It is not junk.
It is inventory.
There is a difference.
And yes, it is pretty cool when you need a nut, bolt, screw, washer,
etc etc that you HAVE it, right now. No running to the hardware
store, no drama.
Stuff gets fixed. Often before most in the household know that it
was ever out of service. I have lost count of the number of times
that folks I have known over the years come by and ask if I have
this or that little bit of hardware. Most times I have.
Used to have it all on shelving in the garage. Jars and jars and jars
of it. Got to be way too much of a problem with catching dust, etc.
My local Orchard Hardware was remodeling a few years back. I bought
eight large metal cabinet/pull out divided drawer units as they were
getting rid of them for the new units. I stacked them four high on two
pieces of plywood with casters. Set next to each other in the garage they
take up a small amount of floor space.
They now store all bolts etc over
1/4 inch. Plumbing pieces. Indoor and outdoor. Iron, pvc, abs and copper.
Electrical pieces and parts. Wall plates, switches outlets etc.
You get the idea. I ended up with a very organized system that has
bailed me out countless times.
I am in the midst of a similar build in the wood shop, for all of the wood
screws, hinges, catches, pulls, hasps, etc.
Some call me OCD. Funny, they are some of the same folks that are
appreciative when I have that needed item!!