Why Your Desk Should Always Be Organized
Whether you have a compact workspace at home or a larger office workspace, organizing your desk keeps essential items within reach. More than just being visually appealing, a tidy desk also helps with:
- Productivity: When everything is in the right place, you work more efficiently. The more efficient you are, your productivity increases.
- Stress-free: Your external conditions influence your internal mindset. When your desk is organized and clutter-free, so is your mind.
- Focus: With all distractions out of sight, you can focus on the task at hand. No more searching for a pencil or a note pad amidst many other items.
Assess Your Workspace
Clear the clutter from the desktop and drawers if you have them. Place everything on a separate table or on the floor. Once the desk is emptied, you can start from scratch.
- Identify: Examine every item and place unnecessary items in a box for donations or in the trash. Make a mental note of where you want to place items. You can focus on finding targeted ideas for those spots.
- Sort: The items that are daily essentials should be placed next to your dominant hand. Determine which items will stay on the desktop and which can go in the desk drawers.
- Arrange: Based on the previous two steps, consider how you want to arrange the desktop, keeping in mind functionality for the best results. For instance, you want to place the incoming/outgoing mail tray on the corner of the right side of the desk (your dominant hand side). You don’t use a calculator every day but it’s good to have handy. Place it the desk drawer. Continue in this manner with every item, considering the functionality of each. When finished, you should have a thoughtfully laid out and functionally organized desk.
Before you begin reorganizing your desk, take advantage of the decluttered space and give it a good cleaning with an all-purpose cleaner, wood cleaner, glass cleaner or disinfectant wipes.
Practical Desk Organization Ideas
When it comes to desk organization, it’s best to start with a clean slate. Declutter your desk for a clean look, but function should be your priority. Focus on essentials that keep your desk organized and within easy reach for a clutter-free look.
Computer Monitor Stand or Laptop Stand
Today’s offices are different from the offices of a decade ago. People work differently. Instead of desktop computers, many office workers use laptops now which gives them portability. Some even use both. Consider the following points whether you use a desktop or laptop.
Reduce eye strain when your computer screen is at eye level. Achieve this with an ergonomically designed adjustable height desktop monitor, monitor stand or laptop stand that promotes neck and back support. Some stands have built-in drawer storage to help maximize storage space.
Desk Lighting
Task lighting is essential. Choosing the right desk lamp reduces eye strain, improves focus and enhances productivity.
When selecting a lamp, consider the following factors:
- Brightness. A light that’s too bright can create glare, while a light that’s too dim can cause eye strain.
- Proportion and size. Ensure that the light isn’t too big or too small in relation to the size of your desk.
- Adjustability. Choose a light that has an adjustable arm and head so that you can adjust it when and where you need it.
- Bulb. Consider the bulb type. An LED is the best choice for energy efficiency and heat output. LEDs also have a long lifespan
- Color Temperature. Choose a color temperature that suits your task. An ideal color temperature for working is around 3000K-4000K as it gives you a vibrant and clear light. The cool white color also helps you stay alert and focused.
Letter Trays
If you tend to keep a lot of paperwork — handwritten notes, opened mail, unopened mail, etc. — consider using letter trays to organize it all. Letter trays are available in multi-tiered designs that let you go vertical to free up desk space. If desk space is at a premium, install letter trays on the wall for the optimum space saving hack.
Drawer Organizers
Your desk drawers can quickly turn into a mess. Corral paper clips, note pads, snacks, mail, personal items in a drawer organizing bin.
Drawer organizers come in various sizes and materials, like wood and plastic, and bring order to the chaos of your drawers. The compartments allow you to fill them with all sorts of items from pens to paper clips. Some drawer organizers have tension springs for a custom fit.
All-In-One Desk Organizers
When your desk doesn’t have drawers, but you still need to organize paper clips, pens, note pads, etc., an all-in-one desktop organizer is what you need. These organizers have separate compartments for all your desktop storage needs.
Pencil Cups
Organizing your desk surface can go a long way in keeping things within reach in a neat manner. Opt for pencil cups that match the décor of your workspace; you can choose materials like glass, metal or ceramic, based on your preferences.
Concealed Charging Cables
Tangled cables are messy and dangerous. They add to clutter, create a tripping hazard and increase the risk of electrical fires. Ready to tame the cables? One way is to bundle them together using cable zip ties, trim the ends, then use adhesive utility hooks to route the cables behind desks and out of the way. Another method is to nail a series of cable clips to the underside of a table or desk and insert a zip-tied bundle of cables to keep them out of the way. Another method for cable clips is to sink each cable into the groove of a cable mounting clip (R) and attach the clip securely to a surface with the peel-off adhesive. A desk grommet gathers all of the cords and cables together at desk level. Going wireless is an easy option to avoid the clutter.
Clearing the Clutter and Getting Organized
A well-organized desk offers more than just good looks. It can mean the difference between a good day and a bad one. By taking the time to clear clutter, choose the right organizers and add functional tools, you create a workspace that supports better focus and less stress. From letter trays to all-in-one organizers, these additions keep daily essentials close at hand while helping you maintain a clean, ready-to-work surface.
With a few updates, your desk can become an efficient space that inspires productivity and helps you stay on task.
Key Takeaways
- Keeping your desk clutter-free improves focus, reduces stress and boosts productivity.
- Start by clearing everything off your desk, then sort and arrange items based on what you use most. Keep the essential items that you use the most next to your dominant hand.
- Use smart tools like monitor stands, letter trays and drawer organizers to keep essentials easily accessible.
- Concealed cable management and task lighting help create a safer and more comfortable workspace.
Ready to organize your desk? Shop online at Lowe’s and explore desk organizers, lighting options and desktop organizer sets to you create the perfect desk that works as hard as you do.