15 Items You Can Use To Organize Your Desk

Some can live and work among organized chaos on their desk. However, a cluttered office space can serve as a significant disadvantage for the majority. Disorganization can be a distraction to everyone in the office setting and can give you the reputation of being unreliable. This extends to another level if you run a business because sifting through piles of paper and supplies will inevitably cost precious time and, thus, income.

On the other hand, a clean desk can positively affect both your career and your mood, as well as your colleagues'. According to Good Housekeeping, a tidy workspace can actually inspire you to want to work; you'll find that it's easier to be productive and efficient when you don't have to clear an area or frantically look for what you need. Ahead are 15 items you can use to organize your desk and, perhaps, motivate you to produce your best work yet.

Anyone who has had desk drawers knows how frustrating it can be to keep them tidy. Rubber bands get tangled with binder clips, and you can never quite find what you need in a pinch. The solution? Divided trays that fit inside the drawers will keep items sorted and in place. Clear organizers are the most popular go-to because of the clean look and hold-up over time. There are shallow and expandable options, so you should be able to find one that fits your desk drawers, no matter how unique they may be.

No matter the size of your desk, the idea is to keep the surface as clutter-free as possible. Not only will this allow you to spread out to do some writing or planning, but it will also look and feel more calming. So, any type of organizer that helps create extra surface space is a win. Small stackable containers for office supplies such as paper clips and thumbtacks are ideal if you miss drawer space or find yourself reaching for them often. Use clear ones to see what's inside and when it's time to replenish your stash.

If your surface is too small to fit a vertical file organizer, the wall nearby can provide the same amount of storage. Find a wall-mounted file holder that can be attached using simple hooks and use it to store paperwork that needs immediate attention or that you're in the process of working on. If you have a larger file cabinet in the office, create a "to file" section, so the ones that need to be put away don't stay on the desk while in limbo.

Whether you have multiple devices or your home office desk doubles as the family command center, a laptop stand is essential to keeping things organized and from getting lost. Find a sturdy, vertical one in a finish that matches your decor to maximize space and keep laptops and tablets safe and within a close distance when you're working. As a bonus, you can usually also have the devices plugged in and charging while they're resting on the stand.

The best organizing method is to keep things simple. Find a matching set of a cup and bowl or dish for the items you need to reach for regularly, such as scissors or binder clips. There's no shortage of options in terms of aesthetics, so it'll be a breeze to find ones that fit your office color scheme. Keep them close to each other on the desk, and tidy them up regularly. Once per week, sift through the dish or bowl to pull out what doesn't belong and ensure your pens are in good working condition.

If your work is less supply-heavy and more visual, consider a memo board. Use the wall space to keep them organized rather than cluttering up your desk with photos, memos, and reminders. Some memo boards do come with attachments, which can allow you to store a few office supplies or even decorative items like succulents. If motivational quotes get you through your day, pop a few of them on the board and take in the inspiration whenever you need to from your desk.

If you have a writing desk or one with little to no storage, think outside the box a bit: Use some space on either side of it to place a three-tiered rolling cart. One can hold anything from cords to writing supplies and be organized within separate containers and attachments. Some even give the option to add a pegboard if you'd rather not hang one on the wall or your desk is facing a window. They are also quite helpful if you would like to take your work to another room for one reason or another.