An organized desk is mostly about having a home for each item. The goal is not to buy many containers but to keep the things you use every day within reach and everything else out of sight. Here is how to plan and choose organizers that actually stay tidy.
Sort before you buy
Empty your desk and drawers, and group items by how often you use them. Daily items, such as pens, notes and a notebook, stay within arm's reach. Weekly items, such as a stapler and tape, go in a drawer. Rarely used items go in a box on a shelf. Throw out dried-out pens and old paper.
Measure the space
Measure the width, depth and height of your drawers and the free space on the desk, in inches. Drawer organizers come in modular sets, so you can mix sizes to fill the drawer without gaps. A tray that is too small will slide, and one that is too large will not fit.
Types of organizers
- Drawer trays and dividers separate small items such as clips, batteries and cables.
- Mesh or metal desk organizers hold pens, notes and sticky pads in one place.
- Letter trays and vertical sorters keep paperwork off the desk and let you see it at a glance.
- Magnetic strips and wall pockets use vertical space.
- Binder clips and small bins group loose items.
Think in zones
Keep writing tools on one side, paper on the other and the items you use with your computer, such as a headset, nearby. Placing things where you use them cuts the time you spend hunting.
Materials and look
Plastic is light and inexpensive, and bamboo or wood looks warm. Metal mesh is sturdy and lets you see the contents. Choose a style that matches the rest of the desk. A mix of too many materials can look cluttered.
Keep it that way
A good organizer only works if you put things back. Aim for a short reset at the end of each day, and clear the surface to a simple state. Review the contents every few months and remove what you no longer use.
Small tips
Label drawers if several look alike. Use a tray for items that move between rooms, such as a notebook and a charger. Leave some empty space so new things have a place.
