Problem: An overstuffed drawer that has become a catch-all for the small items of life.

Expert: Stacey Platt, a New York professional organizer and author of "What's a Disorganized Person to Do?" (Artisan Books; $16.95).

The fix: Platt advises you to empty the drawer, turn it upside down and shake out dust, then wipe clean. Invest in small organizing trays to keep things in order.

Then begin your sort-and-toss cycle. Throw out whatever actually fits the definition of junk: soy sauce packets, grungy plastic forks, and ancient crumpled receipts. Put items back where they belong: screws into the toolbox, keys on your key rack, stray change in your wallet.

Frequently, the junk drawer includes scissors, tape measure, tape, Post-it notes, a screwdriver, a few rubber bands (not 50), a highlighter and a glue stick.

Tips

• Put all unidentified keys in a folder labeled "dead keys."

• If you unearth chargers and cords, put them in small plastic bags marked with their gadget of origin.

• The batteries are probably dead. Put all your family's fresh batteries in a plastic shoe box.