Why Your Desk Should Always Be Organized
Whether you have a compact desk or a spacious one, organizing it keeps essential items within reach. More than just being visually appealing, a tidy desk also helps with:
- Productivity: When everything is sorted into its designated spots, your efficiency in doing actual work increases. This helps boost productivity in all aspects of work or study.
- Stress-free: Your external conditions influence your internal state of mind. So, if your desk is organized and clutter-free, so is your mind.
- Focus: With any and all distractions out of sight, you can solely focus on the task at hand. No more searching for a pencil or a sticky note amidst many other items.
Assess Your Workspace
Before you get started on choosing the ideal desk organization ideas, assess your workspace.
- Identify: Examine which spots on your desk get the most amount of mess, whether it’s the drawers, the shelves or the desk top itself. You can focus on finding targeted ideas for those spots.
- Sort: While most of your items might be essential, sorting them into important items and extras can help allocate the ideal spaces to keep them organized. Categorize them based on how frequently you use them to decide their ideal places.
- Arrange: Based on the previous two steps, consider how you want your desk to look and function for the best results.
Creative Desk Organization Ideas
While decluttering your desk makes it aesthetic, the main focus is to retain its function. Focus on desk organization ideas that allow easy access to essential items while preventing them from getting cluttered.
Pencil Cups
Organizing your desk surface can go a long way in keeping things within reach in a neat manner. Opt for pencil cups that match the aesthetics of your workspace; you can choose materials, like glass, metal or ceramic, based on your preferences.
Consider making it a DIY project by sticking googly eyes on it or some seashells from your collection. You can even use a coffee mug as a pencil cup if you have one too many in your kitchen cabinets. Store all your frequently used items in these pencil cups.
Filing Cabinets
If you have a lot of loose documents, consider arranging them in folders and placing them in rolling filing cabinets. These can fit under your desk, increasing your storage space and contributing to a clear desk surface. These compact cabinets are a great desk organization idea for small spaces. Opt for office cabinets in neutral shades like white to enhance the clean and cohesive appearance.
Baskets
Utilize wicker baskets to store items like Post-it notes or charger cables, adding style and aesthetics to your space. Make sure to keep them within arm’s reach so you can access necessary stationery when needed. Mount metal wire baskets to free up space on the desk or surrounding floor. You can also place baskets on open shelves above the desk to store documents and notebooks, acting as hidden storage.
Hanging Closet Organizer
Any desk organization idea is viable if it helps clear your desk; if storage space is limited, consider a hanging closet organizer for extra office supplies. Hang it on a door or a rolling rack if you don’t have enough space for a bookcase or a cabinet. A clear hanging closet organizer makes grabbing what you need easier and quicker.
Plastic Dividers for Drawers
A lot of different stationery can get jumbled up in your desk drawers, making it difficult to find what you really need. Besides, the mess can be distracting when focusing on important work. Add small plastic dividers to your drawers and take time sorting through the mess and arranging similar items together. Smaller items are easier to get lost, so store items like paper clips, push pins and Post-it notes together.
Pegboard
Mounting a pegboard as your work desk backdrop is a great desk organization idea for small spaces. You can sort all the clutter from your desk onto the wall-mounted pegboard, utilizing the available vertical space. Hang wire baskets and open shelves for better storage of pens, markers and tapes. Decorate them with photos and other personal items to make them visually appealing. Attach nails to hang larger office supplies; the possibilities are endless with pegboards.
Rolling Cart
Opt for a subtle and compact rolling cart that can be tucked away under the desk or in corners for storing excess desk accessories. Choose ones with multiple levels and convenient mobility for a versatile organization hack. You can use your DIY skills to make the cart more aesthetic; consider adding bright colors, a decorative shelf liner with funky patterns or mirrored trays for a retro effect. Turn the top shelf into a coffee station for those long work hours for an all-in-one solution.
Elevated Task Lighting
When desk space is limited and you have more important things than a table lamp to organize on your desk, consider wall-mounted light fixtures. Task lighting is essential for work desks, so attach it directly above the desk for better visibility. You can also opt for clamp-on task lighting on the side of or above your desk.
Concealed Charging Cables
You’re bound to get frustrated when there are too many cords and cables running across, under and on top of your work desk. The simple solution is to tame the cables by using handy solutions like cable clips, cable sleeves and going wireless.
Cable clips help you attach wires to the side of your desk, reducing clutter, while cable sleeves allow you to hide that tangled mess from sight. You can also use a cable management box for better organization. Going wireless is an easy option to avoid all the clutter and chaos.
Computer Monitor Stand
A laptop or monitor stand or riser is a convenient way to increase surface area for extra storage. It’s also great for your neck and back while allowing you to stow extra work supplies under the stand. Opt for a laptop stand with storage compartments for multipurpose use and a sleek monitor stand for better ergonomics and aesthetics. With compact shelving, a phone dock, a cup holder and more, you have all your essentials in one place.