Having an organized and clutter-free home office space is essential for productivity and focus. With the right office storage solutions, you can keep your workspace tidy and create a pristine environment conducive to work. Here are 20 great office storage ideas to help you keep your home workspace spick and span.
Use Shelving Units for Open Storage
Open shelving units are a great way to neatly store office supplies in plain sight while keeping your workspace looking tidy. Some storage ideas include:
Wall-Mounted Shelves
Wall-mounted shelves give you storage and display space while freeing up your desktop area. Opt for floating shelves or ledges to stow away freqently used items like pens, notebooks and computer accessories. Go for deeper shelving to store bulkier items like files, books and decor items.
Ladder Shelf
A ladder shelf adds visual interest and makes use of vertical wall space for accessible storage. Use it to stow away notebooks, paperwork, plants and knickknacks. Position it near your work desk for easy reach.
Corner Shelves
Make the most of unused corner space with angled corner shelves. They are great for keeping items like books, files and stationery organized while opening up floor area.
Use Drawers and Cabinets to Conceal Clutter
For a clutter-free look, conceal office supplies and paperwork inside closed storage like drawers and cabinets. Some clever options include:
Desk with Drawers
A desk with drawers built into its structure helps keep writing materials, files and other desk items neatly organized yet out of sight. Opt for a desk with deep drawers to maximize hidden storage.
Lateral File Cabinets
Lateral file cabinets fit under your desk or along a wall to provide closed storage for files, paperwork and other documents. The wide, low profile design saves space while hiding office clutter.
Cabinet with Doors
A simple cabinet with doors lets you conceal anything from books and binders to office supplies behind closed doors. Install one on the wall above your desk or opt for a freestanding cabinet.
Use Baskets and Bins for Contained Storage
Baskets and bins are versatile storage solutions that create tidiness by corralling smaller items. Some smart uses include:
Desk Drawer Organization
Use small trays, boxes and containers to organize the contents of your desk drawers. Sort items like pens, sticky notes, clips and other odds and ends into their own dedicated spaces.
Wall-Mounted Mail Organizer
Mount a wall-hung mail sorter near your work area to file away papers and letters out of the way. Use bins to sort mail by category.
Woven Baskets
Attractive woven baskets are perfect for stashing clutter like cords, extras supplies and other items. Use different sized baskets for different purposes.
Use Pegboards for Tool Storage
Pegboards create organised storage for tools and supplies that you use frequently. Install one on a wall near your workspace. Some ideas include:
Hang Frequently Used Items
Use pegs and hooks to hang often used items like scissors, rulers, staplers and headphones near your work zone for easy access. Outline or stencil tool shapes on the board to help keep things neat.
Organize Art Supplies
A pegboard with shelves lets you store and display art and craft supplies, keeping brushes, paint tubes, pens and other tools separate and easy to grab when inspiration strikes.
DIY Garage Workshop
Pegboards are ideal for garages and basements, allowing you to neatly store tools like hammers, wrenches and drills close at hand above a workbench.
Use Trays and Sorters for Easy Access Supplies
Trays and desktop organizers create easy access for the items you use most. Some functional approaches include:
Pen and Pencil Holders
Keep writing utensils of all kinds neatly corralled in cups, trays and desktop organizers instead of loose on your desk. Use separate holders for pens vs pencils.
Vertical File Sorters
Slim vertical sorters are great beside your monitor for organizing paperwork, allowing you to quickly locate a file or document when you need it.
Inbox Trays
Inbox trays help you sort papers and supplies into organized piles. Use them to separate projects, categorize papers or store different office supplies.
Use Magnetic Boards for Schedule Tracking
Magnetic boards allow you to neatly display important info like your schedule and to-do list for quick reference. Options include:
Whiteboard Calendar
A wall-mounted whiteboard calendar gives plenty of space to keep track of appointments, deadlines and events. Use colorful magnets to indicate important dates.
Magnetic Dry Erase Board
A dry erase board lets you write notes and to-do lists with markers, updating it throughout your day or week. The magnetic surface also holds reminders.
Magnetic Pinboard
A classic pinboard with a magnetic surface makes a great bulletin board for reminders, photos, notes and inspiring quotes. Keep it organized with magnet clips.
