Easy Box An Organizational Tool Designed For Small Spaces

35 Hacks, Tips, and Ideas to Give You the Most Organized Desk Ever

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An organized desk isn't just about the aesthetic—it's also about function. When you're trying to get things done, it's a hassle when your supplies are out of order. And if you're limited on space in your home office area, organization and creative storage become an essential.

If your desk space needs a revamp or you just want more impact from your space, here are 35 ideas to get you started.

1. Use a hanging closet organizer to store extra office supplies.

If storage space is limited, get creative! A hanging closet organizer, whether hung on a door or a rolling rack, provides instant storage for extra office supplies without occupying as much space as a bookcase or heavy desk. Opt for a clear organizer to make grabbing what you need extra simple!

2. A rolling cart next to your desk adds storage and surface area.

Expand your workspace with a rolling cart for storing extra pens, papers, and other office supplies. The goal is to make your workspace even bigger, so try to aim for the same-ish height as your desk for a more seamless flow.

Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: CC Buckley/Kitchn

3. Repurpose a utensil organizer as a drawer divider.

A utensil organizer with multiple compartments is a super smart way to keep smaller office supplies from getting cluttered. Store it in a drawer so you can easily access the items you use most frequently.

4. Store often-used tools in cups on a lazy susan.

Who doesn't love a lazy susan? Keep everything in easy reach without taking too much space—just place it at the edge of your desk or even the back part of a shelf. Happy spinning!

5. Add a pull-out shelf to a lower cabinet for your printer.

Printers are office necessities, but they can feel pretty obtrusive. The problem is, if you store it in a cabinet, you have to pull it out to use it. Solve both issues by installing a pull-out shelf to a lower cabinet in your office!

6. Use magnetic knife strips for so much more.

Magnetic strips are a super effective way to store just about anything metal—you won't take up space on your desk's surface or in your drawers, but you'll still be able to access everything you need in a pinch! Use yours for metal rulers, scissors, even metal staplers and paper/binder clips!

7. Maximize the space under your desk.

Every inch matters in a home office with limited space—including under your desk! If there's enough room hiding under the space you sit, you may even be able to add a small bookshelf or storage cabinet.

8. Cover a wall in pegboard for customizable storage.

Adding a pegboard behind your desk (or on any wall in your home office) means you'll have endless opportunities to hang supplies, photos, and other decor. Nails are great for hanging larger office tools, while small baskets are a good option for storing smaller supplies, like pens, markers, and tape. Go nuts!

9. Add elastic to a pegboard to create a flat, viewable bookshelf.

Bookshelves can take up a lot of space, but you still need to store your books! Instead of the heavier, traditional book storage, grab a pegboard and some elastic and hang magazines or books for easy viewing and grabbing. It's almost totally flat, so it will hardly take up any room!

10. Mount a bookshelf up against the ceiling to create out-of-the-way upper storage.

No room on the floor or walls for extra storage? Grab a small shelf—pictured is the 2×2 IKEA KALLAX—and mount it against the ceiling! Clamp a lamp like the IKEA RANARP (pictured here) for a creative source of lighting.

11. Keep cords organized in a cable box.

Cords are a necessary evil in any office: You need your devices' electricity to function, but who likes the cluttered look of a bunch of cords? Easy solution—keep your cords from killing your desk vibe by organizing them in a cable box.

12. Use a cart to add extra storage.

Rolling carts are portable, so you can easily move them from place to place to suit your needs, and they also offer easy extra storage. Put a few cups or jars on the top for storing everyday office supplies, and hide it next to your desk. Grabbing what you need is simpler than ever!

13. Mount a coat rack above your desk to hang headphones and other tech at arm's reach.

A simple coat rack mounted above your desk is the perfect spot for hanging bulky items like headphones, cables and cords, and other tech you don't want to clutter your desk's surface or drawers.

14. Think outside the office aisle.

Next time you go to Target to stock up on office supplies, skip the office aisle and try other departments, like the kitchen and bathroom aisles. The organizers in this desk-organizing before and after came from Target's bathroom section—and they were only $1 each!

15. Use silicone cupcake liners to organize small objects.

In the spirit of borrowing from the kitchen, try silicone baking cups for storing tiny office supplies, like paper clips, push pins, and binder clips. They'll keep all your little things organized, and they're also super cute!

16. …Or re-use your coffee pods as desk organizers, too.

For an eco-friendly desk-organizing options, re-use your coffee pods! Rinse your K-cups out and use them either on your in your desk to store anything small, such as paper clips, safety pins, and staples.

17. If you can't mount storage on the walls, lean a tall organizer.

If you're not up for nailing shelves onto your walls, you don't have to miss out on creative storage options. Try propping a tall organizer with pockets and compartments up on your desk and lean it against the wall. Pictured is Uten Silo, but you can also lean a modular piece like this one or make a DIY like this one.

