A tidy desk not only boosts productivity but also creates a calm and efficient workspace. Whether you’re working from home, in a shared office, or even at your desk in a corner of your living room, having the right office supplies can help you maintain organization and focus. In this post, we’ll explore some essential office supplies to keep your desk neat, including drawer trays and vertical file holders. That’s why I wanted to share five essential office supplies to keep your desk tidy.
I don’t know about you, but I cannot focus unless my desk area is in order. When I have too many piles I feel distracted and stressed. I find it harder to focus because my mind keeps skipping around to different areas of my desk wanting to clear things. Physical clutter can quickly be maintained with the right storage tools. That’s why I have found these five essential office supplies to make a huge impact in any office.
1. Drawer Trays & Organizers for Divided Storage
Drawer trays are essential for keeping your desk drawers neat and easy to navigate. Nothing is worse than needing a paperclip and opening a drawer that is a sea of office supplies with no paperclip in sight.
With compartments for pens, paper clips, and other small items, drawer trays prevent clutter from taking over your workspace. The best part? They allow you to quickly grab what you need without rummaging through drawers and creating unnecessary mess.
Why You Need Them:
- Keep small items from getting lost in cluttered drawers.
- Maximize the use of drawer space, organizing items by category.
- Reduce the amount of time spent searching for office supplies.
At Livable Solutions, we recommend using drawer trays with adjustable compartments like this one.
Another great option for larger drawer is this adjustable junk drawer/desk drawer organizer. Remember to always measure your drawer before you buy.
For a more custom look, I always love wooden drawer dividers. This bamboo drawer divider gives you wood and adjustable compartments.
These dividers allow you to customize them to fit your needs. Choose trays with non-slip bottoms to keep them in place, even when you open and close your drawers.
2. Vertical File Holders for Paper Organization
Paperwork can quickly pile up on your desk if it’s not properly stored. Vertical file holders are an excellent solution for managing important documents and keeping your desk clear. I refer to them as tickler files. In fact, I even made my own printable Tickler File System because I use them so often with clients. Get the printable here.
Tickler files are a great way to organize your paper piles vertically and categorize your piles. Keep them easy to grab. You can make them into topics for daily tasks or organize them by current projects. No one system is the right one. Tailor it to your working style.
Desktop file holders allow you to categorize your papers vertically, making it easy to access the documents you need without them taking over your workspace.
Why You Need Them:
- Keep your papers organized and easily accessible.
- Save valuable desk space by using vertical storage.
- Reduce clutter by keeping your important documents off your desk surface.
Look for file holders with clear labeling so you can easily identify contents at a glance. Here are some stylish yet functional desktop file holders that help you create a tidy and efficient desk setup.
Here are some stylish and functional choices:
Colorful Collapsible Desktop File
Mesh Vertical File Storage Desktop Organizer
3. Cable Management Supplies
With all the devices we use in today’s digital age, cables can quickly become a source of desk clutter. Cable management supplies such as cable clips, cord organizers, and under-desk cable trays can help keep cables neatly in place.
Cords can be very distracting. Try to keep them at bay under your desk with a good surge protector so you have plenty of outlets for your desk area. Consider creating a charging station area on your desk for your phones, watches and EarPods. I really like this charger because it covers all of the devices popular and is easy to set up.
Why You Need Them:
- Prevent tangled cords that can create unnecessary mess.
- Free up desk space by keeping cords organized and out of sight.
- Reduce distractions and improve your focus by keeping cables neatly tucked away.
Here are some of my favorites:
Invest in cable organizers that allow you to bundle and secure cables to keep them from getting in the way. With the right cable management tools, you’ll notice a cleaner, more streamlined desk setup.
4. A Stylish Desk Organizer for Writing Supplies
Pens, pencils, and other writing tools should have a designated space to avoid cluttering up your desk. A stylish desk organizer is a simple solution for keeping writing supplies within arm’s reach while still maintaining a tidy workspace.
Why You Need Them:
- Keep pens, pencils, and markers organized and easy to access.
- Store your writing tools in a way that prevents them from rolling off your desk.
- Add a decorative touch to your desk while staying organized.
Choose an organizer that matches your personal style and complements your desk’s aesthetic. From sleek metal designs to wooden holders, there’s something for every desk.
Here are some great options:
Wooden Desk and Mail Organizer
5. A Paper Tray for Incoming and Outgoing Documents
Having a dedicated spot for incoming and outgoing paperwork can keep your desk from becoming a chaotic mess. A paper tray allows you to sort documents as they come in, and it gives you a designated place to keep those waiting to be filed.
Why You Need Them:
- Streamline document handling by sorting them as soon as they arrive.
- Prevent papers from piling up and creating clutter.
- Ensure important documents don’t get misplaced.
Select a paper tray that’s stackable to maximize space and ensure that you can easily access the documents you need. Remember this is a temporary zone. If papers begin overflowing you need to implement more systems to process them, act on them and archive them.
Here are some good choices:
Desk Organizer With Drawer File Holders
For more tips on organizing paper check out some of our other blog posts related to this topic:
How to Organize Small Business Paperwork
Final Thoughts: The Power of an Organized Desk
A tidy desk leads to a clearer mind and a more productive day. With these essential office supplies, including drawer trays and vertical file holders, you can easily maintain a clutter-free workspace. When everything has its place, you’ll feel more focused and ready to tackle the tasks at hand.
For more organizing tools and idea lists check out our idea lists here. Find our downloadable printables at Life’s Lists.
Happy Organizing!
Kristin
Disclosure:
This post contains affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting this blog and making content like this possible.
