Most messy desks aren't messy because of big things. They're messy because of cables, chargers, pens, earbuds and the dozen small objects that collect around a keyboard. Here are seven easy fixes to clear the surface and keep it that way.
1. Start with a clean sweep
Take everything off the desk. Only put back what you use every day, and find another home for the rest. It sounds obvious, but it's the step that makes the others work.
2. Box up spare cables and chargers
Spare cables, adapters and earbuds are the first things to spread across a desk. A compartment cable organizer box keeps them separated so they don't tangle, and its lid keeps out dust. It comes in small, medium and large. If your phone, watch and earbuds all charge at the desk, see how to set up a charging station.
3. Bundle and label the cables you keep plugged in
For cables that stay connected, run them along the back edge of the desk and bundle them with reusable hook-and-loop ties. A small piece of tape or a bread-bag clip labeled "monitor", "laptop" or "lamp" saves guessing when you need to unplug something.
4. Move the power strip off the floor
A power strip lying on the floor collects dust and leaves cables trailing down. Mounting it under the desk or against its back keeps the cable runs short and out of sight.
5. Add a drawer where there isn't one
Many desks, especially simple tables, have no drawers at all. A hidden under-desk drawer adds a slide-out drawer beneath the desktop for pens, sticky notes and small items, so they stay within reach without living on the surface.
6. Get things off the surface
Anything that can go up instead of sitting flat frees desk space. A metal headphone stand keeps headphones off the desk, and a desktop phone stand keeps your phone upright and visible instead of buried under papers.
7. Define your work zone
A desk mat marks out the area for your keyboard and mouse. It's a small visual cue that makes it easier to notice when clutter starts creeping in.
Keep it tidy
Take two minutes at the end of each day to put things back in their spots. With a place for everything, that's all it takes. Short on space? See small desk organization ideas. For more, read Desk Setup Essentials Under $30 or browse all our desk organizers.