Every year around this time, the first thing I like to do once I get back to my daily routine is organize my desk.
Actually two desks. One is in my studioffice where I take care of all things for the blog.
The other is in my kitchen and I call it my kitchen desk. It is not an actual desk, but a section of my kitchen counter where I keep a desk organizer on the counter and a drawer under it for storing pens, rubber bands, paper clips, stamps, stapler, etc.
If my desks are unorganized, then so am I. Not a good way to start the new year.
Did you know that next Monday – January 13th is National Clean Off Your Desk Day? I am going to be taking part and am planning ahead.
I love all things “desk” and office supply. New pens, notepads and file folders excite me.
This year I want to really purge what I no longer need. For the past few weeks I have been gathering cleaning and organizing ideas to inspire me get my desks back in order with a fresh appeal.
To get ready, I thought I would share some desk cleaning and organizing ideas I have done in the past, and a few I am thinking of doing for the new year.
What is National Clean Your Desk Day All About?
National Clean Your Desk Day is all about organizing your desk at home or at the office so you can begin the new year on the right track. A messy desk is an invitation to chaos! A clean desk, on the other hand, helps you focus and become more productive.
- Say goodbye to the junk. Throw. Shred. Recycle. Cleaning begins with getting rid of what you don’t need.
- Organize, declutter, and de-stress. A cluttered desk creates anxiety. And that doesn’t help when you’re in the midst of a busy workday.
- Clean and polish the desktop, every drawer and all the items you put back.
- Make it an event. Involve your family or colleagues. Have a “cleanest desk” competition. Post pictures of your desk on social media. #NationalCleanOffYourDeskDay
- When the whole office is cleaning their desks along with you, the process can be a fun event, not a chore.
And if the only desk you have is an online desktop on your computer, then it counts too.
- Drag those files into a nice, neat folder or into the trash can! Over the weekend, I did this and even gave myself enough time to finally purge my overflowing. mostly junk filled inbox.
- Download: Free Desktop Background Screen Organizer that you can customize.
Desktop and Drawer Organizing Ideas
The way I organize my desk is pretty much how I do everything… affordably and in my own style. Here are a few ideas to get your mind thinking of ways you can clean, organize and add your own style to your desktop and drawers.
Stylish Desktop Notepads
While searching for fresh ideas to make my desk not only more organized, but prettier, I found a super simple idea to give my note taking a bit more style.
Turn basic legal pads into stylish notepads that will add fun color to your desk top.
- Measure and cut a strip of patterned scrapbook paper, then attach it to the top binding of the notepad with a glue stick.
Line Your Desk Drawer
How to Line a Drawer – Adding a pop of your favorite color or interesting pattern here and there in unexpected places is sure to inspire and can brighten your mood on a bad day at the office.
- Use book pages, scrapbook paper, maps or any decorative paper you have. Use decoupage medium to adhere and seal. If using gift wrap, use thicker paper, very thin paper gift wrap paper may wrinkle.
Update Worn Items With Paint
This outdated fruit motif desk organizer was found at a thrift shop. With a few coats of paint and a coat of dark wax, it is chic again.
Customize Ready Made Items
If you still prefer the old-school way when it comes to keeping contact names and numbers handy on your desk, you may enjoy customizing a Rolodex. They are getting hard to find, but you can still buy them online. How to Customize a Plain Desktop Rolodex
3 Ways to Organize Desk Drawers
Instant Drawer Dividers Using Baskets and Boxes
Easy to do, no tools or DIY skills needed.
Square and rectangular baskets found at yard sales and thrift stores can be placed together like a jigsaw puzzle in a drawer. Even though they are all different sizes and styles – they are all square or rectangular and fit together nicely – no space is lost.
- Look for small, low-sided baskets that are no higher than the depth of your drawer.
Small Cardboard Boxes
Now is a good time, after receiving holiday gifts to easily come across small low sided cardboard boxes. These fit together just like square and rectangular baskets in a drawer.
DIY Wood Dividers
If you have a few basic DIY skills and tools, you can make and custom fit wood dividers for your desk drawers. How to Make Wood Drawer Dividers
If you would like to get more than your desk organized in a fast and affordable way, you will find inspiration in this book: The Upbeat, Organized Home Office – Five Simple Steps to SORT and SUCCEED for an Organized Mind, Better Time Management Skills & an Office that Makes You Smile.
New Desk Accessories and Organizers
Below are a few new desk items that will help you organize and freshen your desk for the new year. My favorite is #8. It is a drawer that sticks on under a desktop. Great for desks or work surfaces with no drawers. 🙂
A clean and well-organized desk can give you the energy to tackle more work and get you rolling on taking on decluttering larger areas in your home, like a closet, kitchen cabinet and then an entire room.
So mark your calendar and be ready to tackle your desk on National Clean your Desk Day at home or at work on Monday January 13th.
Source: Organization - inmyownstyle.com