Store Craft Supplies in Clear Jars
For crafters, clear glass jars are perfect for neatly storing supplies like feathers, pom poms, beads, buttons and other small embellishments. Some ideas:
Label Jars
Use white sticker labels on the jars to clearly designate what’s inside each. This keeps your craft storage organized so you can quickly find what you need.
Display on Shelves
Line up clear jars on wall shelves, desk shelves or in cabinet interiors to neatly display contents. Grouping by color looks appealing.
Use For Organizing
Beyond craft supplies, jars work to organize other small items like paperclips, ribbons, rubber bands, push pins and more.
Use Over-Door Storage
Hanging storage over your door maximizes vertical space. Helpful options include:
Hanging Shoe Organizer
A hanging shoe organizer with multiple pouches is perfect for stashing small supplies like tape, sticky notes, clips and other desk items to keep them off your workspace.
Over-Door Pocket Organizer
Pocket organizers that fit over your door provide myriad spaces to sort and store paperwork, notebooks and other flat items you use regularly.
Wall-Mounted Rack
Install a rack over your door to hold things like cleaning supplies, extra paper, umbrellas and hats on hooks to keep them accessible but out of the way.
Store Media in Bookcases
Bookcases do double duty storing media and books while displaying decorative objects. Ideas for a tidy media library include:
Use Adjustable Shelves
Adjustable shelves let you customize bookcase storage to fit your media collection’s needs. Maximize space with vertically oriented media storage.
Incorporate Baskets
Woven baskets are great for storing remotes, cords and other media accessories. They can also hide cluttered piles of movies and games.
Add Doors
For a clean, concealed look, opt for a bookcase with doors. Close them to give your space a polished look and reduce visual clutter.
Use Hidden Spaces Creatively
Take advantage of the hidden nooks in your home office by stashing clutter discreetly out of sight. Possible spaces include:
Under Desk Storage
Slide storage bins and baskets under your desk to contain office supplies, tech accessories like chargers and cables, cleaning items or anything else you want out of sight.
Behind Desk Shelving
Install shelving that fits in the space behind your desk chair for back-of-desk storage. Use for books, files or personal items.
Inside Closet Storage
Make the most of a closet or wardrobe near your workspace. Install shelves and racks for storage or get closet organization systems to neatly stow supplies.
Label Storage Items Clearly
Labelling your office storage furniture, containers and baskets ensures everything has a designated spot. This keeps both you and others organized.
Use Desk Drawer Labels
Adhere clear labels to desk drawers designating contents like “Pens & Pencils,” “Staplers & Clips” or “Notebooks & Folders.”
Label Storage Boxes
For storage bins and boxes, use bold letter labels indicating contents like “Art Supplies,” “Tech Cords” or “Reference Files” for quick identification.
Create Wall Signs
For fixed furniture and wall storage like shelves and pegboards, stencil or print neat labels like “Office Supplies” directly on the walls.
Store Décor Items for Quick Access
The finishing touches like framed photos, plants and desk accessories make your office feel polished. Smart storage ideas include:
Wall Ledges
Ledges mounted on the wall to display framed photos, art and cherished objects keep them neatly showcased without occupying desk space.
Desktop Organizers
Rotating organizers neatly store desk items like notepads, trays and pen cups when not in use, but allow you to access them easily.
Drawer Organizers
Use drawer organizers to neatly store and access desk accessories like paper clips, staplers and tape dispensers inside your desk.
Keep a Minimalist Work Surface
Aim to keep your actual desktop clear of everything but your computer, keyboard and mouse. This looks tidy and removes distractions.
Store Work Tools
Keep manual work tools like staplers, scissors, paper clips and writing instruments stored in drawers and organizers so they are handy but not desktop clutter.
File Paperwork
Rather than piling loose paperwork on your desk, keep it neatly filed away in drawers, binders or wall organizers until needed.
Limit Personal Items
Resist covering your workspace with personal memorabilia. Limit items to framed photos, plants and a cup for pens to maintain a professional look.
Use Vertical Space
Installing storage vertically utilizes prime real estate to expand your workspace while preserving floor area. Ideas include:
Wall-Mounted Desk
A desk or work surface mounted on the wall leaves floor space open. Install shelves or cubbies above the desk for storing items within arm’s reach.
Floating Desk
A floating desk attached to the wall looks light and airy while also providing discreet storage space beneath for files, office supplies and tech accessories.
Wall-Mounted Cabinets
Cabinets can be installed on walls above desk level to provide storage that looks streamlined and saves floor space. Opt for cabinets with doors to conceal contents.
