Searching for some ideas on how to organize a desk without drawers? If so, this article is for you.
Having a desk without drawers will force anyone to pile up different things on the top and end up with a cluttered workspace. In today’s article, I will help you prevent that with some clever tips and tricks.
That said, let’s learn how to use the space you have nearby and make your desk more functional.
How To Organize A Desk Without Drawers?
If your room is small, it’s difficult enough to fit a desk of any size, let alone a large one with drawers and lots of storage space. However, don’t fret! You don’t need a large desk full of drawers anyway.
You can use the space you already have and creatively store your things. The following tips and tricks can help you make the most out of your desk without drawers, so let’s take a closer look.
Put the wall space to use
I would highly recommend that you take full advantage of the wall space behind your desk. In case your desk is in front of your window or not against a wall, move it against a wall, if possible.
Your wall makes a perfect storage and organization space. It can also prevent your things from falling off your desk. As you can see, not all hope is lost with a desk without drawers. You can use the wall for your office supplies and documents by installing shelves, of course, if you’re not renting the space.
If you’re renting the space, maybe your landlord won’t approve of drilling the wall. In that case, hang up vertical organizers with multiple compartments and utilize vertical space.
You can also hang a pegboard for keeping anything that clutters up your desk such as charging leads, headphones, connection wires, and similar things that you would usually store in desk drawers.
Additionally, apply pegs to the back of cups or holders to keep everything organized. The best part? You can easily rearrange the pegs to meet your needs in case your desk layout is changed.
Utilize the ends of your desk for extra storage space
If your desk isn’t situated in a tight corner, you should have access to the ends and utilize them to store things such as paintbrushes, power cables, headphones, etc.
Some individuals don’t like to have stuff hanging off the sides of their desks. If you don’t mind this, you can use every inch of your desk by adding the following things.
Add some hooks
Adding hooks is very simple. You can use some glue or nails to hang hooks to the ends of your desk. That way, you have enough space for charging cables, earphones, headphones, and any other wires you might need. This can make your desk look organized because wires look messy otherwise.
Tension bars
Tension bars make a great manner of expanding your storage. Once you’ve glued or screwed the bars in place, you can easily hang holders or pits off the bar and gain space for your pencils, pens, paintbrushes, or anything else. I usually use pots to keep acrylic pens, fine liners, and similar things.
Trays and organizers
You can also add some under-shelf trays to the ends of your desk. They’re perfect for holding things you don’t use that often such as reference books or printer paper. If you decide to add under-shelf trays, just ensure your knees aren’t going to be pushed up against them when you’re at your desk.
I would also suggest that you use things like magazine holders, trinket trays, and desk supply organizers. When having a desk without drawers, these things can help you organize better. You can use as many trays, holders, and desk organizers as you need, depending on the space available.
Utilize a monitor stand/riser
People usually utilize a monitor stand/riser to customize the position of the monitor and stop tension in the shoulder and neck muscles.
However, they forget that you can keep things in the available space underneath the stand. Therefore, if you have a monitor stand, place your laptop, office supplies, and some office files underneath the stand and use this free space smartly.
How about a keyboard tray?
The best way of organizing a desk without any drawers is to put wasted space to use. The underside of your desk is another open space that could keep your things.
Therefore, if you’re utilizing a desktop computer with a separate keyboard, a good keyboard tray can save the day!
Organize your paperwork
You can easily decrease paperwork with a two-folder system. Use one for the new documents that you still haven’t looked at. Also, mark it properly, so you don’t get confused.
The second can hold paperwork that you need to handle at the moment. Alternatively, you can utilize a box system or a two-level tray. I’m sure that if you look a bit closer, you will probably notice that you can digitize most of it. You will also notice that some papers belong to the trash.
Having a desk without any drawers is a blessing when you have a bunch of paperwork because as soon as your tray or folder is filled up, you’re basically forced to organize things.
Stationery woes
Do you really need loads of pens and pins for work? Not all your office supplies belong on your desk just like your whole week’s groceries don’t belong on your kitchen countertop.
In case you need a lot of pens and pins, then purchase a sideboard that keeps everything including extra folders, notepads, markers, clips, pins, work materials, etc. You can also keep a small tray that provides a space for everyday items such as sunglasses, keys, and other smaller stuff.
A separate storage cabinet
If your office is big enough, I highly suggest adding a separate storage cabinet if you have a desk without drawers. Your storage cabinet can keep all those things that you don’t want to display at your desk or all those less important things that you don’t utilize often.
If you own beautiful things that you would like to display, opt for a glass-front cabinet. You can also keep all your crucial papers in your storage cabinet. If you’re crafty, you can even create a storage cabinet out of wood instead of buying a new one and save money.
Use cable organizers
I hate cables because, with all the technology I use, they can easily get out of control and create a whole mess. If you have cords for your smartphone, computers, headphones, external hard drive, headphones, a desk lamp, and more, invest in a few cable organizers.
Keep a trash can nearby
When utilizing a desk without drawers, minimizing clutter can save a lot of space. So, keeping the trash can close to your workspace results in an organized desk.
You can quickly and easily get rid of anything that doesn’t belong to your desk such as old notes, papers, broken pens, etc. I would also recommend that you develop a cleaning routine that will keep your space clean at all times and decrease clutter regularly.
Additionally, as you work, put things back in their appropriate place once you don’t need them. Also, get rid of any garbage at the end of your workday.
Avoid multitasking
Although multitasking is a great skill, it’s also a lead cause of disorganization and mess on your desk. So, avoid multitasking unless you want your desk covered in papers at all times.
Complete one task at a time and your desk will stay organized. Also, after each task, remove all the things that you don’t need associated with the previous task and proceed with the next one.
Clean frequently
If you clean often, you will keep unnecessary things away from your desk and prevent disorganization. A quick clean once or twice a week can help you keep your desk organized.
You can store all unnecessary items on a shelf somewhere. Your desk should contain things that you use on a regular basis. Otherwise, your free desk space will be filled with useless things you don’t really need while wondering where to put all the things that you really need for work.
Wipe your desk daily
Wiping your desk every day will not only keep the dust away but also help you spot anything unnecessary that doesn’t belong to your desk. It will also help you get rid of all the trash. Therefore, develop a simple daily routine and arrange things on your desk while you wipe for a neat look.
Final Tips
Hopefully, these ideas can help you keep your desk organized. A pen holder, desk organizer, and other similar tools can help. However, that’s something you could have figured out yourself.
I’ve tried to list other original ideas that will not only help you organize your desk but also enhance your workspace. What’s your opinion on these ideas? Do you have any other organizational advice?
If so, drop a comment! Let’s exchange some opinions, suggestions, and experiences! Also, if you find this article useful, share it with people who look for ideas on how to organize a desk without drawers.
