Organized teacher desk

Calm the Clutter with Teacher Desk Organization Tips

Teacher desks often become chaos by the end of the week—or sometimes even by the end of the school day! These teacher desk organization tips are easy to implement and will help you control the clutter! With a range of solutions, you’re sure to find one that will help keep you sane.

(Note: WeAreTeachers may collect a small portion of the profit from links within this article. We only showcase items we love!)

1. Start a teacher toolbox

Not enough drawer space? Keep all of the essentials at your fingers tips with a multiple drawer toolbox kit like this! The best part is you can customize it however you like (even include a drawer for chocolate pick-me-ups).

Source: @teachingprimarywithkatelyn

2. Add a cart for extra storage

Extend your desk with a storage cart for more organization space. The mobility of the cart also allows you to bring it around the classroom if you store items you may want to grab as you teach a lesson.

Source: @thepinspiredteacher

3. Utilize the wall space

Here’s a great solution to the cluttered desk. Using the wall space near your desk is a game changer! If you have a filing cabinet or magnetic surface nearby, add magnetic clips for papers, magnetic baskets for pens, or magnetic round tins for paper clips and tacks. If you don’t have a magnetic area, try command strips.

Source: @teacherinthejungle

4. Lazy Susan to the rescue

Lazy Susans aren’t just for spices in the kitchen! Try one out on your desk and give it spin to pick up exactly what you need.

Source: @marleymegb

5. Pick up a makeup organizer

Acrylic makeup organizers have the perfect little compartments that will fit all of your teacher accessories, too! Not to mention how aesthetically pleasing this one is.

Source: @primary_positivity

6. Add a sticky note tower

Who doesn’t want a sticky note tower? This fun desk addition will keep all of your note papers in one place.

Source: @teachingwithmrgammon

7. Add a pegboard

If your desk is up against or alongside a wall, attach a pegboard. Customize your storage with different hooks or pegboard baskets to fit your organization needs.

Source: @mrs.misjunskindergarten

8. Wall shelving clears desk space

Shelving can be so helpful to remove items that don’t need to be sitting on your desk. Give yourself more space by easily mounting a shelf.

Source: @prayandteach

9. Ditch the file drawer

If you have a desk drawer filled with files, consider moving them to a file storage container to free up space. You’ll now have so much room for more things you need on a daily basis!

Source: @coffeeteachandinspire

10. Put items in pouches

Pouches are so easy to throw in your drawers without having to worry about things being a mess. Grab an array of pouches that you can fill with personal items, pens, notepads to attend meetings, and more. Plus, clear pouches make it easy to see what’s inside.

Source: @teachinghistoryinthemiddle

11. Add a desk shelf

A desk shelf adds another layer of storage to your space. You can store smaller items underneath, with easy-to-grab essentials on top.

Source: @coloringincardigans

12. Label everything

If you have files or other paper folders in a desk drawer, be sure to label them for easy access. We’re sure you’re already on the label train, but if not, a label maker is worth the investment.

Source: @mrsjonescreationstation

13. Take time to organize drawers

Tired of wasting time shuffling through drawers? Take the time to organize items for easy access. Pick up a set of desk drawer organizers, set aside an hour, and thank us later for having taken the next step of teacher desk organization.

Source: @mrs.craftandteach

14. Downsize what you don’t need

We know you love that teacher mug from the holidays, but does it need to sit on your desk? Cutting down on the number of items you have will make you feel more organized as a whole. We know teacher desks can often get chaotic like pictured above during busy days, and getting rid of items that aren’t in use is a helpful tip to combat this.

Source: @missgirlingsclassroom

15. Organize your cords

There’s nothing more frustrating than a mess of tangled cords. These cord clips are so helpful and can attach anywhere on your desk to keep pesky cords from running about.

Source: @ispeakorganized

16. Use the sides of your desk

With some command hooks and binder clips, you now have a new area to store student handouts or display a sign

Source: @beccasmusicroom

17. Create a space you love

You should work, grade, and make lesson plans in a space you love. Do yourself a favor and make your teacher desk functional, yet inviting. Add pops of your favorite colors, patterns, or pictures of family and pets. Having an area you appreciate will only make you more willing to keep your teacher desk organized.

