Creating a functional workspace at home is a small project that pays you big rewards.
Whether you're setting up a workspace from home (even outdoors!), Classroom, or study area, these smart accessories and organization tips will help you create a desk that works for your needs.
Rachel Hoffman, an organizational expert and author of "Unf * ck Your Habitat" and "Cleaning Sucks," has some general tips for setting up a small work area at home.
"People tend to look at the desk itself as the only available storage space, without considering the areas above, below and next to it, which create additional space," he says.
For people who can't install anything on their walls, supporting a pegboard with storage accessories can help clear many desk items without losing sight of them.
Beautiful Pegboard ($ 24.99;
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White Metal Board Pack ($ 38.99;
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Bello Pegboard Shelf ($ 7.99;
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Pegboard Hook Assortment, 80 Piece ($ 16.99, originally $ 19.99;
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Beautiful Pegboard Long Shelf (US $ 12.99;
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Desk shelf organizer
Creating more desk space can be as simple as investing in a narrow tabletop shelf that can rest on a desk.
Look for styles that offer open shelving to store agendas, notebooks, and mail supplies, as well as a few drawers to hold smaller items like phone chargers.
Tribesigns Desk Shelf with Drawers ($ 41.97
;
amazon.com
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Ollieroo Desk Organizer with Extendable Storage ($ 33.99;
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Paulina Desk Riser ($ 69;
urbanoutfitters.com
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Monitor stands can also create additional vertical space on the desk itself - models that have built-in cubicles or drawers offer more storage than simple shelf-style designs.
Sundale Monitor Stand with Storage Drawers ($ 49.99;
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Valen Monitor Stand with Organizer Drawer ($ 36.99, originally $ 45.99;
amazon.com
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Clip-on desktop storage
Another way to free up valuable desk space is to invest in storage that clips or hangs from your desk or other nearby furniture.
These products can also help solve very specific problems you may have, like where to store a pair of headphones when not in use.
Lifting Under Desk Storage Shelf ($ 24.95;
amazon.com
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Eurp Headphone Holder ($ 12.99, originally $ 14.99;
amazon.com
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Stand Steady 3-in-1 Clamp-On Desk Organizer ($ 29.99, originally $ 57.99;
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Jgstkcity Desktop Clamp Power Strip with USB Ports ($ 33.99, originally $ 43.99;
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DIY desk organizer
Hoffman offers another smart storage solution, one you can already have in your home.
«I am a big fan of using a space that is not necessarily the desk itself as a small bookcase, a rolling cart, a dresser, a side table with storage or even a nightstand on the floor below or next to your desk, which will immediately expand your storage options, ”he says.
Holly Homer, blogger for One Crazy House, says she uses a rolling cart to store her printer, scanner, and paper supplies, as well as phone and headphone charging cables.
Walsport 4-Tier Metal Rolling Utility Cart ($ 56.99, originally $ 65.99;
wayfair.com
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Slanted shelving ($ 229;
urbanoutfitters.com
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Romoon 4-Drawer Fabric Sideboard ($ 59.99;
amazon.com
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Desk Organizer Tray
Desk organizer trays that hold pens, scissors, sticky notes, and other office supplies are typically designed for use at the desk, but wall-mounted systems are readily available and are a good space-freeing solution.
Perch Magnetic Modular System Components (Starting at $ 7.99;
containerstore.com
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5-Piece Vertical Storage System ($ 69;
urbanoutfitters.com
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If using vertical shelf space isn't an option, look for a desk organizer tray with a small footprint that doesn't take up a lot of floor space.
Office Oasis Office Accessories Caddy ($ 34.95, originally $ 39.95;
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Coolbros Elephant Pencil Holder With Phone Holder Desk Organizer ($ 9.99;
amazon.com
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Homer has one last piece of advice for people who are serious about streamlining their home workspace.
"Something that changed my life forever was getting an easy-to-use scanner and getting organized with my digital files," he says.
"When you can eliminate that pile of papers on your desk, you will be surprised how few things you really need."
Brother Compact Mobile Document Scanner ($ 89.98, originally $ 149.99;
amazon.com
)
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.
