Growing up, we had the "messy drawer" in our kitchen.
"Do you know where some nail clippers are?"
"Check in the messy drawer."
It contained screws, nails, scissors, tape, nail clippers, pencils, pens, and basically anything that didn't have a home and needed to be stashed quickly. I remember even organizing it several times as a child.
I've taken a similar concept to my home. In one drawer by the outside door in the kitchen, I have a basket with the following: pens, pencils, Scotch tape, scissors, letter opener, glue stick, Sharpie. Next to it in the same drawer is a 5 x 7" spiral notebook for writing school excuse notes. With the notebook are those mailing labels you get free if you donate to various charities.
Also in the drawer: a roll of stamps, the checkbook, savings account book, a little box of paperclips, and some small notepads for phone messages.
I think everything anyone needs to mail a letter, write a note, open mail, grab scissors, etc. is right there. My "a place for everything" and "the family needs to know where things always are" mantras were legitimized when my husband bought a gift and wrapped it without asking me where to find anything! Even though he didn't put the scissors and tape back where they belonged, I didn't mind too much.
It simplifies the entire family's lives if they know where to find essentials.
2 pair of earrings (brand new) in the donation box. 12 bowls sold on ebay! I just might make it. My husband told me today that he needs to go through all his clothes when we get back from the holidays! Hurray! :)
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