A cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind, right? Not necessarily. You can be just as productive with a messy desk as you can be with a clean one – as long as you’re organised! Whilst TikTok, Instagram, and interior influencers like Marie Kondo might tell you that less is more, many office workers simply can’t afford to be minimalists when it comes to their workstations. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 28 clever desk organisation ideas for maximum efficiency. Whether you’re looking to fully optimise your workspace or just want some new ideas, we’ve got you covered! So let’s get started!

1. Use a desk drawer organiser to keep your pens, pencils, and other stationery neatly sorted

A desk drawer organiser can help you to keep your stationary sorted and neatly organised. By having all of your pens, pencils, paperclips and other office supplies stored in one place, you can quickly and easily find what you need when you need it. This can help to improve your efficiency and productivity when working at your desk. In addition, a desk drawer organiser can help to reduce the amount of clutter on your desk, making it easier to keep your workspace clean and organised. 

2. Use a wire mesh basket to store your mail and paperwork

Another simple and effective way to keep your deskspace organised is to use a wire mesh basket to store your mail and paperwork. The open design of the wire mesh basket allows you to see all of your mail at a glance, making it easy to grab what you need without having to search through piles of paper. In addition, wire mesh baskets keep your mail and paperwork from becoming wrinkled or damaged, ensuring that it always looks presentable. By using a wire mesh basket to store your mail and paperwork, you can keep your office desk neat and organised, making it easier to stay focused on your work.

3. Invest in a good desk calendar or planner to keep track of your deadlines and appointments

A desk calendar or planner are essential tools for keeping track of deadlines and appointments. By investing in a high-quality desk calendar or planner, you can ensure that your desk is always organised for maximum efficiency. A desk calendar allows you to see at a glance when upcoming deadlines are, while a planner gives you more space to jot down notes and to-do lists. Most desk calendars and planners can be easily customised to your specific needs, making it easy to find the perfect system for tracking your commitments. In addition, using a desk calendar or planner can help you to avoid double-booking yourself or forgetting important deadlines. By taking the time to invest in a good-quality desk calendar or planner, you can make your desk more organised and efficient.

4. Organise your cables with cable ties or binder clips

When it comes to keeping a desk tidy and organised, one of the most important things to do is keep cords and cables under control. That’s where cable ties and binder clips come in handy. Cable ties can be used to bundle together multiple cords, while binder clips can be used to attach cables to the side of a desk or table. Not only does this help to keep cords out of the way, but it also makes it easier to find the cord you need when you need it. As an added bonus, these simple organisational tools can also help to prolong the life of your cables by preventing them from getting tangled or frayed. So if you’re looking for a way to maximise the efficiency of your desk, don’t forget about cable ties and binder clips.

5. Keep folders and binders for each project on hand, and label them accordingly

An organised desk is a sign of an organised mind. That is why it is important to keep your workspace tidy and free of clutter. Another way to do this is to have a designated place for each project you are working on. This could be a folder or binder labelled with the name of the project. That way, when you need to find something, you know exactly where to look. This system also helps to prevent papers from getting lost or misplaced. Another benefit of this system is that it makes it easy to share documents with other people working on the same project. If everything is already organised, all you have to do is hand over the relevant folder or binder. 

6. Use a paper towel holder to store rolls of tape

One small but important way to help organise your desk for maximum efficiency is by using a paper towel holder to store rolls of tape. This simple hack can help to free up valuable space and make it easier to find the tape you need when you need it. By storing rolls of tape in a paper towel holder, you can keep them upright and within easy reach. This way, you won’t have to search through a tangled mess of tape every time you need to use it. In addition, using a paper towel holder to store rolls of tape can help to prevent the adhesive from drying out and becoming less effective. So next time you’re looking for a way to tidy up your desk, consider using a paper towel holder to store your rolls of tape.

