Whether you have a new desk or one that’s already cluttered and a mess, organizing them is the same. People make organizing a desk more difficult than it has to be.

Answer 3 Key Questions:

1. What are you using it for?

a. To pay bills – home paperwork.
b. Storing art supplies and coloring.
c. As your business space.
d. Other answers ______.

2. Is the desk for you or you and others?

3. Is it in a high traffic area?

Many people purchase desks that look nice, match their furniture, or fit a certain spot in their home. However, that’s not always the best reason to purchase a desk. The best desk organization is when you know the answers to the above questions and can make sure everything will fit.

3 Keys to Desk Organization

Let’s start with number one.

1. What Are You Using it for?
First, decide what you are using the desk for — its main purpose. After you answer this question, take everything off of the desk and get started.

If you’re using it to pay bills, make sure you only put back those things that pertain to paying bills. You might set up a place for return envelopes, address labels, and stamps. Another section might have pens, pencils, paperclips, a calculator, and paper. If you have a small desk, this is probably as much as you want to put inside.
Some of you have larger desks that can accommodate additional uses. However, if you have to share your desk, make sure to keep bill-paying items separate from items others might need.

With the new coloring craze, many women have been setting up their desks as their coloring centers. Measure inside of the desk for best results when storing art supplies and to leave room on the desktop for coloring. Make it your peaceful space to rejuvenate and enjoy your time. Desk organization is almost a must for working in a peaceful setting.

Most of my friends and I use our desks for business. If this is your situation, being organized is a must! Starting with a fresh, clean desk is key in setting it up properly. After you’re done, you’ll probably change it around a little until it’s just right for you. I have several articles that reference a home office:
Home Office Cleaning
Organized Office or Cluttered Mess?

2. Is the desk for you or you and others?
Sharing a desk in the home is not uncommon. Therefore, boundaries are a must. If you have young children who have trouble remembering not to touch your things, you may have to keep certain items locked up and out of reach.
When my children lived at home, I kept everything to do with bill paying in my room in its own expanding file similar to the one below. Once a bill was paid, I put it in the pocket for that month. (Later on, I learned to shred most of these, as they are not needed for tax purposes.)

3. Is it in a high traffic area?
Moreover, if your desk is in a high-traffic area of the house, chances are it will become a dumping ground for school papers, newspapers, junk mail, and things no one knows where to put. I hear it over and over again, “Everyone dumps their stuff on my desk.” Whether it is on a desk or dining room table. Most often, it’s the dining room table. If at all possible, keep your desk away from where family members come and go.

Containers and Organizers

Chances are if you’re reading this, finding the right containers and organizers won’t be difficult. You probably already have something that will work in your garage or storage room. If not, containers are a staple item at many stores. While one of my favorite stores is The Container Store, I find many of their products on Amazon.com for the same price or less. However, one of your local stores: Target, Staples, Michaels, Lowes, or Bed Bath & Beyond, should have something that will work.

Look for little catch-all containers and label the drawers. A close up of mine would reveal; Post-It’s, Markers, and the final one (not shown in the image), staples erasers, & lead.

In the meantime, enjoy organizing and refreshing your area. If you don’t finish all at one time, remember: The Lord’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). You can finish another day.

On a side note, I bought a new desk! It’s so exciting to purchase new office furniture and supplies. At least it’s something I love to do. My new desk is universal, so it’s where I’m keeping my coloring supplies and some of my favorite office supplies. When I have homework, I take what I need to work on, out of my tote bag and spread it out on the desk. When I’m done, I put it away. This keeps everything neat and organized.

Do you have a favorite desk or spot for your office supplies? Others would love to hear how you manage your desk.

Blessings and Peace,

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