18 Budget Friendly Desk Organization Ideas For a Productive Workspace

This post is all about desk organization ideas to create your dream work zone. 

If you are trying to spruce up your current desk setup and get it perfectly organized, you made it to the right place! 

Personally, I am SO much more productive when my workspace looks aesthetically pleasing and everything is in its place

This guide will give you plenty of creative storage solutions for your office supplies and tech gear that aren’t super expensive

Let’s dive into some simple solutions that will ensure the time you spend at your desk is productive and you’re not distracted by clutter

before and after cleaning desk
Photo by Annie Spratt Pexels

Clever Desk Organization Ideas

1. Declutter these items from your desk

decluttered desk setup

Before you start organizing and buying new organizers, start by taking everything out of your drawers!

Here’s a quick list of items you may want to toss or recycle:

  • Old papers, sticky notes & receipts
  • Dried out pens, markers & highlighters
  • Old or unused cables and chargers
  • Broken or duplicate office supplies like scissors, hole punchers, staplers etc.
  • Old mugs, water bottles, or snacks
  • Too much decor (or decor you no longer like)

2. Cork bulletin board for loose papers

cork bulletin board to organize papers
Photo by Ella Jardin

I love to use an old-school cork bulletin board to throw my ideas on.

These are great for vision boards and to keep your workspace clean. If you have loose papers, simply throw them up on the board to keep your desk clear.

3. Shelving desk combo

storage above a desk
Photo by Taryn Elliot

Try to keep as little as possible on your desk.

Use a desk that includes built in shelves to hold decor and boxes for extra paper and supplies.

4. Section your desk for various needs i.e. makeup/getting ready area

makeup organization on desk
Photo by Pexels

If your desk is in your bedroom, you may be using it for more than just working!

Section off different areas of your desk for your needs so that it doesn’t end up in a pile and every item has a designated spot.

{RECOMMENDED POST: 13 Life-Changing Ideas For How To Organize Your Small Bedroom}

5. Vertical wall storage with hangers

wall organizers near desk
Photo by Elsa Noblet

For a more modern look, skip the corkboard and opt for a wire hanger.

They serve basically the same purpose-to get loose papers off your desk but this style is less bulky.

6. Upcycle glass jars to hold small items

upcycled jars for storage
Photo by Ella Jardim

Don’t throw out those old jars!

Clean them up and leave them as is or decorate them for super cheap desk organizers. These are great for paper clips, tacs, erasers etc.

7. Pegboard for customization

If you use your desk for crafting you need a pegboard to go behind your desk.

I love that they are customizable so as your inventory grows you will have more storage. Hooks, baskets, and shelves work great on pegboards.

8. Bamboo phone stand

desk organizers
Photo by Enovate studio

Pick up a phone stand that comes with a charger.

This isn’t a necessity but it is helpful since you will always know where your phone is.

9. Hooks for backpacks, briefcase etc.

hooks near a desk
Photo by diimejii

Rather than hanging your backpack on the back of your chair or on the floor, pick up a simple hook to install near your desk.

Sometimes simple fixes can make the biggest impact.

10. Extra shelving to expand storage

shelves in home office
Photo by Slava Keyzman

Sometimes the best organization system just won’t do it and you simply need more space.

Add in some shelves beside your desk for extra pockets of storage.

11. Rolling cart for extra desk storage

If you don’t have enough space to add in extra shelves, a rolling cart can work wonders!

I love that you can roll them around as needed. Add in some smaller boxes or organizers and you’re all set.

12. Bright electrical tape on cords

No more confusion about which cord is which.

Use some bright electrical tape so you can quickly glance and see which cord you need.

13. Floating shelves above your desk

vertical desk storage
Photo by tranmau

Floating shelves are perfect if you want a minimalist look to your desk set up.

You can keep items out in the open or store them away in simple boxes. This gives a clean and uniform look to your space!

14. Upcycled cans for a budget-friendly option

DIY desk storage
Photo by Pexels

Clean out cans to save for cheap desk organizers. Cans are great for DIY organization because you can leave them as they are or decorate them.

If your office space has a rustic or farmhouse feel to it, upcycled cans will fit perfectly with that aesthetic.

{RECOMMENDED POST: 11 Unique Sustainable Office Supplies for a Greener Workspace}

15. DIY Macrame coaster

Protect your tech by making some macrame coasters! As you may have noticed, the major theme is that everything has a place and that includes your drinks!

Don’t let spills ruin your tech stuff or paperwork. Macrame is great because they’re cute and will absorb any spills.

16. Mini organizer tray for small desk organization

organizers for a small desk
Photo by Jeff Sheldon

If your desk is tiny or you don’t have drawers to use, a desk organizer is a must!

It holds just what you need and keeps it all compact rather than scattered across your desk.

17. Fabric organizer

If you love to sew, a fabric organizer may be the best option for you! I love the natural look that they give and they are wayyy more affordable than pricey desk organizers.

All of the little pockets give you plenty of space to keep your office supplies up and away from your desk.

18. Upcycle boxes for desk storage

Don’t throw out those cereal boxes or gift boxes!

Rather than spending a fortune on desk organizers, simply use what you have to keep your office supplies tidy.

Desk organization hacks

desk aesthetic inspiration
Photos by Pexels

I hope these desk organization tips help to simplify your life!

I seriously cannot focus if my desk is a mess so these organization hacks have truly transformed my productivity. I hope they help you just as much!

Have any other clever desk organization ideas? Let us know in the comments below! I’m sure others in the community would love to learn from you as well.

Stay well, 

Maggie

This post was all about simple desk organization ideas.

Other home organization posts you may like: 

11 Clever Living Room Organization Ideas For a Simplified Space 

Copy These Easy Apartment Kitchen Ideas for Renters

Exactly How to Create an Eco-Friendly Coffee Bar in Your Home, Business, or Office

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an organized desk

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