root around
To dig or rummage aimlessly (in or through some cluttered location). Usually used in the continuous tense. Tom rooted around the attic for a while, but he couldn't find his old comic book location. A raccoon had gotten into the dumpster and was rooting around for something to eat. He walked into the office and caught two men rooting around.
root around (for something)
to dig or shuffle in or through something, looking for something. Alice rooted around in her desk drawer for a pen. I'll root around here and see if I can find it.