7. Store small items in jars or containers with lids

Any desk can quickly become cluttered and chaotic, making it difficult to find what you need when you need it. An additional way to help keep your desk organised is to store small items in jars or other containers with lids. This way, you can easily see what is inside each container, and the lids will help to keep the contents from spilling out. Further, storing small items in containers will help to free up space on your desk, allowing you to spread out your work and stay organised. By taking a few minutes to tidy up your desk and store small items in jars or other containers, you can help create a more efficient workspace.

8. Use an over-the-door hook to hang your coat or purse

Simply using an over-the-door hook to hang a coat or bag on the side of your desk is another great way to ensure that your workspace is as efficient as possible. This can free up valuable desk space and keep your clothes from getting wrinkled. In addition, it can help you stay organised by providing a dedicated place for you to access things stored within your bag or your coat pockets. 

9. Mount shelves on the wall to create more storage space for books, files, office supplies, or knickknacks

In most office environments, desk space is at a premium. As a result, it’s important to use every available inch of space efficiently. One clever way to do this is to install floating shelves to utilise wall space and create more room to store office supplies. By storing items such as files and binders off the desk, you can free up valuable surface area for work-related tasks. In addition, mounting shelves at eye level can help to reduce visual clutter and make it easier to find what you need. When it comes to setting up your desk for maximum efficiency, mounting shelves on the wall is one of the most simple and effective things you can do.

10. Create a charging station for your electronics with a power strip and some clear boxes

A power strip with clear boxes can help you organise your desk for maximum efficiency. By creating a charging station for your electronics, you can keep cords from getting tangled and organised. This will also help you know where your devices are when you need them. The power strip can also be used to charge multiple devices at once, saving you time. The clear boxes will help you see when your devices are fully charged, so you can unplug them and put them away. You could also potentially look at purchasing a wireless charging pad, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once and eliminating the clutter of unnecessary cables.

11. Use a cork board or whiteboard for notes, ideas, or reminders

Cork boards and whiteboards are both tried and true elements of successful workstations, remaining highly useful in the face of growing reliance on technology. Having a central place to physically write down or pin notes can help to keep your desk more organised and free from clutter. This can help to ensure that you always know where they are and can easily find them when you need them. Using a cork board or whiteboard is an easy and effective way to organise your desk for maximum efficiency, especially if you have enough free wall space to hang one.

12. Keep a small bin nearby for easy access

Another simple desk organisation idea is to keep a small bin close at hand for easy access. This bin can be used to get rid of unnecessary rubbish and non-recyclable clutter. By decluttering your desk on a regular basis, you will create an environment that is more conducive to concentration and creativity. Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the state of your desk, take a few minutes to place things like paper clutter in the bin and see how it affects your workflow. Chances are you’ll be surprised at the difference that having an easily accessible bin makes.

13. Always hang your headphones

Headphones are an essential in almost every workplace, providing employees with peace and quiet from outside noise whilst also allowing them to listen to their own music or podcasts. However, a lot of headphones can be extremely bulky, particularly for people who value high-quality audio! Similarly to coats or bags, hooks can be attached to a desk to allow you to hang your headphones when you’re not using them. This can help free up desk space and prevent tangled cords. It’s also a good way to keep track of your headphones, so you don’t have to search for them when you need them. In addition, using a hook to hang your headphones can also help prevent damage to the cord. 

14. Have a small plant to spruce up your desk space

A small plant on your desk can do more than just spruce up the space – it can also help you to stay organised and efficient. The key is to choose the right plant for the job. For example, succulents are perfect for those who often forget to water their plants, as they require very little upkeep. If you have a lot of paperwork to sort through, consider a plant with air-purifying properties, such as a spider plant or peace lily. These plants will not only help to improve the air quality in your workspace, but they can also help to reduce stress levels. If you’re looking for a desk companion that will add a bit of life to your space, consider a cactus or bamboo plant. Whatever type of plant you choose, keeping it well-groomed and healthy will help you to create a more efficient and productive deskspace.

