The humble desk – a space designed for productivity and focus. Yet, all too often it becomes a cluttered mess, hindering our ability to work efficiently. But fear not! With these clever hacks, you’ll not only maintain a tidy workspace, but also boost your overall productivity. A clutter-free desk is not just a matter of personal preference – it’s also a valuable asset. According to a 2015 survey by PR Newswire, an astonishing 78% of Americans struggle with keeping their workspaces organized.
The consequences are far-reaching, with companies losing billions annually due to employees wasting time searching for misplaced items in cluttered offices. It’s little wonder that the ‘out of sight out of mind’ approach can be tempting – simply stashing away unnecessary papers and unknown objects in desk drawers or boxes. But this approach only leads to chaos down the line, as important documents become lost forever.
Instead, let’s focus on creating a workspace that sparks creativity and helps you stay focused.
15 DIY Desk Organization Ideas You Should Try
For those who find themselves surrounded by cluttered workspaces, rest assured that the tips to follow will bring order to the chaos. Whether it’s a mountain of paperwork or a medley of office supplies, keeping your desk organized is crucial for maintaining focus and efficiency.
Plan Your Time with a Daily Planner and Become More Productive
When life gets overwhelming and productivity seems out of reach, a daily planner can be a lifesaver. The fear of forgetting important tasks is a significant source of anxiety, making it difficult to focus on getting things done.
By jotting down every task, appointment, and reminder in one place, you’ll regain control over your time and life. No more mental clutter or worrying about what might be forgotten – with a daily planner, everything is documented, making it easy to stay on track.
The key to achieving success lies not in trying to tackle an entire list at once, but in breaking tasks down into manageable chunks and tackling them one by one. This approach not only boosts motivation but also yields tangible results.
As someone who swears by the power of daily planning, I can attest to its transformative impact.
My own planners have been instrumental in helping me build a successful career as a work-from-home boss with a global team – and they continue to be a crucial tool for maintaining my freedom and work-life balance.
Ready to experience the benefits of daily planning for yourself? Simply provide your information below, and I’ll send you a FREE daily planner straight to your inbox!
Draw Out an Office Layout
Visualize your idea by sketching it out on paper or using digital tools to create a tabletop plan. This approach is particularly effective when working with limited space, such as in small apartments or hub stations where every inch counts. Begin by drawing the cubicle layout and expand as needed to incorporate details like desk segments, walls, and sides.
By putting your idea into visual form, you’ll be able to better understand its intricacies and make adjustments before implementing it in real life.
Sort Out the Clutter and Stick to the Basics
To set up an organized workspace, start by assembling the essentials: laptop, mouse, cell phone, planner, pencil holder, and basic office supplies. Before returning these items to their designated spots, take a few minutes to thoroughly clean each surface.
A gentle yet effective cleaning solution can be created by combining lukewarm water with a few drops of mild detergent or soap.
Simply add the desired amount of washing solution to your water bowl, then dip a soft cloth and wipe down every surface, including the interior of drawers (if applicable) and the sides of the table.
Use the Marie Kondo Method
As you sort through the clutter on your desk, consider applying Marie Kondo’s ‘happiness test’. Ask yourself if each item truly brings a smile to your face. If not, it might be time to bid farewell. Her book, ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’, is an excellent resource for overcoming sentimental attachments to old paper clips, receipts, and other unnecessary knick-knacks. After you’ve separated the keepers from the discards, resist the urge to simply toss everything into the trash.
Instead, think creatively about how these items could be repurposed as unique decorations for your workspace. Get crafty and give those scraps a second life by recycling them into something beautiful and functional.
Use Toilet Rolls as Pencil Holders
In many homes, schools, and offices, it’s not uncommon to find leftover toilet supplies lingering about. But what if we told you that repurposing these items could be a great way to contribute to a more eco-friendly environment? Not only will you be reducing waste, but you’ll also have the opportunity to get creative and save some money in the process.
Imagine hosting a friendly competition with your colleagues at work.
Challenge each other to see who can come up with the most innovative and humorous uses for old toilet rolls – and watch as they transform into unique pencil holders! The possibilities are endless, and you might just find yourself having more fun than you expected.
Master the Craft of Planner Journals
When it comes to streamlining your workflow and boosting productivity, developing effective organization skills is key. If your mental space resembles a cluttered workspace, consider exploring innovative time management strategies and daily routines. A plethora of approaches await discovery, including the tried-and-true method of maintaining a comprehensive to-do list in a single journal.
This practice not only keeps deadlines top-of-mind but also provides a creative outlet for brainstorming and problem-solving. Moreover, it can serve as a digital detox, allowing you to declutter your physical space by processing tasks and tidying up forgotten items. For those seeking inspiration, the internet offers an abundance of ideas.
However, for a comprehensive guide on mastering the art of organization, consider delving into Christina 77’s meticulously detailed account of the weekly bullet journal approach.
