A Guide to Junk Journaling: Why We're All Obsessed with Collecting Random Things

Ever found yourself saving old movie tickets, pretty packaging, or random receipts because they felt too special to throw away? If so, you’re not alone. Welcome to the world of junk journaling, where scraps of paper, stickers, pressed flowers, and doodles come together to create a uniquely personal art form. Instead of being a place to organize your thoughts this is a place to organize your mess.

Junk journaling is more than just an aesthetic hobby—it’s a deeply expressive, mindful practice that allows you to document memories in an unstructured and creative way. And in a world obsessed with productivity and perfection, the messy, freeform nature of junk journaling is exactly why so many people love it.

junk journaling picture from pinterest

The Ultimate Guide to Junk Journaling

What You Need to Get Started

One of the best things about junk journaling is that there are no rules, so you can start wherever inspiration strikes, whether it be magazine clippings, polaroids, or movie tickets. You don't need fancy supplies. Here are some things you can collect for your junk journal:

• Old book pages

• Magazine clippings

• Postcards

• Receipts 

• Wrist bands

• Plane and/or train tickets

• Sheet music

• Dried flower petals

• Fruit stickers 

Ideas & Prompts for Your Junk Journal

Not sure where to start? Try these:

• Memory pages – Save receipts, tickets, or notes from special days.

• Collage spreads – Layer random paper scraps into an aesthetic mess.

• Mood boards – Cut and paste images that reflect your current vibe.

• A ‘comfort collection’ – Keep a page for things that make you happy (favorite lyrics, quotes, or sketches).

• “What's on my mind?”–  Keep a page for all the things that have been on your mind, like your favorite YouTubers, a new TV show you've been watching, etc. 

• Sticker pages – Keep a page for all the random stickers you find/ collect (you can have a page designated for the stickers you find on fruits as well!) 

• Current obsessions page

Tips for Making It More Fun

• Let go of perfection. Junk journaling is meant to be messy.

• Use different textures. Add fabric scraps, dried flowers, or lace.

• Experiment with layers. Overlapping paper creates an interesting visual effect.

• Make it interactive. Create little pockets to tuck in secret notes.

The Psychology Behind Junk Journaling

Junk journaling isn’t just fun—it taps into something much deeper. Studies show that engaging in creative activities like journaling for just 20 minutes a day can lower stress levels by 45%. 

Why Collecting Random Objects Feels So Good

Ever wonder why we hold onto tiny objects that seem insignificant? Psychologists suggest that collecting is linked to nostalgia and memory preservation. Small physical objects can serve as anchors for emotions, reminding us of specific moments in time,  making you feel more connected to yourself. This can be especially helpful for emotional processing and stress relief.

How Junk Journaling Helps with Mental Health

• Encourages mindfulness – Slowing down and focusing on the creative process reduces anxiety.

• Boosts emotional expression – Helps you process emotions when words aren’t enough.

• Creates a sense of control – Organizing memories in a journal can bring structure to chaotic thoughts.

• Activates the brain’s reward system – The process of collecting and arranging items releases dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ hormone.

  Wrapping It Up

  Junk journaling is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a form of self-care. Whether you’re using it as an emotional release, a visual diary, or just a fun way to hoard cool-looking scraps, it’s a space that’s entirely yours. And the best part? There’s no right or wrong way to do it. So go ahead—start collecting, start pasting, and start embracing the mess.