We spend long hours in home workspaces, whether we’re working in a dedicated home office or at the kitchen table. The most organized workspaces use storage solutions, labels, and organizational helpers so everything has its own place.
Cables are kept under control, technology and papers are stored out of sight, and the desk is clutter-free, so you’re less likely to spill your coffee on your keyboard.
Organizing your home office effectively makes Monday mornings a little easier, because it gives you a space that you feel completely happy to hang out in – and hopefully, it helps you stay focused and get your to-do list done.
Things the most organized people have in their home offices
Here are seven things the most organized people have in their home offices to inspire you to organize your office and create a room that makes you feel calm and productive.
(Image credit: Brian Wetzel)
1. Monitor stand with drawer
On my wish list is a monitor stand with drawer, available at The Container Store – this magically creates more desk space for storing stationery and organizing cables, while also raising your computer monitor to a comfortable height. It blends seamlessly with your desk and provides additional storage space so the rest of your desk stays tidy.
Most designs available online have a small space underneath to hide your keyboard at the end of the day, which is a great way to close off your workspace for the day, especially if your workspace is in your living area.
These work equally well for keeping makeup organized.
Everything Organizer Display Stand with Drawer
Store pens, chargers, and other supplies in this monitor stand with drawer for a tidy desk and a tidy mind.
2. An office as large as possible
(Image credit: Imperfect Interiors/Chris Snook)
Houses and gardensEditor Jennifer Ebert recommends measuring your space and expanding into your office. “Pay attention to depth as well, and think about the ideal amount of space you will have when working,” she says.
“A larger desk gives you more room for your keyboard, mouse, and any additional laptops or monitors you may need to add to make working more comfortable. No space attracts dishes, coffee cups, mail, and cable clutter like your desk, and in the future you’ll be glad you gave yourself space ‘Additional.’
Depending on your preferences, you may want to consider a standing desk, available at Wayfair, which gives you the option to stand, avoiding prolonged sitting and potential back problems. If you need as much hidden storage as possible, an antique writing desk with drawers or an L-shaped desk from Wayfair may be a better fit for your needs.
Jane is the Digital Homes & Gardens editor. Before starting this position, she completed several interior design courses at KLC School of Design, as well as working at Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes, and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.
3. Stationery holders
Aside from organizing their home offices frequently, and being disciplined about what they display, the most organized people have a designated place for their office tools. You can opt for pull-out drawers, like the one designed by Nate Berkus below, a simple ceramic pen holder with a marble finish, from Wayfair.
zara stacy, Houses and gardens“I have a small desk space, but I like to have all my work documents and notebooks in one place, so this organizer from Amazon is perfect because it has a practical, layered design with a drawer and doesn’t take up too much space,” says our content editor.
Zara joined Homes & Gardens in February 2022 as Content Editor. After studying English Literature at university, she worked for several independent companies in the luxury retail and lifestyle sectors. She enjoys nothing more than discovering new trends, brands and products, whether it’s in fashion, interior design or lifestyle.
4. Closed storage
There are many essential home office items that we prefer to hide away when not in use. Hard drives, HDMI cables, photography equipment, papers, padded envelopes—all of the above are best stored in furniture you love to look at rather than anything explicitly office.
The most organized home offices have aesthetic home organization solutions, like a pull-out drawer that opens neatly under the sleeper, or perhaps a stylish dresser that keeps less visually appealing items (like a printer) tucked away.
5. Labels
(Image credit: John Cullen)
Add labels to drawers, baskets and boxes if that makes it more fun and practical. Invest in a simple label maker on Amazon so it’s crystal clear where everything belongs. This means it’s easier and faster to find your notes two minutes before your video call, plus you’re more likely to put everything back in the right drawer.
6. A designated place for waste
The best home organization systems allow for everyday living. Create a basket or bin for things that don’t really have a home, that you’ll sort through later, or that you need to return to a friend. Then deal with it when you have the mental capacity, instead of trying to keep everything in place all the time.
7. Design features you love
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Remember to incorporate some home decor that you really love into this very functional space. These can be office wall decor ideas that allow you to create an inspiring display of artwork, mementos and reminders. Or maybe it’s a desk lamp you love, like this portable, rechargeable mushroom lamp found on Amazon.
How do I keep a very small home office organized?
Digitize as much as possible, so folders of papers don’t take up unnecessary space. Use the vertical space you have with wall-mounted organizers and peg boards available at Walmart. A rolling cart is another useful way to collect home office supplies, and can easily be used elsewhere if your needs change later.
The time we spend at our desks means it really pays to spend some time carefully planning ways to make them more functional, tidy and improve our mood. Imagine you’re an interior designer responsible for decorating a celebrity’s home office with the best home office storage and the perfect home office color scheme, and the arrangement will follow.
