In a previous post, I talked about how you can declutter your home office as a whole, and today I’m going to suggest ways you can declutter your office desk specifically.
Declutter Your Office Desk
How Many Writing Utensils Do You Need?
The first step is to take a good, hard look at the top of your desk. Check out the pencil holder-are there too many writing utensils or not enough? Figure out just how many pens, pencils, and highlighters you really need and deal with that issue now.
Organize the Paper
The next step is to look at the papers on your desk. If you have a paper tray, is it allocated for a specific purpose, or is it operating as a catch-all? Maybe you need one tray for incoming papers and another for outgoing documents. Determine what functions you need the paper tray to serve and make sure you have one for each purpose. Go through your existing papers and shred or file them.
Clean out the Junk Drawer
Now we’re going to peek inside those drawers. Let’s start with the junk drawer-is that really junk in there, or are there items you use frequently? Purge items you don’t need and figure out a system for the rest. A drawer organizer works wonderfully for keeping office supplies in check. Look around your house for something you could use if you don’t have a drawer organizer. Small containers, kitchen utensil organizers, muffin tins, and glass dishes work well. Be creative and look around (peek into other drawers if you have to!)
If you’re struggling to declutter your desk or home, I’ve created a decluttering checklist to help you get started! Click here to download your FREE decluttering checklist!
Set up a filing system
Next, focus on your file folders. Do you have a system in place for filing papers? If you don’t have drawers at your desk for folders, consider some type of filing system. Cardboard boxes and milk crates work well. There are also very inexpensive (and cute!) filing systems available at Target, Wal-Mart, and office supply stores. Consider color-coding separate files for home, work, and school (if there are school-aged children around).
Make sure it’s aesthetically pleasing
Make it pretty! Use colors you love, add a plant, desk lamp, pictures, and anything else that is pleasing to you on your desk. This will motivate and inspire you to keep on keeping on!
If you have comments or questions about ways to declutter your office desk, feel free to ask them below. I’m here to help! 🙂
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#1 is truly valuable advice. It is so easy to become a pen and pencil collector, which just leads to CLUTTER! Great post 🙂
It’s funny, I usually see either too many pens or none to be found! Thanks for your comment!
I reframed my “junk drawer” into my “utility drawer”. Anything that is truly junk goes into the trash, Those mysterious screws and parts that show up go into a plastic bag so if I discover something in my home is missing a screw or other part I know just where to look. I keep often-used tools, batteries, a first aid kit, and other things often used that don’t have another home in my utility drawer. In my home office I use a small tackle box to corral tacks, clips, and other small items like thumb drives.
Keep up the good work,
Hugs,
Mary
Great tips! That’s a catchy name-utility drawer. I’ll have to use that one. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Love it Leigh! Don’t you feel so much more productive when your space is organized? I bet you’ve got BEAUTIFUL drawers 🙂
xo
-Sandra
Yes, I totally agree! I can get so much more done when I know where things are. Still working on those beautiful drawers, though! 😉
I don’t know why, but the “Junk Drawer” is my pet peeve. Can’t live with it, can’t live without it! 🙂
I just wish there was a place for everything.
Metal wire bins, and industrial looking items are my favorite for office organization. I think they add a neat element to the environment.
Wonderful post!
I’m with you on that one… that junk drawer always gets the best of me! It seems like I have to reorganize it every few months!