When you need a Paperclip, can you find one?

If you can’t find one when you need one, it’s probably time to organize your desk.


The National Association of Professional Organizers in Michigan wants to share some tips on how to organize your desk, whether it’s at home or the office.


1. First think about whether you are a person who likes things in sight, or out of sight. One good rule of thumb is to only keep within arm’s reach, those office supplies that you use on a daily basis. If you like things out, find a nice tray to put out those items on your desk. Or install a narrow shelf, 5 inches deep, above your desk so items like a stapler and tape dispenser are within reach but off the work surface of the desk.


If you like things kept out of sight, keep these items in a drawer or decorative box on whatever side you write with. People are most comfortable using their dominant hand to reach for things so place things where you can easily reach in the drawer for them.


2. For those items that were in your desk that you use less frequently, like spare printer cartridges, find a place further away from your desk, like a nearby closet, to store those items.


3. A kitchen silverware tray can make a good drawer organizer for things like smaller items like pens, pencils, staples, and paper clips. Label the side or bottom of the divided areas in the tray so everyone knows where an item goes back.


Lastly, if you find yourself having to go to your desk repeatedly to get an office supply like scissors that you use elsewhere, buy yourself an additional pair to keep where you tend to use it, whether it’s in the family room or breakroom. That way, the items in your newly-organized desk will be there the next time you need them.



Organizing your desk can be easier than you think. For more organizing tips visit http://www.napomichigan.com/. 


Article submitted by Chapter member Cindy Greenleaf.