As a busy office worker, you don’t want anything like clutter around as that can disrupt your focus, reduce productivity, and add to the stress of your workday. However, with the right organization of your under desk drawer, you can transform your office into a space that not only keeps your essentials within easy reach but also maintains a sense of order that promotes focus and efficiency. Here are some practical tips for organizing your under-desk drawer to enhance both your workspace and productivity:
Start by Emptying the Drawer
Before diving into organization, begin by emptying your under-desk drawer entirely. This will give you a clear view of everything you’ve been storing in there, and it’s the perfect opportunity to assess what’s truly necessary. Take this time to toss any expired items, broken pens, or items that no longer serve a purpose. Getting rid of excess clutter will make organizing easier and ensure that only the essentials are left behind.
Categorize Your Items
Once the drawer is empty, categorize the items you want to keep. Think of what you use most often and how easily you need access to it. You can group items into categories such as office supplies (pens, paper clips, sticky notes), personal items (keys, phone chargers, gum), and miscellaneous tools (scissors, staplers, tape). This allows you to group similar items together, reducing the time needed to search for what you want.
Use Dividers or Trays
You could use drawer dividers or small trays to keep things in place. Dividers allow you to create designated sections for different categories, which helps prevent items from getting mixed up. A divided tray works especially well for small items like paperclips, erasers, and thumbtacks. For larger items, consider using bins or small boxes to keep them organized and prevent them from shifting around every time you open the drawer.
Prioritize Daily Essentials
Place the items you use most frequently in the most accessible sections of your drawer. For example, your stapler, pens, notepads, and any items you reach for throughout the day should be kept in the front or top part of the drawer. On the other hand, those items you use less often, such as extra charging cables or backup batteries, can be placed toward the back or bottom, ensuring they don’t take up prime area of your drawer.
Label Everything
Once you have everything categorized and neatly arranged, consider adding labels to your dividers, trays, or boxes. This simple step can help you find exactly what you need without rummaging through piles of papers or scattered office tools. You can label boxes according to their contents (e.g., “Batteries,” “Post-Its,” “Spare Pens”) or by frequency of use. Labels are especially helpful for shared workspaces, ensuring that anyone using the drawer knows exactly where to find and return items.
Keep It Minimal
While it’s important to store essential items in your drawer, it’s equally important to keep it minimal. Only keep items that you use regularly or that are necessary for your workday. Avoid using your under-desk drawer as a dumping ground for random objects or things you don’t use often. A minimalist approach will help you stay organized and allow you to keep your workspace neat and tidy.Note: Organization shouldn’t be a one-time task. Make it a habit to clean and reorganize your drawer every couple of months. This allows you to assess what you actually need, remove unnecessary items, and make sure everything is in its place.
