Low on square footage? Befriend multi-use nooks in your home. “Since this small workstation doubles as a nightstand, proper organization is crucial,” says Lerner. To that point, Lerner stresses that using desk organizers such as trays, bins, and drawer dividers keeps pens, paper clips, and other small items neatly arranged and that cable management is also crucial; Consider a minimalist approach to the items you keep on your desk surface, prioritizing only what you use daily and finding dedicated spots for everything else to maximize surface area. Regularly declutter and reassess your setup to ensure it remains efficient and conducive to productivity.
14. Use multi-functional accessories
Corey Pence, senior manager of in-home organizing services at The Container Store in Dallas, loves making the most of your desk space with multi-use storage tools. Personally, she’s a big fan of the brand’s Everything Organizer monitor stand with drawer. “Not only does it free up surface space on your desk, but it features built-in drawers for organizing pens, sticky notes, tape and charging cords,” she says. Another good desk organizing workhorse? The Poppin All-in-One Desktop Organizer which includes removable dividers and cord management openings in the back.
15. Shred it
You can shred the occasional paper bill or personal file safely with a hand-operated shredder that’s about the size of a pair of sunglasses. If you need to shred a significant number of documents only once or twice a year, take them to an office supply center that offers bulk shredding. There’s just no reason to buy and store your own industrial paper shredder.
16. Hide a wireless printer
Why would anyone keep a mammoth printer on the desk surface area? Think of the untapped real estate. Even cleverly designed compact models are an eyesore and intrude on the aesthetics of a carefully decorated, multifunctional home office. Instead, store a small wireless printer out of sight—a large desk drawer or closet shelf does the trick—and connect to all your devices; that way you can print that memo if you decide to WFH on the couch.
17. Digitize as much as possible
Banish boxes of receipts, financial records, medical documents, business cards, photos, and more with a compact scanner—some models are no larger than a thick ruler. Or use apps like iScanner which turn any piece of paper into a PDF for saving and sharing, complete with distortion correction and accurate automatic cropping. In general, Ryan Eisland, professional organizer at Home Sort in Sacramento, California, goes as far as suggesting clients scan and discard most paperwork, and/or doing an annual clean-out of receipts, bills, and other paper items. Once you convert the documents into a digital format, shred the originals if you don’t need them, and then organize files electronically. Be sure to back them up on an external hard drive and cloud storage.
18. Move lighting to the floor
Those crunched for space to even fit a desk lamp can look to a floor lamp instead. You’ll still have a well-lit work station—your table top just won’t be as cluttered. Make sure the lamp arcs at the top or has a boom joint, so it can shine directly over your desk.
19. Look up for your schedule
Whether it’s a monthly planner to keep track of important dates or a cork board to pin up the to-do list, the wall space above your desk is pretty useful too. Anything from floating shelves to DIY modular pegboard storage boxes can help move clutter off your desk and onto the wall.
20. Conceal chargers
“Use clips and cable ties to keep cords tangle-free and out of sight,” says Lerner. Tangled cables can really occupy valuable real estate on your desk, so do your best to put the chargers away if you can. Some desks have built-in USBs and outlets that you just plug into the wall, or you can attempt to reverse-engineer your existing desk.
21. Save space with modular design
Add personality to a cramped work area with small, functional items like a modular desk organizer. Not only is it super sleek and stylish, but the customizable design is perfect for an ever-changing workflow.
22. Create a catchall for chargers
Few wireless chargers are as sleek and compact as this station from Courant, and even better, it frees up any space even in a small cubicle that could be occupied by cables. This multitasking charger accommodates both your iPhone and AirPods. Plus, it props up your phone, so you never miss out on notifications.
23. Make it homey
Your small office desk might not have space for a full picture frame, but this small dual frame holds two Instax prints, so you have just enough space for a portrait of your SO and fur baby.
24. Sort through papers
Give yourself five minutes at the end of the week to tidy up your space. Messes can build up quickly in a small area, and an organized office desk can only be achieved if you put in a little time to clear out the week’s mess. Annoying as it is to sort through notepads and sticky notes, you’ll be glad you did when it’s time to actually find something you need. Use a caddy or a divider, like the one from Marie Kondo’s bamboo collaboration collection, to keep your documents in order.
How do I make my desk area cozy?
If you’re going to spend eight hours at your desk, make sure you’re not uncomfortable. In addition to thinking about storage solutions, find cozy hacks to help you actually stay at your desk, instead of wanting to get up and leave the office space. One of the easiest things you can do is invest in a super soft blanket that you can use year-round—everyone knows that frigid AC blasts and drafty windows slash productivity. Adding other touches, like a scented candle or a potted plant, can make the desk feel more welcoming than utilitarian. “You should always personalize your desk area,” Cicero says. “If you like bright colors, use them in your decor and organizational pieces. If you like neutrals, use them in your stationery, and so on.”
25. Maximize natural light