Feel Like a Pro in Journaling with Washi Tape
While incorporating washi tape into your office and desk supplies may not be an essential requirement, it can certainly add a touch of fun to your workspace. The vibrant designs on offer can help break the monotony of everyday black and white surroundings, bringing a splash of color and personality to your setup.
If you’re a washi tape enthusiast, chances are you’ve accumulated a stash of cute prints on your desk, making it easy to get creative with your projects.
To keep your washi tape collection organized and under control, consider crafting a custom dispenser using the instructions provided by Amy Anderson. This simple yet effective solution will help you make the most of your favorite supplies.
If you’re looking for inspiration or simply want to explore more design options, here are a few beautiful sets of washi tape that you might appreciate.
Use Your Wall for Storage Space
For those with home-based offices, utilizing a wire wall grid or pinboard can be an effective way to boost organization and productivity. The beauty of this approach lies in its versatility – you can opt for a minimalist design that adds a touch of elegance to your workspace, or take it up a notch by creating a visually striking piece of art. If you’re in the market for a wire wall grid, there are plenty of options available, including rose gold grids that add a pop of color and sophistication.
For example, this one [link] is a great starting point. And if you’re interested in learning more about maximizing storage space in small rooms, be sure to check out our additional tips [link].
Plastic Containers as Drawer Organizers
When it comes to organizing your drawer, you have two main options: repurpose plastic containers from old products or invest in custom-made organizers. A great choice for the latter is clear plastic organizers, which are not only visually appealing but also effective at keeping your belongings tidy. They’re equally useful for storing beauty products and other small items.
For inspiration, take a cue from Kelly Nan’s perfectly organized supply drawer, where she utilized different sized boxes to create a neat and functional space.
Create More Storage Space
Staying organized requires discipline, but it’s not impossible even with a busy schedule. One clever solution is to repurpose the sides of your desk or table for storage. This can be as simple as installing shelves or utilizing wall space. Not only does this provide much-needed storage, but it also allows you to bring in some greenery and add a touch of natural beauty to your workspace.
Organize Your Folders in a Fun Way
Transform your paper organizing experience by injecting some enthusiasm into the process! Try incorporating motivational quotes and stylish colors to make it more engaging. As you do, notice how your workspace evolves and your productivity takes off. The key is to infuse aesthetics into your environment. You can take this idea one step further by applying scrapbook and bullet journaling techniques.
For instance, use a wall file holder like the ones shown here or and pair it with colorful file folders such as these , , . With these simple yet effective tools, you’ll be well on your way to creating an organized and inspiring workspace that boosts your creativity and efficiency.
Print Out a Calendar and Hang It on Your Wall
While it’s easy to rely on digital devices and notifications, having a physical printed calendar or a creative alternative like a chalkboard wall calendar can provide a sense of security and control. Even with the best-laid plans, unexpected events can occur, leaving you without power or internet access. In these situations, a visual reminder of your schedule can be a lifesaver.
By taking a small project to the next level, you can create a unique and functional piece that not only keeps you organized but also adds a touch of personality to any room.
Untangle All Cables with Basic Office Supplies
One effective approach to managing tangled cables is to utilize visual cues, such as labeling them with post-it notes or categorizing them within designated boxes featuring holes for easy identification. Alternatively, a straightforward yet ingenious solution lies in employing simple binder clips, particularly those with vibrant colors. This method not only streamlines the process of keeping frequently used cables organized but also adds a touch of personality to your workspace.
Make a Receipt File Holder
To keep track of expenses effectively, consider using a simple yet practical solution: a mason jar with a lid. According to Kalyn Brooke’s suggestion, this inexpensive storage container can be easily found at your local Dollar Store. Not only is it an affordable option, but it’s also an excellent example of a Dollar Store organization hack that gets the job done. Plus, these charming jars have a certain charm to them, making them a delightful addition to any desk or workspace.
Have a Stress Relief Kit for Emergency
The chaos of busy workdays can be overwhelming, pushing even the most well-adjusted individuals to their limits. Sometimes, a moment’s reprieve is all that’s needed to recharge and refocus. In these situations, having a trusty headache reliever or snack stashed away can be a lifesaver. To ensure you’re always prepared, consider setting aside a small storage space in your desk drawer or creating a discreet stash beneath the surface with a box and some duct tape.
This secret compartment is perfect for emergency snacking or offering a helping hand to a colleague in crisis. Moreover, it makes for a thoughtful and practical gift for coworkers celebrating their birthdays.
Conclusion
If you’ve found some inspiration in our desk organization and productivity hacks, we’d love to hear which one resonated with you the most! The benefits of a tidy workspace extend far beyond just aesthetics – having an organized desk can genuinely boost your productivity and overall job satisfaction. There’s something deeply fulfilling about wrapping up tasks and taking pride in the tangible results.
