A disordered desk can cause a disordered mind. It doesn't matter if you work from home, an office or co-working space, your desktop set-up is a significant component of your focus, productivity and state of mind. The key to remaining organized, and ultimately productive is using the right office supplies.
In this blog, we will help you with intelligent ideas to organize your workspace — and we will also address the essential supplies that you need to organize, manage, and inspire your desk.
Why Desk Organization Matters
Before we get into the "how," let’s look at the "why."
A clear desk:
- Keeps your stress and fatigue down
- Increases your efficiency and saves time searching for things
- Exemplifies professionalism in meetings, whether in person or via video conferencing
- Promotes better posture and focus
We're going to shift your desk from disorder to order, one item at a time!
Step-by-Step: The desk organization process
1. Clear Everything Off
Start fresh. Remove everything from your desk and sort items into three categories:
Keep (used daily)
Store (used occasionally)
Toss (no longer needed)
This gives you a clean slate and helps eliminate distractions.
2. Prioritize Daily Essentials
Only keep the essentials within arm’s reach:
Laptop or monitor
Notepad and pen
Desk organizer
Phone stand
Calendar or planner
Pro Tip: Less is more, the more clutter you have the more difficult it will
be to concentrate!
3. Use the Right Office Materials
Here’s where smart tools make a big difference. These materials help keep everything in its place:
Essential Office Materials for Desk Organization
Item | Why You Need It |
Desk Organizer | Holds pens, scissors, sticky notes — keeps small items from spreading everywhere |
File Holder / Paper Tray | Organizes documents, mail, and printouts |
Cable Management Clips | Prevent cable tangles and reduce visual clutter |
Drawer Dividers | Keep supplies in order inside drawers |
Monitor Stand with Storage | Elevates your screen and adds storage space beneath |
Pen Cup / Pencil Holder | Keeps writing tools visible but tidy |
Sticky Notes or Memo Pads | For quick reminders, to-dos, or labeling |
Desktop Whiteboard or Planner | Keeps your week visible without needing paper clutter |
Makes your week visible without the paper piles
Bonus: For added clarity when sorting documents, use label makers or color-coded folders.
4. Use Vertical Space to your Advantage
If space is an issue on your desk, go up:
Choose wall-mountable solutions such as organizer, shelving, or pegboard options.
Again, consider using a magnetic or cork board to hang notes and priority documents.
Consider using command hooks to hang your cords, headphones, or other items.
5. Go Digital Where Possible
Decrease paper clutter by going digital:
Consider using cloud storage for document safety and organization.
Try using a project management app like Trello or Notion, as well.
You should even think about scanning important documents and putting them in an external location like a cloud storage system.
Bonus: It's green too!
6. Keep It Clean Daily
A few minutes at the end of each day makes a huge difference:
Put away items not in use
Wipe down surfaces
Refill supplies if needed
Clean Up Your Workspace to Start Fresh Tomorrow
A tidy desk = a clear mind
A Few More Tricks for a Chill, Functional Workspace
Lighting, seriously—don’t underestimate it. Nobody wants to look like some type of cave troll staring at a screen. Get a good desk lamp, or, even better, get situated by the window, if you can.. Sunlight just hits different, you know?
Put Some “You” in Your Space. Tape up a silly picture, a tiny plant, or some tacky motivational quote where you’ll see it. It should be something that makes you happy, not something that will turn your desk into a dump. It should feel like personal space, not like a waiting room at the dentist’s office.
Ergonomics Matter, Folks. If your chair’s trying to murder your back, it’s time to upgrade. Toss in a wrist rest or a keyboard tray too—your future self will thank you when you’re not a hunchback at forty.
If you wanna splurge a little, check out Muji. Their stuff is super sleek and doesn’t scream “corporate drone.” Minimalist vibes, but in a good way.
Poppin – Colorful and modern desk accessories
IKEA – Affordable and modular solutions
Ugreen – Excellent for cable management
Staples or Office Depot – Classic options with variety
Final Thoughts: Organize intentionally
Hopefully, you’ve realized by now that your desk is your command center every day; so do it right by making sure it is set up for success. Finding the right products for your office, and an entirely functional work environment will mean less time spent searching and more time spent doing.
Take 15 mins today and re-organize your space; you will be productive (and happier) for it.