Source: @justateacherfromakron

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Loving these teacher desk organization tips? Also check out other classroom organization inspiration.

Teacher Desk Organization Ideas: How to Declutter and Organize Your Workspace in 2022 - Clutter-Free Classroom

If you are looking for teacher desk organization ideas, then you’ve found the right place! This post shares 5 steps for transforming your desk from a hot mess to a systematized, tidy workspace. The first step is to reflect on why it’s important for you to have a tidy workspace. This will give you the motivation to complete the project. Whenever you feel like you are losing steam, think back to why you are taking on this task. The second step is to determine if you actually need a teacher desk in your classroom. This post will talk you through the process of making that decision with reflection questions. The third step is to take action and declutter your desk. This post will walk you step-by-step through how to do that. The fourth step is the organization phase. The final step is to maintain your newly organized space. There are 20 tips to support you in doing so down below.

This post will equip you with the information you need to declutter and organize your teacher desk and establish systems and routines for maintaining an organized work space. Get all of the teacher desk organization ideas below!

Below are 5 steps for organizing your teacher desk. There are tons of great teacher desk organization ideas imbedded in them as well.

1. Reflect on why it’s important for you to have a clean workspace.

Before we get into anything related to teacher desk organization, think about why you want a tidy workspace and the benefits of keeping a clean desk. Below are some examples to help you start the brainstorm process.

A clean workspace will improve efficiency.
It will present an organized, professional image.
Having systems to maintain your space daily helps protect confidential data and student information.
It will make you more relaxed and less stressed.

2. Determine if you need your teacher desk.

Again, before we get into any teacher desk organization tips, think about if you even need a desk. Teacher “desks” often become teacher “offices,” which take up a good chunk of the classroom. If you are short on space, you may want to consider doing away with the desk completely. Ask yourself the reflection questions below to help you determine if you actually need your desk.

What do I use my desk for?

If the answer is storage, then think about other places that you could store those same materials (or better yet, declutter the space and get rid of some of them). If you use your desk for planning, grading, etc. then consider alternative spaces that would work better.

Am I the only one benefitting from the space?

Teacher desks frequently monopolize a large fraction of the classroom, yet only one person is getting use out of it. Consider how you could use the space to maximize student learning.

How does this piece of furniture affect my teaching?

Most teachers report that they don’t spend much time at their desk. When children are present, they are working with them and not sitting alone at a desk. When they are out of the room, there are tables available to work at.

How does my desk area usually look and how does that make me feel?

If whenever you look at your desk you feel overwhelmed and stressed, then that’s a good sign that this is a problem area for you. Another thing to consider is the feeling you get whenever an administrator, colleague, or parent walks in your classroom. You know your desk is a direct reflection of you. If it is cluttered and messy, then that sends a message to anyone who sees it.

Is getting rid of the desk an option? If not, how could it be repurposed?

I currently have a teacher desk in my classroom. I doubt it could be removed because I don’t think there would be anywhere to store it. However, I am planning to repurpose it as an area that kids can work at. It’s higher than the tables so it’ll be a good option for those friends that like to stand and work.

If you have determined you need a teacher desk, then let’s focus on how to make it organized and more efficient! Read below for the next steps!

3. Declutter your desk.

It’s very easy to accumulate a lot of unnecessary “stuff” in and around a desk. Start by determining what you really need and what you can remove from the classroom.

And remember, the more you get rid of the less you’ll need to organize.