15. Buy a desk organiser

If this article has made anything clear, it’s that a cluttered and disorganised desk can be a major source of stress and frustration. Not only does it make it difficult to find what you need, but it can also be overwhelming to look at. Desk organisers can help to keep your desk tidy and segmented, making it a more pleasant and productive place to work. By having a place for everything, you can easily find what you need and put it away when you’re finished. This can help to reduce distractions and increase your focus. In addition, desk organisers can help to create a more professional appearance, giving you the confidence to tackle any task. There is a wide range of different types of organisers on the market, with some doubling as storage boxes or even a miniature filing cabinet. Whether you’re looking for maximum productivity or simply want to tidy up your workspace, a desktop organiser is an essential tool.

16. Use washi tape or painters tape to label cords and cables

Labelling cords and cables with washi tape or painters tape is often an extremely underrated way to keep your desk organised and tidy. This will help you to quickly identify which cord goes to which device, and will also help to prevent tangles. You can also use different colours of tape to further distinguish between different types of cords. For example, you could use blue tape for computer cables, green tape for audio cables, and red tape for power cords. By taking a few minutes to label your cords, you can save yourself a lot of time and frustration in the long run. Just be sure to write on the tape with a permanent marker so that the labels don’t fade over time!

17. Colour code your documents

Keeping a desk tidy and organised can be a challenge, especially if you have a lot of documents to keep track of. One way to make the task easier is to colour-code your documents. For example, you could use green for incoming documents, blue for documents that need to be actioned, and red for documents that are due soon. This simple system can help you to quickly identify which documents need your attention, and it can also help you to stay on top of deadlines. In addition, colour coding can also be used to indicate the level of importance of a document. For example, you could use yellow for documents that require immediate action, and orange for documents that are less urgent. By using a colour coding system, you can ensure that your desk is always tidy and organised, and that you can find the documents you need quickly and easily.

18. Use a magnetic strip to store paperclips, binder clips, or other small metal objects

If you’ve ever found yourself rummaging through a drawer full of paperclips, binder clips, and other small metal objects, you know how frustrating it can be to try and keep your desk organised. But there is a simple solution that can help: using a magnetic strip. By attaching a magnetic strip to the side of your desk, you can create an instant storage solution for all those small metal objects. The magnets will hold the objects in place, so they’ll be easy to find when you need them. And because the strip is magnetic, it won’t damage or mark up your desk like adhesive tape or Velcro would. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to organise your desk, consider using a magnetic strip. It’s an inexpensive solution that can make a big difference in your level of productivity.

19. Focus on portability

Now, more than ever, it’s important to ensure that as many aspects of your workstation are as portable as possible. As remote and hybrid working models continue to grow in popularity, employees across the globe are increasingly finding themselves quickly shifting between workplaces at the drop of a hat. Having a desk that is properly set up for this type of work, with cables that are easily attached and detached when needed, is absolutely essential. Instead of investing in a bulky desktop, a lot of workers are now switching to high-powered laptops and simply connecting them to monitors at home or the office. This not only facilitates a hybrid working schedule, but also promotes the sharing of desks between multiple employees, reducing office space requirements in the process.

20. Keep a dustpan, brush or lint roller handy to quickly clean up any messes

A cluttered desk can be a major hindrance to productivity. When papers are strewn about and there is no place to set down a cup of coffee, it can be difficult to focus on the task at hand. One way to help keep your desk organised and tidy is to always have a dustpan and brush handy. This way, you can quickly sweep up any crumbs or dirt that accumulate throughout the day. In addition, keeping a dustpan and brush within reach will remind you to perform regular desk cleanings, further contributing to a tidy workspace. Another simple way to keep your desk tidy is to keep a lint roller nearby. Lint rollers are designed to quickly and easily remove dust, dirt, and lint from clothing. However, they can also be used on desks, chairs, and other surfaces. Simply running the roller over your desk will pick up any loose debris, helping you to maintain a neat and orderly workspace. In addition, lint rollers are compact and easy to store, so you can always have one on hand when needed.

