You don’t need us to tell you there’s something deeply rewarding about a tidy space. The process of removing clutter and sitting within a clean, minimal environment brings a familiar fresh feeling that echoes into your own mental clarity. I like to think of it as a being parallel to the satisfaction of a first sip from your fav' hot beverage, or the first line of ink flow from your favourite pen. Everything is working as it should, without disruptions. A glimmer some call it.
But this calm state isn’t always easy to achieve. Especially in a messy space.
Loose notes, a lucky dip of inkless pens, floating scraps, an overspilling pen pot - moder, busy lives certainly have a way of piling up. If this sounds familiar, your workspace might be feeling more on the chaotic side than calm. Certainly not the serene environment that we were transporting ourselves too in the introduction above. Maybe you’re frustrated, struggling to let go of clutter, and yearning for a satisfying sense of order again. Especially if you're the type who gets a thrill from a colour-coded system or a perfectly sharpened pencil. We certainly do.
So, how do you get an organised, decluttered desk? This guide will talk you through the key tips to organising your desk and stationery. Keeping it not only tidy but also looking swish and stylish. A strong way to bring joy to your workspace every day.
Why an organised desk matters
A well-ordered desk is a balm for the brain. It clears mental clutter, sharpens focus, and looks great. Not only that but being able to find everything you need, when you need it can have a big improvement on your productivity and focus.Â
How to organise your workspace (Without losing your mind)
Top tip? Think of your desk as a new room. Imagine you’ve just moved and have a blank space to curate. It’s not a dumping ground. It’s a place to arrange with intention, texture and purpose.
Step 1: Clear the Space
Start with a blank canvas and clear your desk space. Gather everything you own and lay it all out, yes, even the mystery drawer. Seeing it all in one place helps you take stock.
Step 2: Clear the Clutter
Be ruthless. Round up the rogue bits and bobs. What haven’t you used in the last year? Test every pen. If it doesn’t work, clear it out. Photograph the notes you need to add to your to do's, and recycle the scraps.
Step 3: Categorise (Our Favourite Step)
Group your keepers by categories. Felt pens, gel pens, notepads. Match lids with pens and bring some order to that ever-growing pile of 'essential stuff'. This can help you with the clearing again too, as you may not of realised how many versions of the same item you have. i.e Hello 10 yellow highlighters.
Step 4: Contain
Now for the fun bit. Bring in the storage. A stylish stationery organiser, pencil cases, boxes, trays and folders, for all that has earnt their place. Let these organisers shape the personality of your space and contain your favourite, everyday tools.
Step 5: Curate
Take one final look now that you’ve contained your items and be honest. Do you really need five pencils in the same grade? Keep what brings you joy and what you actually use. Donate or recycle the rest. Everything else is visual noise. Removing it creates space for clarity and creativity.
Now that everything’s sorted into containers, it’s time to curate where those containers live. Label your storage trunks and files. Place everything somewhere that looks good and feels easy to reach. If it’s not accessible, you’re less likely to use it – and that’s when clutter creeps back in.
After these five steps, your desk isn’t just tidy. It’s styled, curated and ready to be shown off.
This reset means no more rummaging or testing dried-up pens. Just a smooth glide to your favourite tools and your next great idea.
How to organise your stationeryÂ
Now let's look into step 4 in more detail. We'll walk you through how to contain and organise specific stationery types within your space.
1. The stationery storage trunk
A stationery box is a blessing. Roomy enough for the odd bits that don’t fit in drawers or pen pots. It hides clutter while looking good. Add labels to the front to make everything easy to find, without compromising on style.
Bonus: they’re closable and portable. You can take your writing setup from desk to park bench to bed (no judgement).
Look for compartments so every item has a home. Or stackable boxes to build a little stationery tower. Extra points if you colour-match them to your room.
2. A clear pencil case
These clear pencil cases are extremely popular with teachers for avoiding hidden notes. No cheating please. Although, they're not just for the classroom. I use one as a makeup bag because it's hugely convenient to see exactly what you have and where to reach for it.Â
Using these clear pencil cases makes organising your desk drawers a dream come true. Store each category in a different case and keep one on the desk with your favourite most used items for easily picking it up and taking it to the office.
How to organise your paper
Whether you choose a tactile folder, a recycled tray or a concertina file, the key is to organise little and often. Paper piles up fast. Bills, letters, lists, receipts. Left unchecked, they can take over your space and feel out of control.
Create clear zones: urgent, to action, to file, and in the filing stage, keep it simple. Use labels, clips, trays.
Be sure to use fun paper clips, and folders that match your space and aesthetic. When it looks good? You’ll be more likely to keep it up.
How to organise your pens
A good pen organiser for desks keeps tools upright, visible and ready to go. The pens you rely on deserve better than a pot of broken biros.
Choose a weighted pot, a wooden rack or a repurposed ceramic. Pick something that feels good when you reach for it and adds character to your space.
Always reaching for the same few pens? A good-looking pencil case is your friend. Portable and stylish, it keeps your tools close whether you’re working at a desk or on the move.
Finishing touches
This is where it gets fun. Add texture with linen, wood, metal. Match your organisers to your interiors. Let your notepads double as colour pops. Leave out a pen you actually want to use.
A desk is where the real magic happens - lists, notes, ideas. Let it reflect who you are.
-
Decluttering doesn’t have to be clinical. It can be creative, tactile and expressive. It’s an act of care, like tidying a garden before the next season of growth.
So go on – open the drawers, shake out the pouches, line up your pens like the fine tools they are. A clear desk means clear thinking. And for stationery lovers, that’s where the good stuff begins.
P.S. Don’t forget to add a little of you. The best desks don’t just look tidy, they feel like home.
