8 Best Desk Organization Ideas for a Functional Workspace

If your desk drawer is starting to feel like a junk drawer, it’s time to add compartments, such as drawer dividers, to keep all your small office supplies under control.

Start by emptying out your desk drawer completely—sort items into categories: pens and pencils, sticky notes, chargers and the ever-elusive thumbtacks. Once you have your categories, introduce drawer dividers to create dedicated zones for each group. You can find adjustable dividers that fit snugly into most desk drawers or even use small containers or trays you already have — think ice cube trays for tiny items or shallow dishes for loose change and keys. Get creative if your drawer has that awkward shallow depth that makes store-bought dividers tricky. Reuse small boxes (the kind that holds your phone or jewelry) or cut cardboard to size.

When desk space is at a premium, it’s all about maximizing vertical space. Tiered desktop organizers are like adding a second story to your workspace, giving you more room without expanding your desk’s overall footprint. They stack your essentials — pens, notebooks, sticky notes — so everything is visible and within reach, minus the cluttered appearance.

Look for organizers with multiple levels or compartments. Clear acrylic ones work well if you like to see everything at a glance, while wire mesh or wood options add a bit of style without overwhelming your space. You can even repurpose items like spice racks or small kitchen organizers — they often work just as well and add a unique touch.

For an extra layer of organization, assign each tier a specific purpose. For example, the top level is for daily essentials like pens and scissors, the middle is for notepads or chargers, and the bottom is for bulkier items like a small planner or headphones.

On the note of vertical storage: If your desk is drowning in papers and supplies, it might be time to take things to the wall. Wall-mounted storage, like shelves, pegboards and hanging organizers, offers a clever way to free up desk space while keeping your essentials close by.

Start with a simple shelf above your desk. It’s perfect for books, décor and even a few storage bins. Add a pegboard to hang tools, cables or small baskets filled with office supplies. The beauty of pegboards is their flexibility — you can rearrange hooks and holders as your needs change.

If drilling into walls isn’t an option, consider adhesive wall organizers or over-the-desk shelving units that attach directly to your desk. These options are convenient for renters or for creating a temporary setup in a home office.

Tired of fishing under the desk for that dusty phone charger that somehow slipped away? With a few simple tools and tricks, you can take control of cable chaos once and for all.

Start with cable clips. These little gadgets stick to the edge of your desk and hold cables in place, preventing them from slipping to the floor. You can use them for phone chargers, USB cables or headphone cords — anything you frequently plug and unplug. They’re especially useful if you share your workspace or switch between devices often.

For cables that run behind your desk, use zip ties or hook-and-loop straps to bundle them together. It not only keeps them neat but also prevents tangling. If you’ve got multiple cords running to a power strip, label them near the plug.

Cable sleeves are another great option, especially if your setup involves multiple monitors or a lot of tech. These flexible sleeves zip around bundles of cables, keeping them out of sight and protected from dust and damage.

If your desk has grommet holes, use them! Run cables through these built-in openings to maintain a clean, professional look. And if not, you can always add a cable grommet cover that helps route cables neatly through a small hole in your desk.

If you’re constantly rummaging through drawers or shuffling stacks of paper to find a stapler, it’s time to set up a dedicated office supply station.

Start by gathering all your office supplies: pens, scissors, tape, sticky notes, paper clips and whatever else you use regularly. Designate a specific area on or near your desk for these items. A desktop caddy or a small set of drawers works well, but if you’re tight on space, consider a rolling cart that can tuck away under your desk when not in use.

To keep things extra tidy, use small containers or dividers within your supply station. This is especially helpful for keeping tiny items like pushpins or rubber bands from taking over. Clear containers make it easy to see what you have, while labeled bins add an extra layer of organization.

For bonus points, establish a “refill zone” for things like printer paper or extra pens. Having a small stockpile nearby prevents last-minute scrambles when you run out of something. And if you don’t use certain supplies often, consider storing them in a closet or, better yet, a self-storage unit, so you’re keeping only the essentials at your desk.

The trick to maintaining a clean desk is to adopt a “one-touch” rule: when you pick something up, either use it, put it away or toss it. Avoid setting things down “just for now” because that’s how clutter accumulates. At the end of each workday, take five minutes to reset your desk. File away papers, return supplies to their spots and clear away any distractions.

To make minimalism work, limit what you keep on your desk to absolute essentials. A lamp, your computer and maybe a notebook or planner — anything else should have a home elsewhere. If you love décor, choose a single piece that makes you smile, like a small plant or a framed photo, instead of scattering knick-knacks around.

And remember, minimalism doesn’t mean boring. You can still have a stylish workspace by choosing functional items with a bit of flair, like a sleek desk organizer or a colorful pen holder. The goal is to create an environment that feels open and inspiring, not cluttered or chaotic.

When desk space is limited, every item on your desk needs to earn its keep. That’s where multifunctional desk accessories come into play.

A monitor riser is a perfect example. Not only does it bring your screen to eye level — helping reduce neck strain — but it also creates valuable storage space underneath. Use this hidden spot for your keyboard, notebooks or even a small storage bin for cables and tech accessories. 

Another multitasking hero is an adjustable desk lamp with USB outlets. The lamp provides the focused lighting you need for work or study, but the built-in USB ports make it a convenient charging station, too. Instead of dealing with tangled cables running to a wall outlet, you can plug in your phone, smartwatch or wireless earbuds right at your desk. Some lamps also feature dimmable settings and adjustable angles, giving you control over both lighting and layout.

If papers seem to multiply on your desk overnight, it’s time to get serious about document storage. Clear containers are a fantastic solution because they offer the best of both worlds: organization and visibility. You’ll know exactly where everything is without having to dig through piles of paper or opaque boxes.

Sort your documents into categories: e.g., bills, receipts, work documents and personal papers. Use clear plastic containers or file boxes to store each category separately. You can also opt for clear file folders within the boxes for an added layer of organization. Color-coded labels or simple sticky notes on the front of each container make identification even quicker.

For items you need to access often, a desktop file organizer with clear slots can help keep everything neat and within reach. Reserve this prime real estate for documents you reference weekly or daily. Everything else can be filed away in a drawer or a larger container under your desk.

If you’re dealing with documents you rarely need but can’t toss — like old tax returns or archived work files — consider moving them to your basement or attic, or keeping copies in your storage unit.

Sometimes, no matter how well you organize your desk, there’s just too much stuff to keep in your workspace. That’s where self storage comes in as a smart and practical option. Whether it’s extra office furniture or seasonal items you don’t need daily, a storage unit can help you maintain a clutter-free desk.

If you’re not sure whether you need storage, first identify what doesn’t belong in your immediate workspace. If you’ve got old files you rarely need, box them up and label them clearly before moving them to a storage unit. Climate-controlled storage is a great choice for sensitive documents or electronics, protecting them from temperature and humidity changes.

If you’ve recently downsized your office or transitioned to working from home, a storage unit can also hold excess furniture. Instead of cramming everything into your home office, you can store what you don’t need now but might want in the future. This approach not only clears physical space but also gives your mind a bit of breathing room (less clutter often leads to more focus).

If you’re ready to find a storage unit, use our Storage Unit Locator to find a nearby facility.