The following is a guest post from regular contributor, Kristin at The Gold Project.
Organizing an office can be a little overwhelming. When my husband and I purchased our first home, we decided to use the dining room space as an office. I was so excited about having a space for my fun office supplies that I ran out and thought I needed every cute basket and bin that was on the market. I didn’t think about my purchases before making them because I knew I was going to need them. That is until I started organizing everything and realized I wasted way too much money.
Through that experience, I learned that I need to evaluate my space and needs before making any purchases. Then to take it one more step and look at the collection of organizing products I already have on hand. There isn’t any need in spending unnecessary money.
We have been in our new home for a year and a half now. I have been slowly organizing my office space ever since and I think I finally have a system that works for me. I have the perfect amount of organizing products and I love them all. Today, I wanted to share my top 5 most useful and beneficial office organization products.
1. Binders
At the beginning of my office organization journey, I thought filing cabinets were the way to go for me. I created all of these color-coded labeled file folders with recipes, medical information, and anything dealing with the house and kids. Then, I realized it took way too much time to find what I was looking for. On the outside, my cabinet looked really organized, but inside each file folder was complete chaos. So, I had to rethink my system. I wanted something that was organized, but easy to look through and locate documents.
So, I tried a binder system and never looked back. I have everything from planner stickers to recipes and home emergency paperwork in binders. Every document is housed inside of it’s own sheet protector as well. I can see everything and flip through each binder without worrying about getting everything out of place.
My favorite binders are the Better Binders from Staples. I have them in all sizes and colors. They cost a little bit more, but they are very well made. I have tried many other binders in the past and none of them compared to this brand.
2. Divided Trays
Divided trays are a great way to store smaller office supplies like paperclips, sticky notes, and even pens. I have three of these trays in my office. I have one I use in what I call my mailing drawer. Each slot holds a different mailing supply: envelopes, business cards, thank you notes, and stamps. The other two hold pens, small sticky notes, and extra tape rolls.
3. Baskets
I am a huge fan of woven baskets. I have them in all shapes and sizes in my home. I even shared a post about how I organize my home using baskets. I like the fact that they hide unattractive items like cords and I think they add texture in places that may need it.
In my office, I have two woven baskets on my bookcase. One holds my label maker and the other holds camera cords, stands, and my microphone accessories.
4. Wall Organizers
There are some things in my office that I want to be able to get to very easily. I don’t want to have to search through drawers or binders to find them. Those things get placed in a wall organizer. I have an IkeaKvissle wall organizer that I use as a holding station for bills to file, coupons, and receipts. This unit creates such an easy system and one that has benefited me greatly since I purchased and installed it.
5. Small Drawer Units
I like to keep some office items in small drawer organizers on top of my desk and craft station. I like the way they look and they also make the contents easy to get to. I have one that houses all of my washi tape and another that holds my list pads and sticky notes.
What products do you find are the most beneficial when organizing an office?
My name is Kristin and I am a middle school career education teacher by day and a mommy/wife/blogger by night. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have two loving children. We recently made a life-changing move to Arkansas, so our new house is always under construction. I get excitement out of finding new creative, functional, and cute ways to organize things! I also enjoy writing and documenting life as it happens. So, I put these loves together and created The Gold Project. With the help of my husband, I am attempting to turn our house into a home. So, check out this special place of mine and take this journey with me!
Linda Neely says
May I ask where you got the small, clear drawer unit that you use for your washi tape, & what you use inside the drawers to keep the tape sorted. I have been searching for ideas for storing my washi tape, & your idea is my favorite by far. Thank you!
phoebe says
May I ask where you got the small, clear drawer unit that you use for your washi tape, & what you use inside the drawers to keep the tape sorted. I have been searching for ideas for storing my washi tape, & your idea is my favorite by far. Thank you!
Laura Wittmann says
You can find them on Amazon. Here you go: http://amzn.to/2CE9hpw (affiliate link)
JJ says
But the amazon product link is to the drawers without the interior dividers. Those are key!