Clear the Clutter: Office Organization Tools and Supplies to Help You Thrive
A messy workspace might seem harmless, but it can quietly drain your productivity, add unnecessary stress to your day, and stifle creativity. Whether you're working from home, managing a team, building a business, or pursuing a side hustle, your environment matters. The good news? You don’t need to do a full renovation to feel better in your workspace—you just need the right tools.
Welcome to The Organized Office, your guide to the best organization tools and office supply finds that will help you declutter, refocus, and thrive in your workday. These aren’t just cute containers (though we love those too). These are intentional tools designed to streamline your workflow and elevate your space.
Let’s clear the clutter—and set the stage for your most productive self.
Why an Organized Workspace Matters
We often underestimate the power of physical environment. But multiple studies show that the state of our surroundings can directly impact cognitive function, motivation, and mental clarity. A cluttered space leads to mental fatigue. An organized one helps your brain stay focused and alert.
Here’s how a tidy office contributes to better work:
Time savings: No more searching for that one charger, notebook, or receipt.
Mental clarity: Visual clutter distracts your brain even when you don’t realize it.
Professional energy: You show up differently in a space that’s thoughtfully arranged.
Creative inspiration: Clean surfaces and curated tools help ideas flow more freely.
Now let’s talk tools. From storage systems to stylish office staples, here are the best ways to organize your workspace without sacrificing personality.
1. Smart Desk Organization Tools
Your desk is the heart of your workspace. Keeping it clear doesn’t mean sterile—it means purposeful.
Monitor Riser with Built-in Storage
This simple addition does two big things: raises your monitor to eye level (hello, better posture) and gives you hidden storage underneath. Look for versions with built-in drawers or compartments to hold notebooks, cables, or sticky notes.
Top Pick: Wood monitor risers with minimalist drawers—functional and aesthetically calming.
Modular Drawer Organizers
Your top desk drawer doesn’t need to be a junk zone. Use customizable drawer trays to keep small items like paperclips, push pins, pens, and batteries in order.
Look for: Clear acrylic or bamboo modular organizers. Both are clean, simple, and easy to move around.
Under-Desk Rolling Drawers
If your desk doesn’t have built-in storage, a rolling drawer unit is your new best friend. These discreet drawers fit under most standard desks and offer space for files, tools, or tech extras.
Pro tip: Choose one with locking wheels and a flat top—so it can double as a printer stand or extra surface space.
2. Paper and Filing Systems
Even in a digital-first world, physical paper tends to pile up. From receipts to mail to random printouts, it all needs a home.
Vertical File Sorters
These stand-up organizers are perfect for active projects or in-process paperwork. Keep one on your desk labeled with categories like “To Do,” “Waiting On,” or “File Later.”
Favorite Style: Gold wire or matte black metal. Sleek enough to leave out, useful enough to keep papers from overtaking your space.
Desktop File Boxes
If you prefer to keep files close at hand, a small file box can do the trick. Opt for one that fits hanging folders and can be tucked away in a cabinet or shelf when not in use.
Look for: Wood or linen-wrapped boxes with handles—functional, but elevated in design.
Mail Sorters
Tired of unopened mail stacking up? A mail sorter with multiple slots helps you manage incoming items and ensures nothing gets lost under a pile of papers.
Bonus tip: Pair this with a small recycling bin or shredder nearby, so you can handle paper as soon as it arrives.
3. Shelf and Wall Storage Solutions
Not everything needs to live on your desk. Using vertical space is one of the easiest ways to keep your surfaces clear and still have what you need close by.
Floating Shelves
Install floating shelves above your desk to store books, display decorative items, or keep office supplies in easy-to-reach containers. Keep them styled but functional.
Tip: Use matching bins or baskets on the shelves to store things like chargers, notebooks, or product samples.
Pegboards and Grid Panels
A pegboard or metal grid can be mounted to your wall to hold tools, supplies, or even plants and decor. Add hooks, baskets, or clipboards for customization.
Perfect For: Creative workspaces, craft rooms, or business owners who like to see inventory at a glance.
Wall-Mounted Document Holders
Great for those who need quick access to folders or forms. Mount a document rack near your workspace and use it to organize by client, month, or project type.
4. Supply Storage with Style
Your office supplies deserve better than a junk drawer. With the right tools, even paper clips and sticky notes can feel organized and intentional.
Desktop Supply Caddies
Perfect for everyday items—pens, scissors, markers, and highlighters. Look for rotating options if you have a lot of tools, or minimalist cups if you prefer a clean aesthetic.
Pair With: Matching pen holders, tape dispensers, and staplers for a unified look.
Labeled Bins and Boxes
Clear bins with labels are perfect for storing things like backup office supplies, shipping materials, or product samples. Label each bin clearly so you don’t waste time digging through them.
Pro Tip: Use a label maker or printed tags for a polished touch.
Stackable Trays
Paper trays aren’t just for inbox/outbox use. Use them to sort different types of notebooks, client materials, or pending paperwork. Stackable trays free up space and give everything a home.
5. Personal Touches That Support Productivity
Finally, don’t forget that your space should feel like yours. Organization isn’t about turning your office into a showroom—it’s about creating an environment that supports how you work and what you value.
Here’s how to add intention to your setup:
Inspiration Board: Pin up your goals, photos, or words that keep you going.
Daily Planner or Whiteboard: Keep your to-do list visible and updated.
Plants: A small plant or succulent can make a big difference in how a space feels.
Lighting: Use a desk lamp with adjustable brightness so you’re never squinting or working in gloom.
Comfort Items: A cozy throw, ergonomic chair cushion, or even a candle can help your workspace feel like a place you want to be.
Checkout the Blog Post:
Style it Up: Decor Ideas and Budget-Friendly Finds For Your Home Office
Final Thoughts: Tidy Is a Tool, Not a Goal
It’s tempting to aim for picture-perfect. But the real purpose of organizing your office isn’t to impress—it's to make your work easier, smoother, and more aligned with how you operate best. The best organization systems are the ones that make sense to you.
Start small. Pick one drawer, one surface, or one category of clutter to tackle. Add one or two of the tools above. Then watch what happens—not just to your space, but to your productivity and peace of mind.
Because when your office is organized, your ideas have room to grow. And when you tidy with intention, you create space to thrive.
This post is part of our Series "The Feel-Good Office: A 5-Part Guide to Redecorating Your Work-From-Home Space” blog series, where we explore how to build a workspace that supports your goals and reflects your style. Up next: “Office Organization Ideas That Actually Work”—a deeper dive into storage hacks, space-saving systems, and realistic routines to keep your office clutter-free for good. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining what you’ve got, this series will guide you every step of the way.
Checkout the “The Feel-Good Office” Series
