It may seem impossible to keep your desk clean and uncluttered, but there are plenty of techniques, tactics, and hacks you can use to declutter your workspace and clear your mind.
Set aside some time to focus on office organizing and prepare to take on your cluttered desk.
Start at the Beginning
Okay, so this isn’t quite a “hack,” but it makes sense: If eliminating clutter doesn’t seem to be working, remove everything and gradually replace what you need.
Make a Home For Everything.
Instead of cluttering your desk with pens, notebooks, highlighters, snacks, and anything else you need, make a “home” for each set of items.
Getting a mug to put your pens in or purchasing paper trays and vertical desk organizers to keep things organized might be as simple as that. Ice cube trays can be used to organize little items in drawers.
Increase the Size of Your Workplace.
No, you won’t have to buy a new desk, but you will have to think outside of the box. Consider shelving, lifting your computer monitor, and utilizing the space beneath your desk.
Rather than strew post-it notes across your desk, place a whiteboard on the wall. You may also use clipboards to organize papers on a wall.
Organize Your Cords.
Cables, how they get in the way and tangle up into an unmanageable mess. Here are a few simple techniques to help you get them under control:
- Binder clips are placed on the backside of your desk, and laptop chargers, USB cords, and other cables are looped through the silver loop.
- Label and arrange cords using bread clips.
- Rain gutters are also useful desk attachments for taming cords.
Construct a “Supply Wall”
Taking the “think vertically” concept a step further, staplers, tape, scissors, and post-it notes are useful to have on hand, but they don’t have to take up valuable desk space. Use a pegboard to keep office supplies organized and accessible while remaining out of the way.
Use a magnetized whiteboard or another magnetic surface to hang messages and supplies instead of your refrigerator for notes and other reminders.
Spice Racks Are Great For Storing Tiny Goods.
Grab an old spice rack to hold paper clips, rubber bands, push pins, and other tiny objects if you only have a few drawers.
Just make sure you thoroughly wash the glass spice jars or your supplies will smell like dill.
After all, all of the office hacks in the world won’t assist you if you already have too much stuff, to begin with.