Desk Organization Tips to Transform Your Workspace

Is your desk a mess? It doesn’t have to be! Desk organization might feel like a big task, but it’s easier than you think. So if you’re staring at a desk that’s full of random sticky notes, tangled cords and a mystery drawer that you call “Narnia” full of things you haven’t seen in months – keep reading.

A tidy desk is more than aesthetics. It’s all about creating a space that allows you to focus and feel a sense of calm, which increases productivity (win-win!). But where exactly do you start? That’s where we come in, with our list of desk organization tips and ideas to take your workspace from mess to masterpiece.

Whether you’re working from home, in a shared office, or somewhere in between, we’ll help you finally reclaim your work surface.

Build a Charging Station

Cords are everywhere, and might be everywhere on your work desk. Having a designated charging station can keep devices powered up, cords hidden, and free your desk space of chaotically tangled cables.

A few ideas to try:

• Use a multi-port USB hub or wireless charging pad.
• Mount a power strip under your desk to keep cords hidden.
• Use cable clips or sleeves to bundle cords.
• Label each cord near the plug so you know what’s what.

Choose a charging station that matches your desk aesthetic, like a natural wood, matte black, or minimalist white.

Keep Daily Essentials Within Arm’s Reach

Make sure your daily essentials are easy to grab without cluttering your desk. Items like pens, notepads, and markers can sit nearby in a dedicated area for quick access.

A few ideas to try:

• Use a rotating desk organizer or organizing cup for pens, scissors, and markers.
• Hang a wall calendar or use a desktop planner stand.
• Keep a small tray available for sticky notes and paper clips.

Match your organizer to your desk vibe—boho baskets, sleek acrylic, or vintage tins.

Label Everything (Yep, Even the Drawer)

Labeling is a game-changer for desk organization. With labels, you can reduce the frustration of trying to find things after you’ve organized them.

A few ideas to try:

• Use a label maker or printable tags for drawers and bins.
• Color-code folders and containers by category.
• Label or color-code your tech gear (mouse, chargers, USBs) to avoid mix-ups.
• Use washi tape and a permanent marker for an affordable DIY labeling solution.

Use Shelves, Bins, and Bookcases to Maximize Space

Use vertical space to your advantage! Floating shelves and bins are great when desk space is limited (or you simply want to keep your desk area clutter-free). Opt for study shelving that can handle books, decor, and that cool stationery collection you’re obsessed with.

A few ideas to try:

• Install floating shelves above your desk with room for books and bins.
• Use baskets to hold to-do folders, notebooks, or extra supplies.
• Choose one area to serve as a mini bookcase for reference materials.
• Keep a small trash bin nearby to avoid clutter buildup.

Go Minimalist with A Smaller Desk

Not everything needs to live on your desk. Having a smaller desk by default makes it so you have to keep things as clutter-free as possible. Consider using another area in your home (under the bed, a shelf in the closet) to store extra office materials.

A few ideas to try:

• Opt for a rolling standing desk or a small standing desk.
• And add a basket underneath for office supplies or personal items like journals or keepsakes.
• Keep one small organizing cup on your desk to store pens and other small accessories.
• Create a special office container for extra paper or envelopes.

Curate Your Office Supplies with Functional Intention

Office supplies are essential, but they don’t have to be messy. First, focus on functionality – supplies that double as storage for cords or notepads are perfect for saving space. Second, go for accessories that elevate your space without standing out too much (the goal here is to create a cohesive vibe).

A few ideas to try:

• Choose supplies in a color palette that matches your space.
• Use a drawer tray for tape, stapler, rubber bands, and push pins.
• Keep a small bowl or dish for paper clips and binder clips.
• Store extras in a labeled bin so you’re never caught without refills.

Gold or matte black accessories instantly elevate your workspace.

Declutter and Organize Your Drawers

It’s easy to throw everything in your office desk drawer and forget about it. Looking for your favorite fountain pen? It’s probably somewhere in the crevices of the drawer, nestled between old receipts, paper clips, and that mystery key you swore you’d label.

A few ideas to try:

• Dump it all out! Empty each drawer so you can first see what you’re working with.
• Start sorting items into keep, toss, and relocate piles.
• Use drawer dividers (small trays work great) to create zones: pens, tech, notepads.
• Store file folders vertically for easy access.

Prioritize Laptop Space

Your laptop is your command center — the hub where most of your work happens — so it deserves the best spot on your desk. Prioritizing space for your essential tech tools helps you stay focused and keeps unnecessary clutter to a minimum.

A few ideas to try:

• Use a laptop stand to elevate your screen (use the free space underneath to store items).
• Keep a notebook or notepad on your desk for quick to-do list writing.
• Store pens in a small tray or holder to avoid clutter.
• Keep personal items in a designated corner.

Use a corkboard to hang and organize cords and chargers.

Design a Space That Reflects You

Your desk should feel like a place you want to be that inspires creativity while also encouraging productivity. Keeping it organized can be fun, stylish, and functional.

A few ideas to try:

• Hang art, affirmations, or a vision board on your wall space.
• Use a desk with built-in drawers that matches the aesthetic of your home.
• Choose a desk chair that supports your posture and doesn’t overpower the look of your desk.
• Add baskets that are stylish while also serving as storage space for pillows or throw blankets.

Bonus Tips to Keep the Vibe Going

A well-organized desk is all about creating a space that supports your goals, reflects your personality, and helps you do your best work. Whether you’re a color-coded planner type or a minimalist who thrives on clean space, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to desk organization.

Before you go, here are a few extra tips to keep your desk consistently organized:

• The 5-Minute Rule: Avoid the pile-up by taking five minutes at the end of each day to tidy up your desk. It’s a small habit that leads to big results.
• Digital Declutter: Organization isn’t just for your desk. Keep your computer desktop decluttered by organizing files, deleting what you don’t need, and creating folders for easy access.
• Everything Has a Home: Make sure all your desk items have somewhere to live – this way, if you pick it up, you can put it back where it belongs instead of setting it down in a random spot.

The key to desk organization is making it work for you. So clear the clutter, label the bins, and turn your desk space into a place you love to sit down at every day. Your future self (and your productivity) will thank you.

More organization inspiration:

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