4 Desk Makeovers, 1 Common Thread: Super Productivity!
Before
“My desk was such a source of anxiety for me. I don’t think it was about not having the time to clean it—I was just overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start. Yes, it was harder to work. I spent 10 minutes looking for things that could’ve been easily tucked into a file folder. Instead there were piles and more piles!”
After
“I can breathe. I don’t come to work every day feeling like it’s ‘woman vs. desk.’ I am more efficient. I am happier. I am not kidding.”
“No one wants to come in early or leave late because they are cleaning their desk,” says Klosky. “Suggest setting a monthly company cleaning time to get everyone in the office involved. It’s so much easier when you have someone to motivate you.”
Bonsai, $49.99; 1-800-Flowers.com. Magazine file, $4.99 for 2; Ikea. See Jane Work business card holder, $5.99; Office Depot. Desk calendar, $56; Sugar Paper.
It's all in the details
“Pick a time to hone in on one quick, small chore you’ve been brushing aside all year, like cleaning underneath your desk or making sure all your pens actually work,” says Klosky. “It’ll make a huge difference.”
Pens, $12 for 12; Poppin. Pen stand, $11; Kikkerland.
It's all in the details
If your files are front and center, you might as well make sure they look nice. Pick one color and stick to it—no matter how many papers you have jammed inside, they’ll appear more organized.
Elephant letter organizer, $25; Kikkerland. Smead file folders, $15.29 for 100; Office Depot.
It's all in the details
A bulletin board isn’t just for tacking up memos and reminder notes. Make it feel special. These frames, which are actually “hanging” on thumbtacks, give the desk a more polished feel.
Ribba frames, from $1.99; Ikea. Wallies chalkboarder peel and stick border, $21.95; Paper Source.
Before
“My desk was constantly cluttered, and as a result, I always felt stressed and frazzled. It made it hard to get any writing done—I would often just resign to doing it at home where a cleaner space meant more mental clarity.”
After
“I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Best of all, I’ve been much more productive, especially in terms of my writing. It’s been life-altering.”
“Digging into a big mess can be daunting,” says Klosky. “Break it down by organizing everything into three piles: don’t use, use, and will use. Get rid of don’t-use items, thoughtfully file the will-use ones, and keep the use stuff readily available.”
Lori Greiner cosmetic organizer, $29.82; QVC. Tape dispenser, $12; Poppin. Stapler, $14; Poppin.
It's all in the details
“Everything displayed on your desk should be used daily, or at least weekly,” says Klosky. “If it’s not, it is only creating unnecessary clutter. It’s simple: Organize it or get rid of it.”
Silver cup, $8; Save on Crafts. Pens, $14 for 28; Iomoi. Pencils, $15 for 14; Iomoi. Desk calendar, $36; Rifle Paper Co. IMM Living Aphrodite USB hub, $44; Burke Decor.
It's all in the details
“Knickknacks are a great way to showcase your personality in the office, but too many lead to a cluttered and distracting desk,” warns Klosky. “Pick a few statement pieces and stick with those.” Fortunately this set of bookends is both functional and cute.
Bookends, $39.99; Lamps Plus.
It's all in the details
Use what inspires you: Cover the walls of your cube with wrapping paper, fabric, or a collage of inspirational images. It will add tons of personality without taking up precious space.
Push pins, $15.90 for 100; Jam Paper. Fabric thumbtacks, $8.95 for 25; Paper Source. Wrapping sheets, $8.50; Rifle Paper Co.
Before
“Honestly, the clutter didn’t distract me when I was working, but there was always the danger of a book landslide, which was just annoying.”
After
“I love it! I have to admit, it’s nice to have a pretty space to work in. Also, since there was so much effort put into getting it that way, I feel a little guilty about not keeping it up. I guess you call that positive peer pressure.”
“Challenge yourself: Once a month, take 20 minutes to remove all the items you didn't use that month or don’t need for the next month,” says Klosky. “Put on some music and just get it done.”
Gift wrap, $10; Haute Papier.
It's all in the details
An in-box and out-box system is an easy way to keep papers organized. “As things come in, decide whether or not you actually need them right away,” says Klosky. “Don’t let mail or packages pile up. And sort everything that you can by date. That way, you know when it’s time to get rid of or file things away.”
See Jane Work letter tray, $6.99 each; Office Depot. Succulent Garden by Real Simple, $24.99; 1-800-Flowers.com.
It's all in the details
Certain things must be on your desk for easy access. But that doesn’t mean they have to be an eyesore. An orange stapler or green gorilla eraser, for example, are way more fun than the standard models.
Eraser, $11; Kikkerland. Pencil cup, $12; See Jane Work. Tape dispenser, $12; Poppin. Stapler, $14; Poppin.
It's all in the details
To save valuable space, look for items that are multipurpose. This monitor stand offers a built-in iPhone charging dock.
Monitor stand, $49.99; Rakuten.
Before
“I'm new here, and I didn’t know where to start with my desk. I have such a clear style in my apartment and wanted to bring in a little bit of that—I spend so much time sitting here every day, so I think it should feel like me. But of course I’m also a neat freak, so I need to make sure everything is super-organized.”
After
“I opted to store most of my supplies in my desk drawers and only keep the essentials out in the open—it leaves more room for fun accessories. I know it’s easy to go overboard with personal touches, but I like that I have pretty and decidedly non-office-y things to look at while I’m working. To me, it feels cozy, not corporate.”
Diary scheduler, $20.95; Mochi Things.
It's all in the details
Rather than rely on harsh overhead office lighting or standard task lights, consider adding a cool lamp. This adorable option casts a warm glow and seems more at home in a den than at a desk—in a great way.
The Emily + Meritt table lamp and shade, $119; PBteen. Flameless candle, from $12.50; Pottery Barn. Tape dispenser, $158; Iomoi.
It's all in the details
Your computer monitor should sit at eye level to prevent neck and eye strain. Rather than a standard computer raiser, try stacking a few of your favorite books to add color and personality. And keep your equipment sanitary. “Don’t think of it as cleaning, but as “healthing”—organizing and disinfecting,” says Klosky. “I like Lysol wipes for quick, regular keyboard cleaning.”
Frame, $12.99; Z Gallerie.
It's all in the details
“Ask your colleagues to use an in-box every time they drop something off at your desk,” says Klosky. “That way, you’ll know exactly where to find items rather than having them tossed randomly—and disruptively—into your workspace.”
Terrarium, $125; Uncommon Goods. Frame, from $4.99; Ikea. Desk set (covered dish not shown), $40; See Jane Work. Memo tray, $19.95; CB2. Acrylic desktop file, $24.99; The Container Store.
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