How to Organize a Computer Desk

Do you spend precious minutes scrambling to find important documents? Do you forget where you scribbled that phone number? Have you forgotten what the top of your desk looks like? Take heart. There are techniques that can help you to organize the clutter.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Temporary containers
• Storage containers
• Labels

1. Clear everything from the top of your desk, except for large items like printers or computers. Remove everything from drawers, file cabinets or cubbyholes. Clean the desk with a damp cloth.
2. Set out some temporary storage containers such as paper bags or boxes to help you sort through all the items. Think about how this will work best for you, and label each temporary container accordingly. For example, boxes might be labeled "Supplies," "Computer Accessories," "Paperwork Needing Attention" and "Desktop Accessories."
3. Set a garbage container and a recycling bin nearby. If an item is no longer relevant to your work and no longer needed, toss it or recycle it.
4. Consider how often you need the items in the containers before you put them back on the desk. Items that are used daily such as a rolodex, calendar, stapler and inbox should be placed within easy reach, and things that are needed less often such as stationary, letterheads, manuals and catalogs can be placed out of the way. Place similar items together. For example, writing tools and notepads should be located together.
5. Place items in containers and storage areas that were designed for those items. Organize your stacking trays or file holders into priority activities such as "To Do," "To Read" or "To File." Create a tickler system if your work is date-related. Store items such as rubber bands, pens, pencils and paper clips in desktop caddies or drawer trays.
6. Arrange items that you need to view often on a cork board over your desk so you can easily see them.
7. Be selective about the number of knickknacks on your desk if your space is limited, and place them out of the way of your workspace.

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