With more and more people opting to work from home nowadays, home office spaces are the need of the hour. However, it can often be difficult to have a dedicated space solely for work in compact apartments. While foldable desks and multiple furniture have made a home office more accessible, they tend to fall short when it comes to storage and organisation. So if you are looking for some smart storage solutions for your office, we have got you covered. In this article, we will explore some ways to organise your office desk in the absence of drawers or other storage options.
See also: Unconventional furniture pieces for your home office
Desk organisers
Desktop caddies are a great option when it comes to temporary storage. They have multiple compartments and can hold numerous light items like pens, pencils, sticky notes and other office supplies. Some even come with a built-in phone stand and additional slots for business cards. Make sure to choose a caddy that fits your desk and matches the decor.
Another way to store small supplies is a pen holder. Select a sturdy pen holder or cup that has a weighted base that will prevent it from tipping over. For greater level of organisation, pick one that has different sections or storage compartments.
Incorporate vertical storage
For handy and accessible storage of items you use frequently, consider installing wall-mounted shelves above your desk at the eye level. These are great for storing books, binders and even decorative objects. While floating shelves is a sleeker option, it is recommended to go for bracketed shelves if you wish to store heavier items.
A pegboard offers a customised storage solution with hooks, baskets and shelves. Mount them on the wall and rearrange them as required in order to store office supplies, tools or small plants.
Utilise desk accessories
A monitor stand can be a functional addition to your office desk as it not only raises your screen to eye level but also comes with built-in drawers or compartments underneath to store office supplies. Some even come with extra features such as built-in charging ports or adjustable heights.
To keep paperwork organised, use separate stackable desk trays for incoming and outgoing paperwork. For enhanced functionality, consider labelling each tray containing a specific type of documents, such as “To do,” “In progress” and “Completed.”
Incorporate drawerless options
A desk riser is a must-have in your home office arsenal as it helps elevate your monitor and enables you to utilise the space underneath for storage, thereby providing an optimal solution. Some even come with built-in storage compartments that can easily hold notebooks, a keyboard or small office supplies.
Keep cable clutter at bay by using cable clips and sleeves that keep wires and cords organised. Get a cable management box that can keep power strips and excess cords hidden out of sight and reduce visual clutter.
Adopt minimalism
Set a reminder to go through your desk items weekly or monthly and declutter as required by removing items that are no longer used or required. Donate or recycle outdated supplies and keep only what’s necessary, especially on the desktop. Limit the items on your desk to what you use daily and store additional items in nearby storage units. This not only helps to keep your workspace clean but also minimises distractions while working.
Under-desk solutions
Installing hooks or pegboards under your desk is a great option for hanging items like headphones, bags or charging cables. The hooks should be strong enough to hold the items you plan to store. You can also attach hanging organisers to the side of your desk or chair to store documents, pens or small items. Available in various sizes and designs, you can choose among materials ranging from mesh pockets to fabric pouches.
Label everything
Clearly mark bins, trays and folders according to their contents using a label maker or applying pre-printed labels. Doing so makes it easier to find what’s required and ensures items are returned to their correct place after use.
Add personal touches
Office supplies can be stored in stylish containers or jars that can also amp up your space. Use vintage glass jars or ceramic pots to hold pens, clips and rubber bands while also adding some personality and visual interest to your desk. Additionally, you can place some low-maintenance plants like succulents or small ferns for a dash of greenery. A simple way to brighten up your workspace, these will also help to improve air quality. Make sure to use pots and planters that complement your desk’s design for added appeal.
Create a filing system
Vertical file holders or document racks are a great way to keep papers organised and accessible. You can organise the files based on category, priority, or project as per your convenience. File holders that come with sections for labelling provide an added advantage. Group related documents together using binder clips and organise them by project or topic for easy access. Store them away carefully in a tray or organiser on your desk.
Regular maintenance
Once you are done for the day, keep a few minutes aside to put away items, sorting through paperwork and wiping down your desk. Having a daily maintenance routine prevents the clutter from accumulating and maintains optimal functionality for your workspace.
FAQs
How can I organise my desk without using traditional drawers?
Use alternatives like desktop organisers, wall-mounted shelves, under-desk solutions, trays and caddies to keep your desk organised without drawers.
Which desktop organisers are most suited for a drawerless desk?
Desktop caddies, desk trays, monitor stands with storage and pen holders and cups are most suitable desktop solutions for drawerless desks.
How can I keep my cables organised without a desk drawer?
Items like cable clips, cable sleeves, cable management boxes and velcro straps to tie the cable neatly can help reduce cable clutter.
What are some effective ways to use wall-mounted storage?
Floating and bracketed shelves, pegboards for hanging and wall-mounted hooks are some options you can explore to utilise wall space.
How do I create a filing system without a desk drawer?
Opt for file holders or document racks, desktop trays and magazine holders to ensure efficient document storage and filing for your workspace.
How can I maintain a clutter-free desk?
To reduce clutter, make sure to have a periodic decluttering schedule, follow principles of minimalism, tidy up daily and have proper storage organisers.
How can I add personal touches to my desk without cluttering it?
You can add personality to your desk using decorative containers, plants, photos or artwork and selected pieces of personalised accessories.
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