Nuts, bolts, nails, screws — they deserve a special place, but they don't rate sole ownership of the plastic sorting box. A clear storage tray full of adjustable compartments is a beautiful thing, offering the noble promise of order. You can find them everywhere — hardware stores, craft stores, tackle shops, housewares departments.

Buttons, thread, pins, needles

Small toys and games

Coins

Birthday candles, icing tips, food coloring

Batteries

Paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands

Plastic forks, knives, spoons

Picture hooks, wire

Paintbrushes, crayons, watercolors, markers

Ribbons, gift tags

Hair clips, barrettes

Travel-size beauty products

Makeup

Jewelry

Kids' costume jewelry

Receipts for dry-cleaning, shoe repair, photo developing

Fast-food straws, ketchup and sugar packets

Matchbooks, incense

Shoe polish, brushes, rags

Shells

Stamps

Christmas ornaments

Breath mints

Friends' house and apartment keys

Nails, nuts, bolts