Desk Organizing Tips
Professional Home Organizers • San Diego & Los Angeles, CA
I remember back when I used to have a banking job, I was so excited when I was promoted and had my very own desk. I couldn't wait to organize it with all my supplies of course and bring in some personal items to make it feel cozier. Spending 8+ hours a day at work 5 days a week, I wanted my space to feel comfortable and be a reflection of me.
Working with several clients at a time my desk was always covered in paperwork throughout the day. Sometimes it would get filed away or put in the shredder, many times though it would end up in a huge stack and stuffed into my drawer at the end of the day. Only to end up being pulled out the next day and scattered around into another orchestrated mess. Eventually, with most jobs, there's the time of year when things slow down a bit and you're finally able to do things you normally don't have time for. Like cleaning out your old files, stocking up on supplies, finding some old documents you thought were forever lost, and tidying up a bit.
I wanted to share a few desk organization ideas, tips, and tricks that have worked for me over the years to keep my workspace organized and functional while having a nice, personal touch. This applies whether or not you have a home office, cubicle, small workstation or corner office. Having some key fundamentals will help you wherever you work, and can be adjusted as you change careers and workplaces.
Do you really need a hard copy? Paper is relentless, sometimes we DO need a hard copy of certain documents. But are you able to reference the material online or on your computer? Don't print unnecessary paper, if you need to take notes just write it on a small sticky that can easily be discarded or make notations via online files.
Utilize your wall space. Having vertical document organizers for commonly used forms is a great way to save on space in your file cabinets and save you time by making easily accesible, the things you use the most. I like this one from Amazon, it's functional yet cute and stylish and perks up the mood in your work environment. Plus it gives you the option of mounting it to the wall or hanging it on the back of a door.
Keep your small items in a caddy or compartment tray. Things like pens, sharpies, paperclips, staples, stickies, and so forth should all be grouped together for easy access and simple cleanup. Instead of having them scattered all around your desk area, put them in one place so you're not endlessly searching for them. Make sure to put it back when you're done so it's already put away at the end of the day.
Keep a drawer or dedicated section for personal items. This is one of my favorites and definitely a must! Having a small space at work to keep some personal items is so essential these days, especially if you're a woman. Don't overload your purse with things you find yourself needing at work everyday. If you have some snacks or food you make at work, keep it in your designated place. This will also simplify your morning routine by not having to search for them everyday. Plus if you stock up at work you'll be thrilled you didn't forget your breakfast or afternoon snack again. This is especially great for when you're on a diet and need to have certain foods at arms length. There's nothing worse than being on a diet and not having your go-to foods when you need them.
Keep the photos and decor to a few memorable items. Most of us use digital photos these days, but it's always nice to have a framed photo of our family and friends close by. Just keep one photo that sparks the most joy for you and takes you to your happy place when you're having a stressful day. Same goes for mementos and souvenirs. I personally loved keeping fresh flowers on my desk, they always brightened up my day. Also by not having too much personal stuff on your desk it allows you to keep a sense of privacy and remind your boss that you're committed to your work.
Hopefully you were able to get some good points on how to keep your desk more organized and functional, yet with a touch of style and personality.
