Home Office Organization Ideas

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Your home office is asked to do so much for you that home office organization is critical to making it work well for you. Let’s be honest, a lot of the work that is done in the office is not fun and the products of that work are not fun. That means that we often avoid organizing our home office and that’s where the trouble begins.

An organized home office makes work and life much easier, leading to a better mood all day. Agitation at work and at home can significantly impact other areas of your life – and it can all begin with a simple misplaced item or a pile of papers you just don’t know what to do with.

So no more frustration or dread when it comes to your office. These simple home office organization ideas, products and DIY projects will make your home office a functional and even happy space for you.

Home Office Organization

Here are 50 home office organization ideas, products and DIY projects to get your office in order and make it work for you.

Your Office Furniture Needs

• After you’ve decluttered your office and understand how long to keep documents, you need to determine your office furniture requirements.
• A desk or writing and computer area is critical. Choose a desk that fits not only your space, but also your usage needs. Also, consider a desk that fits you comfortably.
• If your desk doesn’t come with sufficient file drawer storage, you’ll want to look for roomier cabinets that have dividers for different purposes.
• A bookshelf can be useful in setting up an organized and functional office layout.
  • The rustic industrial look is popular. This bookshelf is stylish and functional. It also comes in a less expensive version.
  • A bookshelf can often be used as both a bookshelf and a file cabinet for a small office space. Place books and folders vertically on the shelves and put important files and papers, on the bottom shelf.
  • I use these bookshelf organizer files in my office. They hold a lot, look nice on your bookshelf and stand up on their own like a book.

File Organization

While many of us have gone paperless, there are still many hardcopy documents that you need to keep. And some of us still prefer paperwork over the digital version

• Identify the critical personal documents that need to be kept in a safe location. Check the list of personal documents how long to keep documents.
• Determine which files you need to access frequently and which you rarely access. You want to keep the ones you’ll more often closer to your desk and at a height that is easier to reach.
• Creating a file system is key to being able to find documents you need in the future.
  • I use my Organized 31 Tickler File System to keep track of pending paperwork and tasks. You can read about how to use the Tickler File System.
  • The Freedom Filer System is a popular color-coded filing system that has already been created and set up for you.
• Clearly labeling your files is the second step in creating an organized file system that works for you. My favorite file organization products are:
  • Smead Built-in Tab Hanging File Folders– The tab is built-in rather than a clip on tab that never stays in place.
  • Repositionable File Folder Labels – Being able to reposition the labels makes it easy to adapt your file system to your changing requirements.
  • This Brother Label Maker comes with file label templates so you can easily create easy-to-read file labels.
• Commit to always filing documents and paperwork away in the proper file. Don’t let paperwork pile up – that’s when it gets misplaced and lost.

You can find all my favorite office organizing products in my Organized 31 Amazon Store. And read about 21 Home Office Organization Ideas from Practically Functional.

Making Space in Your Office

Home office organization also means maximizing available space and making sure it is utilized properly.

• Organize the paper on your desk every single day so that you stay on top of it. These simple tips to organize paper on your desk make it a manageable task.
• Take advantage of vertical space in your office rather than keeping items on your work surface.
  • Hang file folders.
    • This expandable wall file organizer gives you the flexibility of expanding or collapsing in size and is space-saving.
    • If you like the farmhouse look, these wire wall file bins are for you.
    • This 10-pocket over-the-door wall file organizer is perfect for a small office space.
  • Place tall bookshelves or wall shelves in your office to hold items.
  • Use an over-the-desk unit for additional shelving.
    • This over-desk-shelving units come in adjustable versions that give you flexibility in your organizing.
  • Use peg board to hold office supplies and even files on the wall.
    • There are peg boards designed specifically for home office organization.
    • Or you can make your own from an upcycled frame and peg board purchased at the hardware store.

• Table lamps, especially large bulky ones, may take up a lot of space and necessitate an extra table or shelf. Look for space saving lighting options.
  • I have a slim LED floor lamp similar to this one in my office and it’s perfect for my needs.
  • A flexible gooseneck light that clamps on the side of your desk takes up very little space and provides task lighting.
  • A floor lamp with a flexible gooseneck allows you to direct the light in the office anywhere you need.
  • You can also try a hanging light or position one above your workstation so that you utilize wall space instead of valuable desk space.
• Minimize the keepsakes, tchotchkes and mementos you have on your desk. Keep these items on top of your bookshelf or other rarely used surfaces in your office.
• Don’t have too many machines. For example, a 3-in-1 printer is a spacesaving option rather than having a fax machine, a printer, and a photocopier. There are also apps that perform the fax machine and copier functions for you.
• Don’t leave snacks, cups and plates in your office. Even better, they shouldn’t be in your home office at all. You are at home! These items take up valuable desk space. Keeping them in the kitchen is a good excuse of a stretch and work break.

Computer Desktop Organization

While we’re focusing on the physical aspects of your home office organization, these tips for computer desktop and file organization will help you get a handle on your computer file organization.

Home Office Organization Hacks

• Keep a paper recycling bin and a shredder in your office. Immediately dispose of paperwork that you don’t need to keep. You can even make your own Office Paper Recycling Bins for free.
• Spice jars and even a spice rack can do wonders for holding paper clips, thumbtacks, and other small, necessary office items. You can repurpose empty spice jars from your kitchen or even find an affordable spice rack at the thrift store.
• Wires and cords can add clutter that both gets in the way and is unsightly.
  • Put away all cords and wires when not in use.
  • Discard the cords and wires that are not working or you have no idea what they go to.
  • Try to use wireless gadgets where possible. Wireless devices will keep your desk space and home office effortlessly organized.
  • Keep all cords and corded devices in a labeled bin when not in use.

• Being organized and productive also means being on time. Rather than constantly checking your phone or the corner of your computer screen, have an analog clock within view of your seat.
• Fond of using sticky notes? Rather than losing them in paperwork and planners, keep a dedicated space in front of your desk to stick them. You’ll always be able to locate your notes and the wall of sticky notes can serve as your visual To Do List reminders.

DIY Home Office Organization Ideas

• While we do a lot of our work online these days, we still need pens, pencils and highlighters. A penholder is often more convenient than keeping these items in a drawer. It’s easy to make your own.
  • Big Bang Theory Pencil Cup
  • DIY Computer Diskette Pencil Cup
• If you have sticky notes, note pads or other CD-sized items to organize, you’ve got to see this free upcycled tuna box for home office organization.
• Check out these 10 recycled office organizers -there’s something here for everyone’s office organization.

Keep these home office organization tips in mind and make sure your office is neat and organized. An organized office will help you be more productive and less stressed.

Find all my best organizing tips, hacks, printables and favorite products in the table below. You can scroll though the table and look for ideas or search for specific ideas with the magnifying glass in the upper right-hand corner (on desktop). Click on the topic and then click through the specific article.