The Best Desk Organizers for Your Home or Office

Keep your work space working with a desk organizer that’s uniquely suited to organize your most essential office supplies and gadgets.

By Alisa Martin | Updated Jan 29, 2021 12:42 PM

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The Best Desk Organizer Option

Photo: amazon.com

Keeping your desk space tidy can help increase productivity and focus. Being organized also can help reduce anxiety. From paper to cords, everything needs a dedicated space to make workflow predictable and effortless because searching under piles of paper for a pen isn’t the best use of time when you need to jot something down.

Whatever work-related tasks you need to manage throughout the workday, there’s an office accessory designed to help. Larger desk accessories, such as filing cabinets and bookshelves, can help define an office space, while desk organizers keep small essential office items at your fingertips.

To help with your search for a desk organizer, some of the best desk organizers for your home and office are featured here, based on a variety of situations.

  1. BEST OVERALL: SimpleHouseware Mesh Desk Organizer
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: AUPSEN Mesh Office Supplies Desk Organizer 
  3. BEST MULTIFUNCTIONAL: UnionBasic Leather Office Desk Organizer
  4. BEST FOR A SMALL DESK: Bambloom Monitor Stand Riser Desk Shelf Organizer
  5. BEST FOR STUDENTS: Jerry & Maggie Adjustable Wood Desktop Organizer 
The Best Desk Organizer Option

Photo: amazon.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Desk Organizer 

When considering which desk organizer is best for you, it’s helpful to consider how much space is available and how many items you’d like to organize. The types of items you’ll be storing also are key considerations. Whether you plan to store only small items or need to keep documents and books in your desktop organizer can dictate which option is best. The following are some important features to consider when choosing the best desk organizer to keep your work space clutter-free.

Design

The items that you’ll be storing can help determine the desk organizer design that’s right for your needs. Books and files can require upright storage designs, while smaller items can fit in other storage spaces, such as shelves, drawers, and compartments.

In conjunction with function, form also can play an important role in your choice. Some office accessories can blend into the design of your home or office, and others can make a statement, such as an industrial or executive look.

Size

There is a range of desk organizer sizes available. The size of the organizer you choose usually depends on the size and amount of items you need to organize, but it also needs to fit the size of the desktop. An organizer that’s too big can monopolize precious workspace, while an organizer that’s too small may not meet your storage needs.

Weight 

A desktop organizer’s size and material affects its weight. Plastic can decrease an organizer’s weight, but it may not be as sturdy as other materials. Materials such as metal and wood increase weight and can support heavier objects like books.

Compartments

When considering which type of compartments to look for in an organizer, a good place to begin involves assessing what’s currently on your desk. Small compartments are ideal for little items, but shelves can more easily store books.

Also, consider how visible you would like your supplies. Cube storage is open so you can see and easily access supplies, while drawer storage lets you hide items that may not be required on a daily basis.

Our Top Picks

When it comes to finding the best desk organizer for your needs, you have quite a few options to consider. The following desk organizers include the best combinations of the above characteristics that make a desk organizer most functional. Keep reading to learn about some of the best desk organizers in a variety of categories.

Best Overall

The Best Desk Organizer Options: SimpleHouseware Mesh Desk Organizer
Photo: amazon.com

The SimpleHouseware Mesh Desk Organizer combines upright storage with three levels of storage. Use the five upright compartments for file folders and notebooks and to organize mail, paper, and books. The middle open shelf can hold sticky notes, a stapler, or smart devices. Keep pens, highlighters, paper clips, and staples separate in the three-compartment drawer. The lightweight metal organizer is 13.25 inches by 13 inches by 9 inches and is offered in black and silver.

Best Bang for the Buck

The Best Desk Organizer Options: AUPSEN Mesh Office Supplies Desk Organizer
Photo: amazon.com

The AUPSEN Desk Organizer mesh metal organizer has a powder-coated surface that’s rust resistant. The organizer is great for a writing desk or home office space that isn’t overwhelmed with clutter but could still use a space for basic supplies. Store a variety of supplies such as notebooks, pens, or a stapler in one of the three open compartments, and hide paper clips or staples in the drawer. The organizer is 8.7 inches by 5.5 inches by 5 inches and comes in black, dark gray, gold, rose gold, and white.

Best Multifunctional

The Best Desk Organizer Options: UnionBasic Leather Office Desk Organizer
Photo: amazon.com

The UnionBasic Office Desk Organizer gives a contemporary feel to a traditional-style organizer. Stash your pens, smartphone, and other small essentials in any of the seven compartments. The mix of small and large compartments and a sliding drawer is covered in a faux-leather material that is easy to clean. It is 11.22 inches by 5.7 inches by 5.7 inches and is available in 16 colors.

Best for a Small Desk

The Best Desk Organizer Options: Bambloom Monitor Stand Riser Desk Shelf Organizer
Photo: amazon.com

This modern monitor stand riser gives a contemporary look to storage for a small desk space. The riser has two drawers for essentials like notepads, index cards, and a calendar. The drawers also are removable if an open cubby space is preferred. The top of the riser features a cupholder, pen, and a nook for your smartphone. Slide a keyboard and a mouse into the open space under the riser. In addition to storage, the riser keeps the computer monitor at eye level while working to help reduce fatigue. The riser is 22 inches by 10.6 inches by 4.7 inches and comes in black, natural, gray, pink, and white.

Best for Students

Best Desk Organizer

The Jerry & Maggie Desktop Organizer provides compartments for storing books, notebooks, and small storage containers. The desk organizer is composed of two units that can be adjusted and rotated according to your needs. The flat surfaces and sturdy construction can keep heavy and bulky items near without overwhelming the work space. Composed of natural wood, the two units can be used side by side for maximum storage. The organizer comes in black, white, white wood tone, and natural wood tone and is 6.8 inches by 15.8 inches by 16 inches.

FAQs About Desk Organizers 

Now that you have narrowed your desk organizer choices, knowing how to start organizing your desk space can still feel a bit overwhelming. Here are a few common questions and answers to help you get started.

Q. What is the best way to organize my desk?

The best way to organize your desk is by prioritizing space for your most frequently used items, such as pens, note cards, and a mouse. Make sure to leave space for reading and writing, and employ a system or product to keep cables accessible and untangled. Less frequently used items can be stored in drawers or storage containers.

Q. How can I keep my desk clean and organized?

When keeping your desk organized, it’s a good idea to begin with decluttering and removing unnecessary items that may distract. Plan your desk’s layout and designate spaces and storage for desktop essentials.

Q. What side of the desk should the phone be on?

For right-handers, it’s recommended to place the phone on the left side of the desk so the right side of the desk is clear for writing and note-taking.