Gather 2 small sorting containers (labeled keep and donate), a recycling bin, and a trash can. Place the sorting containers on top of your desk. Open one drawer at a time, remove the items and place them into the appropriate container.
Now go through the container of items you plan to keep, sort and reconsider the items. Place like items together (pens/pencils, stickers/stamps, paperclips/binder clips, etc). Get rid of anything that is considered excess. You don’t need three scissors or four bottles of whiteout.
If you have a teacher supply closet at your school simply place the excess staples, paperclips, and other items there. It’ll be there when you need it. If you can’t stand to part with it then consider getting a small storage box and placing all of the duplicate and overstocked items inside so that your actual workspace is simplified.
After you have removed everything from your desk, give it a deep cleaning. Add in organizational systems for sorting objects with labels before returning items to it.
Designate a space for things that come and go with you each day so they are not left out on your desktop (i.e. cell phone, camera, keys).
Try putting everything you need into a box next to your desk for a week or two. When you take an item out to use place it inside your desk. Reevaluate the items that are still in the box and weren’t used at the end of the designated time period. Do you really need them?

4. Organize your desk.

The next step is to organize your desk. Below are 12 teacher desk organization ideas that may be helpful!

Avoid the big desk calendar.

The first teacher desk organization idea on the list is to avoid the big desk calendar you often see on teachers’ desks. Those giant calendars that cover the surface of a desk look like a good idea, but can be problematic for several reasons. Desk calendars are large and awkward. The items placed on top need to be removed or shuffled to access it, and those items don’t always find their way back to the correct home.

A much better solution is a small planner that is portable and easy to use. If you prefer to view the year or month at a glance, consider creating a display next to your desk that you can see, but not bury.

Only put items you actually need in the desk.

Most likely you will never find yourself in a situation that requires you to immediately put your hands onto 24 pens, 13 boxes of paperclips, and 43 elastics. Use smaller, marked containers to house the surplus of these items and keep only a few handy in your desk.

Create smaller compartments.

The third teacher desk organization idea on the list is to use small boxes or drawer organizers to contain small items in your desk. This will keep your desk not only looking tidy, but will make it easy to find and put away objects that would otherwise be tossed loosely inside.

Label the areas within your desk.

A label greatly improves your chances of returning items to the correct location. It also prevents you from placing items into spots where they do not belong.

Create a bulletin board next to your desk.

You can either invest in a cork board or simply cover the existing wall with paper and border. Use it to display important items like schedules, lunch menus, procedures, etc. If an item is confidential (for example: student addresses and phone numbers), create a “pocket” to hide the information, but still keep it at your fingertips. A file folder works well for this.

Organize your tasks.

The next teacher desk organization idea on the list is to use stacking trays or a vertical wall system for separating items. Some great categories include: to do (things that need to be addressed, filled out or copied), to file (papers that need filing), and to read (items that need your full attention). Also consider that trash can to be your fourth and most important filing category.

Create a home for your plan book.

Always keep it in the same place when you are not writing in it. Inform a close colleague about where you keep your plan book and teacher manuals, so that in the event of an unplanned absence everything will be accessible.

Store small items into your desk.

This includes paperclips, pens, erasers, and such. Desktop organizers seem like a good idea, but add visual clutter and take up valuable space. They also make it too easy for children to access them.

Clean off your desktop often.

Get in the habit of always cleaning off your desktop before lunch and before you go home. This will ensure that you don’t reach the point of being overwhelmed by the task.

Relocate items on your desk.

Take the items that are typically found on a teacher’s desktop and relocate them to a drawer. They’ll still be easy to access, but won’t be cluttering the area. This includes things like post-its, a stapler, tape, etc.

Use small containers within the drawer to keep things organized.

One of my favorite teacher desk organization ideas on the list is to use small containers within drawers. Labeling the baskets is helpful too. There are some great desk organizer products available, but I prefer to keep everything out of sight.

Always be ready for a substitute.

Strive to leave a clean workspace with emergency sub plans out and visible when you leave each day. Not only will you feel more productive coming into a clean spot, but you will never need to worry about sub plans again.

5. Establish systems and routines.

Once your desk is organized, develop routines to make it easy to stay that way. Get into the habit of always clearing off your desktop at the end of prep, before lunch and before you leave for the day. This will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed or having to spend a ton of time at it at once.

Stop using sticky notes for reminders.

