,” cautions Reinders.

Reduction of Battery Life

All of the jostling that occurs in a junk drawer can drain battery power over time, shortening your batteries' lifespan. Dust and debris can further affect performance by contaminating the contact points.

The location of your junk drawer can have an impact, too. If your designated junk drawer is in a warm or humid area (such as the kitchen), "fluctuating temperatures and moisture can corrode the terminals and shorten the battery life," notes cleaning expert Petya Holevich.

Chemical Reactions

Different types of batteries should be stored separately. “Mixing lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable cells in close contact can lead to chemical reactions or uneven discharge,” says Holevich. She recommends storing rechargeable batteries at around 40 to 60 percent charge if they won’t be used for some time.

Where to Store Batteries Instead

For safety and longevity, batteries should always be stored either in their original packaging or in a dedicated container and kept in a cool, dry location, away from heat sources, humidity, and direct sunlight. Batteries are safest when stored in areas that range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Holevich. (Some garages are not climate-controlled and can dramatically vary in temperature, so take care if you decide to store yours there.)

Any of the following are ideal spots for storing your batteries:

• In a desk drawer dedicated solely to electronics
• A storage cabinet away from direct sunlight
• In a labeled bin in a hallway closet
• In a lidded shoebox with inserts to separate batteries by size
• A cool, dry place, like a laundry room

Other Things to Never Store In the Junk Drawer

As it turns out, batteries aren’t the only thing you should keep out of your junk drawer. “A junk drawer should be a grab-and-go spot for everyday essentials, not a dumping ground," says Dietsch. “Use inserts to give every item a place. If something doesn’t belong there, find its true home in your house or let it go.” 

Beware of storing any of the following items in the junk drawer.

• Lighters or matches: "The mix of clutter, friction, and even the possibility of a short-circuiting battery makes a junk drawer an unsafe place for anything flammable," says Reinders.
• Sharp objects: Anything sharp, like razor blades, tacks, or loose thumbtacks, has no place in a junk drawer. You or someone else could accidentally cut or puncture themself when rummaging through the drawer, cautions Reinders.
• Liquid Vials and Bottles: Liquid glues, Wite-Out and correction fluid, or small bottles of oil can spill and ruin other items.
• Medications: "Junk drawers are often in kitchens or bathrooms, where heat and humidity can degrade medications quickly, reducing their potency and shelf life," says Reinders.
• Important Documents: Paper and documents can easily get crumpled, lost, or forgotten in the fray of a busy junk drawer. For any important legal documents or anything that needs immediate attention, use a proper filing system instead.
• Small Electronics: "Small electronics, such as USB drives, memory cards, or earbuds, can be damaged by dust, static, or pressure from heavier objects," warns Holevich.
• Rubber Bands and Adhesive Tapes: Who knew? Rubber bands lose their longevity when stored in a junk drawer because they degrade faster in warm, humid drawer environments, according to Holevich. They can become brittle or sticky.