18. Use a clamp-on task lamp to maximize desktop space.

Extra lighting is always a smart idea in a home office, but a desk lamp or floor lamp occupy a lot of valuable real estate. Instead, try a clamp-on lamp on the side of (or above) your desk. All the light you need without hogging your desk!

19. If you use storage boxes, make sure you label them.

We love storage boxes for just about anything, but what's the point if you can't find what you need? If you use storage boxes, label them with what's inside using a label maker. If you don't use storage boxes, get some and label them!

20. Add "wall" pockets to the sides of furniture for extra paper storage.

Wall pockets are a great spot for papers and notebooks if you don't have tons of extra space for a filing cabinet or chest of drawers. Just stick them to the side of furniture and voilà, more storage!

21. A cute tray can elevate desk necessities into a design moment.

Desk trays aren't just good for keeping what you need handy; they also add some interest to your desk! Grab a tray that matches the vibe of your office and add a few storage cups and knick knacks, and you've got yourself an upgrade.

22. Turn paper clutter into wall decor.

All those postcards, notes, photos, and certificates don't belong in your drawers, gathering dust and taking up space! Tack them on to your wall for instant wall decor (and additional desk space).

23. Keep decorative items like plants off your desk on their own stands or displays.

Don't waste premium desktop space on decor like plants! Tackle your space problem without sacrificing your aesthetic by mounting shelves on the wall or grabbing a stand to keep all your plant babies in their own area.

24. Make bigger items fit in a small drawer by building a diagonal drawer organizer.

If you're struggling to fit large items in a smaller drawer, put on your DIY hat and build your own diagonal drawer organizer. The organizer will give you the option to store these supplies so they'll fit in just about any drawer the organizer fits in!

Credit: Mackenzie Schieck

25. Mount boxes on the wall instead of shelves.

For a different look (and a bit more room), mount boxes on the wall above your desk instead of regular shelving. Just remember to keep everything you use regularly at an arm's reach!

26. Make a dollar-store magnet board from a cookie sheet.

Keeping cluttery paper off your desk is as simple as using magnets. But what if you don't have a magnet board (or don't want to buy a pricey one)? Use a cookie sheet! For a quick upgrade on the cheap, get a piece of contact paper from the Dollar Store.

27. You can store gift wrap or rolled-up documents in IKEA bag dispensers.

The thing about wrapping paper is if you don't store it thoughtfully, the roll can get ruined. Keep your wrapping paper safe (and out of the way) buy storing it in IKEA bag dispensers mounted on the wall.

28. Don't overlook any space.

Every square inch can be useful if you're looking for it. This home office came together in a slim San Francisco entryway. Owner "No Whey Lady" Jenna Schreck and designer Annie Mueller of Currant Design made every surface work, including adding a fold-down workspace on the opposite wall for package-opening and other creative projects that require more room than her main desk can provide.

29. Anything can be a desk organizer.

Same premise here: Think outside the box and head to a thrift or antique store to find clever and cute desktop storage options. This photo is a toolbox lid, but you could also try a small basket, cake stand, vintage dishes, or the cut-off bottom of a cereal box (paint it or cover it with decorative paper).

30. Borrow things from other rooms.

Short on storage? Just take a peek around your house. Kitchen, bathroom, or craft supplies like mason jars, coffee mugs, a jewelry box tray, or even a makeup brush organizer could be great additions to your desk.

31. Create levels of storage.

It's possible to store everything you need if you create levels! In the picture, there's no closed storage, but a high shelf, a desktop organizer, and an under-desk basket are packed with stuff.

32. Use a wall-mounted shelf system to turn any nook into an office.

If you don't have an extra room (or room in another room) for a desk, put another space, like a closet, to work. Adding a desk and a wall-mounted shelf system creates an instant office that isn't short on storage!

33. Use a laptop or monitor riser for extra storage and surface area.

A computer riser is great for your neck and back, but there's another benefit: It'll buy you extra room to store office supplies! Tuck anything you need underneath the riser (and enjoy a more ergonomically-friendly workspace).

34. …You can also hack a laptop riser with just a right-sized box.

A box, as long as it's sturdy enough and the right height, can doubly function as a laptop or monitor riser for improved posture and a bit extra storage space.

35. Save desk-top space with a wall outlet shelf.

A wall outlet shelf like this one is the perfect spot for storing speakers, home assistants, and mini fans without obstructing your desk. Or, you can just charge your phone on it!

Ashley Abramson

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Ashley Abramson is a writer-mom hybrid in Minneapolis, MN. Her work, mostly focused on health, psychology, and parenting, has been featured in the Washington Post, New York Times, Allure, and more. She lives in the Minneapolis suburbs with her husband and two young sons.

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