Instead of using sticky notes, keep one notebook designated for reminders and to do lists. I love me a Post-It too, but they make your work area look cluttered.

Limit the family photos and kid art.

It’s nice to have pictures of your family available so that your students can connect with you and know you are human. It’s also great to be able to look at the smiling faces or your loved ones while you are away from them. However, your classroom should not be a shrine to your family. Consider creating a personalized binder cover insert or a page protector with your personal photos. You could also go digital and simply look at your phone when you want to see those adorable little smiles.

Say no to knick-knacks.

Limit the personal items on your desk. They take up valuable real estate, are another thing to manage, and could get damaged accidentally. We want everything on our desk to serve a purpose.

Schedule times to clean your desk.

Make this a routine. My class takes a few minutes to wash their hands and gather their recess things just before lunch. They also take about five minutes to pack up to go home at dismissal. I use both of those times to “manage” my desk. I quickly recycle anything I don’t need, address things in my action file, and relocate anything that has been placed onto the surface. Because it never gets to the “out of control” stage, I am able to tend to it during these two short periods of time. After the kids leave for the day I wipe the desk down and place my emergency sub binder in the center of the desk.

Stick to one type of pen.

Pick a brand and color that you like and use it exclusively. Only keep 2-3 on hand at a time.

Don’t print emails or resources unless you absolutely need to.

Reducing the amount of paper you have also reduces the amount you’ll need to manage. Avoid having unnecessary papers as much as possible.

Keep a clear desktop.

You’ll be amazed at how this makes you feel psychologically. To achieve this goal store things in the drawers, attach photos to the desk or on a nearby wall.

Consider creating a “traveling office.”

Create a traveling office by placing a pair of scissors, a stapler, a roll of tape, a couple pens and some paperclips into a portable tote or caddy that can be stored on a shelf, under a table or in a cupboard when not in use. This gives you so much flexibility!

Have a plan for all those student drawings that are presented to you.

Perhaps you could designate a small bulletin board and rotate the gifted artwork or simply say, “this will look beautiful on my fridge at home.”

Create smaller containers and spaces.

Small containers are a great way to store items within drawers. Use small boxes, plastic containers, muffin tins or draw sorters to keep things organized. Go the extra step by labeling each section. It greatly increases the odds that you’ll put things back into their proper place. As I mentioned earlier, this is definitely one of my favorite teacher desk organization ideas!

Find a method of managing cords that works well for you.

You can use zip ties to tighten them and/or a basket to corral them. You could also cut holes in a box to keep the cords together while in use. Attach a label near the power source to identify the purpose of the cord.

Do not use your workspace as a closet.

Designate a closet or drawer to house your purse, coat, and lunch bag during the workday. Try to refrain from hanging your coat on the back of your chair.

Establish routines for maintaining a clutter-free, clean workspace.

Keep a container of baby wipes in your newly decluttered drawer. Get in the habit of clearing the surface throughout the day and wiping it down before you go home.

Keep your keyboard clean.

Use the sticky end of a Post-It note to clean between the keys on your keyboard.

Avoid eating at your desk.

It will invite mess. Plus, you need a real break during the day.

Have a designated space for notes.

Having a spot for notes and a method for organizing your Post-Its will help you avoid little scraps of paper here, there and everywhere.

Avoid a generic “inbox tray.”

Raise your hand if you are guilty of this! Instead of using a generic inbox tray, invest in a filing system. Create sections for managing papers (i.e. need response, to be copied, to be corrected, to be filled out, etc). This will keep things current and allow you to have less piles to shuffle.

Go paperless.

Do this as much as possible. Use your iPhone for notes, calendar, etc. to reduce the amount of paper you need to manage.

Keep a paper shredder and a trash can within close proximity.

This will make it easier to purge items in your work area as needed. This is a highly underrated teacher desk organization idea, but it makes life so much easier.

Designate one day a month for a deep desk cleaning.

This is a great routine to get into. Get rid of anything you’ve acquired recently that you don’t need along with items you may have initially saved.