21. Use a pegboard

A pegboard is a handy tool that can help you to keep your desk organised and tidy. By hanging items on the pegboard, you can easily see what you have and where it is, so you can grab what you need without having to search through a pile of papers. In addition, pegboards can help to free up valuable desk space by providing a place to store frequently used items. And because pegboards are easy to install and remove, you can quickly adapt your desk layout as your needs change. Whether you’re looking for a better way to organise your office supplies or just want an attractive way to display some of your favourite things, a pegboard is a great solution.

22. Limit access to distracting devices and unnecessary notifications

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult to stay focused on the task at hand. With so many devices and sources of information vying for our attention, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and lose track of what we’re supposed to be doing. One way to combat this problem is to limit our access to distracting devices and unnecessary notifications. By keeping our phones out of sight and unplugging from social media, we can minimise distractions and better organise our desks for maximum efficiency. By taking control of our environment and limiting distractions, we can increase our focus and productivity levels.

23. Clean at the end of every shift

One of the simplest ways to keep your desk organised is to tidy up at the end of each day. Take a few minutes to put away any loose papers, discard any rubbish and give your keyboard and mouse a quick dust. This way, you’ll start the next day with a clean slate and be able to hit the ground running. Taking a few minutes to tidy up at the end of each day can make a big difference in terms of your desk’s organisation and your overall productivity.

24. Use a pull-out keyboard tray

A keyboard tray is a device that is mounted underneath a desk and allows the user to pull out the keyboard when it is needed. This can be a convenient way to organise your desk, as it allows you to keep the keyboard out of the way when it is not in use. In addition, a keyboard tray can help to improve your posture by placing the keyboard at a comfortable height. Keyboard trays are generally adjustable, so you can find the perfect position for your needs. If you spend a lot of time at your desk, investing in a keyboard tray can be a great way to improve your comfort and productivity.

25. Pay attention to lighting when organising a desk

No one likes working in a cluttered, dimly lit space. In addition to being visually unappealing, Poor lighting can actually lead to decreased productivity and efficiency. To get the most out of your deskspace, it is important to have optimal lighting. This means having enough light to see clearly, without being blinded by glare or stares. One way to achieve optimal lighting is by using a combination of natural and artificial light. During the day, take advantage of sunlight by opening blinds or repositioning your desk near a window. At night or on cloudy days, supplement with a desk lamp or overhead lights. In addition to providing adequate illumination, the right lighting can also help to create a more pleasant and inviting work environment. By taking the time to optimise your lighting, you can ensure that your desk is both organised and efficient.

26. Try not to keep snacks on hand

Contrary to popular belief, having snacks on the ready whilst you’re working away at your desk might not be the course of action! Instead, taking the time to leave your desk and head to the kitchen or break room to grab a snack can serve as a great opportunity to stretch your legs and reassess your work. Nobody wants to be sitting, working, and eating in the same spot for hours on end! Free up some storage space in your drawers and move your snacks away from your desk to give yourself a well-deserved break!

27. Use a laptop or monitor stand

Having an organised desk is important for anyone who wants to be productive. A laptop or monitor stand can help to achieve this by creating more surface area and giving you a dedicated space for your computer. This way, you can keep your desk clear for other tasks such as writing or using a mouse. A laptop or monitor riser can also help to reduce eye strain by bringing the screen closer to eye level. In addition, it can help to improve your posture by preventing you from hunching over your work. 

28. Always innovate and re-evaluate your desk

Finally, it’s vital to constantly innovate and re-evaluate your desk to allow for maximum efficiency. Setups that might have previously worked for you in the past aren’t guaranteed to work in the future, particularly if your responsibilities change or your day-to-day schedule evolves. For example, an employee that chooses to adopt a hybrid schedule would definitely have to evolve their desk to focus more on portability and digitising their documents, allowing them to work from anywhere. You might also find that a desk organiser that you’d implemented in the past might not function as well in a new role,

Wrapping up

By following these simple tips and implementing some of the desk necessities mentioned above, you’ll quickly be on your way to maximum efficiency. Organising your desk doesn’t have to be a daunting task – with a little bit of effort, you can create a workspace that is both stylish and functional. So what are you waiting for? Start organising your desk today!

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