Keeping a desk organized is challenging at best, but can feel almost impossible when working on a small desk with a limited work surface.

Trying to find storage solutions for your small desk can be equally challenging.  Large desk hutches can overwhelm a small desk or office and a variety of pen holders, post-it pads and random small desk accessories can themselves result in clutter!

One way to maximize the desk top surface is to use a Desk Top Riser.  This unique desk organizer is a shelf that sits on your desk (like a desk hutch, but much smaller) with storage space below.  This one pictured below includes shelf dividers, so that you can store books or reference materials without fear of them falling off and knocking over your hot cup of coffee!

The Desk Top Riser is only about 12” deep, which is deep enough to hold your miscellaneous office items, but not too deep to overpower your desk.

For even smaller desks, try the Desktop Accessory Shelf.  Although, smaller than the Desk Top Riser, pictured below, includes a built-in pull out drawer below for small office supplies.

If your desktop or laptop computer takes up most of the desk surface, you could try the Desk Monitor Stand.  The Desk Monitor Stand includes a pull out drawer beneath with storage for office supplies, plus two side compartments to hold files, CDs or important documents.

Desk organizers are designed only to organize your everyday office supplies, so schedule time everyday to file away papers and tidy up the clutter!

Jacquie Ross is a Maryland based Professional Organizer, writer, speaker and owner of CastAway the Clutter! Jacquie has been writing for Home Storage USA since 2007 and is presently the “Ask the Organizer” expert. A member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), NAPO-Baltimore Chapter, and Maryland Association of Professional Organizers, she shows homeowners how to reclaim their time and space, and offers organizing and time management workshops and group presentations. Contact Jacquie here. Visit CastAway the Clutter to sign up for her free organizing tips and learn more about her presentations at www.castawaytheclutter.com

Getting the kids back into a routine of homework and studying can often be a challenge, so having a dedicated place in your home for this purpose can make all the difference. Studies show that children develop good study and work habits and will stay more focused if they have a specific area to study and do their homework.

If you live in a small space and cannot sacrifice one specific area, try to determine an area where you can set up a temporary homework station or mini office. Add more lighting, if necessary and a comfortable chair are essential. It’s also important to try to keep distractions to a minimum, like TV and siblings.
Use organizing products and accessories to hold the supplies needed for homework, e.g. reference books, pencils, paper, etc. Here are some desk organizing product ideas that will help to keep the school supplies at bay:

Magazine Holders: Magazine holders can be used, not only for magazines, but also for books. Be sure to purchase a magazine holder sturdy enough for the books you will be storing.

Storage cubes: Storage cubes can also be used to hold books. If they are turned sideways, they can be used as cubbies. Or you can simply place the books inside with the spine facing outwards. Or use for any school supplies.

Bookcases: You may want to even consider adding a bookcase to the homework or study area.
Try a tall narrow bookcase, like the one pictured on the right, which is less than 17” wide. This bookcase storage shelf takes up a very little wall space, but adds height and elegance to any room.

Folding shelves are a perfect temporary option, because you can simply fold them up and store flat whenever you need to!

Document trays: Document or paper trays can be used to organize school papers coming home. Teach your child to place incoming papers in the appropriate tray for you to review.

See the Modular Office System for some storage and organization ideas.

Jacquie Ross is a Maryland based Professional Organizer, writer, speaker and owner of CastAway the Clutter! Jacquie has been writing for Home Storage USA since 2007. A member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), NAPO-Baltimore Chapter, and Maryland Association of Professional Organizers, she shows homeowners how to reclaim their time and space, and offers organizing and time management workshops and group presentations. Jacquie can be reached at jacquie@castawaytheclutter.com. Visit CastAway the Clutter to sign up for her free organizing tips and learn more about her presentations at www.castawaytheclutter.com