In closing, we hope you found these teacher desk organization ideas helpful. If you did, then you may also be interested in my classroom organization workshop, as well as these posts:

How to (Finally) Declutter Your Classroom this Year
5 Time Savers for Elementary Teachers
How Teachers can Save Money on Groceries Each Week

9 Design Ideas for a Children's Room Desk

Like it or not, a desk is an indispensable piece of furniture for all age groups of children. All we can do to help them is to make the boring routine of studying and homework a comfortable task. Our interior designers and decorators have come up with some amazing creative study desk ideas and designs that are sure to make reading and writing a fun experience. So give kids a boost in learning habits and give wings to their imagination with these bright and colorful inspirations that will change the mood, create a learning environment, keep the room tidy and make homework fun. Take a look at these beautiful kids room study table designs and get inspired.

1. Bright and beautiful desktop.

Bright colors make the space inviting! Children love the colors around them. So bring some color to your child's room with a bright desktop that will also make the room beautiful. The combination of a blue countertop with orange, blue and white on the shelves and drawers looks amazing. Yellow zigzag long bookshelves bring drama and more color to the workspace to enhance the beauty of this colorful desktop.

2. Simple and sober study table.

Adult kids love a simple and minimalist desktop where they can have a quiet and peaceful time to study and reflect. Match the simplicity of the furniture and design a simple study table that is compatible with other bedroom furniture. A clean and clear wooden work table with a bookshelf unadorned and in natural tones looks elegant and is perfect for this bedroom.

3. Futuristic study table design.

When designing your study table, keep in mind that as the years go by, the demands will also increase and you will need more space to enjoy your time in the comfort of your room. The long and wide wall-mounted drawers and open shelves have plenty of space and room for future expansion. The extended study table has enough space for a laptop and other things, so books and study can be placed at the table.

4. Convenient and organized study table.

Tucked away in a corner space is a neatly designed comfortable and organized study table for a quiet time for a family child. The drawers of the wall cabinet will make its use comfortable. Soothing shades of green and white make this a pleasant place to study.

5. Shiny wardrobe and simple work desk.

The bunk bed opens up to a sleek, shiny desktop, simple and minimalist. What makes this desktop special is the sheen that gives the room an elegant sheen. This is beauty with a purpose – to create an invitingly shiny study space in a room dominated by white.

6. Work desk under the bed.

The space under the bed is cleverly used to create a working space for the inhabitants of the room. On the open shelves, the book is proudly displayed, and the table in front of it with two chairs provides space for homework. The desktop design complements the rustic style of the room.

7. Study table wall.

Minimalistic design is difficult to implement, but when done successfully, it looks great. The table for two is divided in two by a long white board and a cabinet in the middle. Open shelves and space bring style and elegance to a space that, with a TV set, can turn into the perfect media room when the kids grow up.

8. Stretches on the side of the cabinet to form a study table.

A work table in a child's room is just as important as a closet in the room. The wall is divided and used to create a buffet and study table. Horizontally long boxes of different colors decorate the wall, creating space so that there is no clutter on the table. A long black and beige work table completes the style of the room and creates enough space for peaceful activities for two.

9. Contemporary color of study table.

The modern combination of grey, red and white makes it a contemporary study space in the room and the perfect place for serious practice in a fun atmosphere. Wall decor, a shocking shade of red, and the serenity of white create the perfect children's desktop in a room to behold. Get inspired by the creative design of your home.

How about a mobile study area?

Here, the attic has been converted into a study area by installing a skylight and using the curvature of the roof to mount a bookshelf. This learning area offers the complete privacy that growing children need. The design of the study table is simple, made of solid wood. The innovative work area design made brilliant use of unused storage space. This is a great example of multi-purpose rooms as there is plenty of room to store books, toys and relax.

Unusual idea: work area with skylight.

Here the attic has been converted into a study area by installing a skylight and using the curvature of the roof to accommodate a bookshelf. This learning area offers the complete privacy that growing children need. The design of the study table is simple, made of solid wood. The innovative work area design made brilliant use of unused storage space. This is a great example of multi-purpose rooms as there is plenty of room to store books, toys and relax.

