If there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s this: I don’t work well in chaos. Recently, I came to terms with my office. Specifically, my desk.
I have a fairly small desk, by design. I have just enough space for my computer and a couple of monitors. The desk has only three small drawers that are so full of clutter, I can barely coax them to open. Upgrading to a larger desk with great big drawers is not a solution for me because I know myself. Without intervention of some kind, I'd manage to load up that big desk, fill up all those drawers, and end up with an even bigger dilemma.
I think I’ve figured out why this happens. When I’m working and I need something like a pen, I need it now. This moment. I don’t have time to rummage through stacks of paper, books, and manuscripts or these minuscule drawers to find a pen that actually works. When I can’t find what I need when I need it, it makes me want to sit in the corner and chew my hair.
Which brings me to the point of this column: desk organization. I did it. I took the time to do it right this time, and what a difference it has made. Wow. My desktop is clear and clean, and all my cables, cords, and connections are untangled, organized, and accessible.
And my three small drawers? They are so organized and beautiful, this desk now gives me the functionality of an ordinary desk twice its size. Here’s what I did:
Cables and Cords
My computer peripherals and chargers require a total of six electrical outlets. A Quirky Pivot Power Strip plus two Quirky Cordies (Walmart) have taken charge of keeping all my cables handy and beautifully organized. And the best thing: I can take my laptop with me, bring it back, find all the cables exactly where I left them, and be all ready to plug in. So handy.Drawers
This was tricky because my drawers are long, fairly narrow, and very shallow—just two inches. I need dividers of some kind that will fill the space but allow for good visuals so I can see what I have. Modular, clear, acrylic drawer organizers are just perfect and completely fill these drawers. Now, everything has a place and is in its place.Cable Box
My desk is not the only cable and cord station in this office. I have another power strip to handle the television, lamps, printers, adapters, lamps, and so forth, which creates an unsightly mess. I got a BlueLounge CableBox (Amazon), and is it slick. The power bar/surge protector fits inside the cable box, keeping it dust-free and everything well protected.Handy Caddy
A useful Rolodex caddy (Amazon) sits on top within handy reach. It’s not so big that it will accumulate a lot of clutter, but it is large enough to be useful.
I don’t know what’s come over me, but I’m not questioning it one bit. Getting my desk back up to full functionality has given me such a boost of energy, I’m ready to take on the world!
Next: My closet.