Create a Paperless Office
Reducing your reliance on paper files cuts down on office clutter. Helpful tips include:
Scan Older Documents
Scan documents over a year old to digitize your files and free up filing cabinets for current paperwork. This also makes papers searchable.
Back Up Files Online
Using cloud storage ensures important files are not only computer-based but also backed up externally in case of a crash. Popular options are Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive.
Limit Printouts
Ask yourself if you really need paper copies of emails, documents and photos. Printing less means less paper cluttering up your office. Review files digitally when possible.
Organize Your Closet Methodically
An organized closet optimizes the storage space to keep coats, shoes, supplies and more tidy. Useful approaches include:
Install Shelving
Closet shelving doubles hanging space by storing items you don’t hang like sweaters, hats, bags and boxes. Use shelf dividers and containers to sort items.
Group Like Items
Group and hang like categories of clothing together for easy outfit assembly. Hang coats together, blouses together, pants together and so forth.
Use Hanging Organizers
Hanging shelf organizers instantly create more storage space. Use them for shoes, accessories, luggage and clothes that don’t need to hang.
Maintain With Regular Purging
Regularly sorting through your office clutter prevents messes from accumulating. Set reminders to:
Toss Unneeded Paperwork
File or recycle papers you no longer need to prevent paper buildup. Shred documents with sensitive information before disposal.
Remove Infrequently Used Items
If you haven’t used it in a year, consider donating, selling or recycling infrequently used office supplies, décor and media.
Empty Trash Frequently
Empty your office trash bin at least once a week, or more if needed, to avoid clutter. Use liners to make cleaning the bin easier.
Conclusion
A clean, well-organized office minimizes distractions and helps boost productivity and creativity. Use storage furniture like shelving units, drawers and cabinets to neatly stow supplies while keeping a minimalist workspace. Organizational tools like trays, baskets and clear containers make contents visible and easy to access. Maximize vertical space with wall-mounted storage, and don’t forget your closet! Maintaining organization with regular purging prevents messes from accumulating. With these handy office storage ideas, you can enjoy a pristine home workspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions about keeping a home office neatly organized:
What are the best organizational systems for a home office?
Some top organizational systems are clear storage bins and baskets, inbox trays for sorting papers, wall-mounted shelving and racks, drawer organizers, and closet storage systems. Labelling all storage items clearly also helps maintain organization.
How can I declutter my home office?
Start by sorting through all paperwork and files and recycling or shredding anything unneeded. Remove office supplies you don’t use. Donate, sell or recycle unused electronics, media and furniture. Use storage containers to contain items you’re keeping.
Where should I put my office supplies?
Keep frequently used tools within reach on your desk in trays, cups or drawers. Use wall shelving, hanging racks, cabinets and drawers to store extra supplies neatly. Label all storage furniture and containers.
How do I organize my office closet?
Maximize closet storage by hanging clothes categorically, using shelving for folded items, and using hanging organizers for accessories, shoes and luggage. Keep clutter contained in baskets and bins. Install lighting so you can easily see contents.
What’s the best way to store media like books and DVDs?
Bookcases with adjustable shelves let you customize storage for your media collection. Incorporate baskets for accessories. Store books and media vertically to utilize space. For a streamlined look, opt for bookcases with doors.
How can I go paperless in my home office?
Scan older documents into digital files. Back up important files using cloud storage. Limit printing emails and documents, reading digitally instead when possible. Unsubscribe from catalogs and circulars, and file taxes electronically.
What office storage ideas can I use if space is tight?
Great office storage ideas for tight spaces include a wall-mounted drop-leaf desk, floating desk or wall-mounted work station. Install shelving above your desk area or use over-door storage. Store items under your desk or behind it using a space-saving wall shelf.
How often should I declutter my office?
Aim to declutter your office clutter on a regular basis, like taking 15 minutes every Friday to remove the week’s worth of paper buildup and other accumulated mess. Have a more thorough clean-out session monthly or seasonally where you purge unused items and deep clean the office space.
What’s the best way to organize office drawers?
Use drawer organizers and compartments to neatly divide contents. Label each drawer clearly with its contents like “Pens & Markers,” “Notebooks & Paperwork,” “Office Supplies,” etc. Store like items together, like writing utensils in one drawer, tech accessories in another.