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Need a comfortable and small desktop?

Finding the perfect desk for your home or office can make a big difference in your productivity. You tend to get more work done in less time and more productive when you use the right furniture.

But knowing this is not enough! You need to make the right choice. Find the office desk that suits you best. We will show you the factors to consider before choosing a bureau desk.

What are the main types of desks you can find?

Here are the three main types of bureau desks that are most commonly seen.

Standard desks

These desks come in a variety of sizes, materials, shapes, styles and finishes. They usually look like ordinary tables with smooth work surfaces, depending on the manufacturer's idea.

Some have drawers and some don't. However, if you're working from home, it's wise to opt for a standard desk with hidden storage for your laptop. In this way, you will protect your laptop when you are not using it, especially if you have children running around the house.

Most standard desks are wood and they give your home a classic and timeless look.

Desks with cover

These bureau desks are ideal for an office space and are great for discreet document storage. The table comes with a lid that slides out from the inside of the top cabinet to keep your belongings protected.

If you like classic design, you will love tables on wheels. They are made of wood and have carved functional elements with organizer folders and hidden compartments.

It is advisable to select to tables with a hinged lid, which can accommodate a computer and its additional parts. And when it comes to interior style, you won't be disappointed with the vintage touch that desks will add to your office.

Secretarial desks

These tables are also known as direct access tables. They are more compact than other bureau desks listed in this post.

If you want to get rid of unused space in a hallway or in an irregularly shaped room, you should consider buying a secretary desk.

As a rule, secretary tables are mostly wooden, and they have a closing mechanism in the front. This mechanism allows you to turn them into a comfortable writing surface.

One of the great benefits of choosing this bureau desk is the fact that its work area is out of sight when you close the top cover.

A rule of thumb is to use secretary desks with drawers that provide ample storage space in a smaller footprint. It would be a big plus to find such a desk with extra features such as adjustable shelves, extra small drawers and letter organizers.

What should I look for before choosing a bureau desk?

Of course, there are factors to consider before choosing a bureau desk.

Target

Before making your choice, you should know the main purpose of purchasing a bureau desk. Is the table exclusively for writing? Are you going to use it for other activities like paying bills? You need to answer these questions , before taking the next step.

Size and location of

The size and location of the place where you are going to place the bureau desk is crucial. Therefore, you need to take correct measurements , before planning the table setup.

For example, if you are going to place a table in a small space of about 20-35 square meters. meters, it is recommended to choose a table that occupies no more than 10 percent of the area of the room.

For ease of use, you can place a desk near a power source, especially if you plan to use your computer on a desk occasionally.

Additional functions

It's a good idea to check if your desk has a built-in slide-out keyboard tray and power supply, or place it near a power outlet. This way you can have a more organized desk without clutter.

Material and color

The material and color of the table are two important factors that you should not neglect when looking.

It is better to choose light-colored tables if the color of your home is warm. This way you will complement your colors correctly.

You can also decide to use a plain white table with an all white home interior. This idea will come in handy if you are going to light up your space - especially if there is little light in the room.

Dark wood tones are more formal and tend to add classic elegance to your workspace. Be careful if you need just such a table in a modern interior. If dark finishes are your thing, opt for a combination of wood and metal, such as a dark walnut top, or ebony top paired with plain black matte finish legs.

How to choose the style of a bureau desk?

Here are three styles of desks you can look into:

Contemporary

This style will be most suitable for those people who love fresh and eccentric designs. Typically, furniture in this style has a simple geometric shape and clear lines.

Traditional

Traditional style bureau desks, mostly made of natural wood, speak class and reflect accent and social design. Such tables are based on past historical eras and can be quite decorative with rich finishes.

Transitional

Tables in this style are a fantastic combination of modern and traditional styles. In other words, it is the perfect combination of classic sophistication and contemporary urban finishes.

What are the best materials for writing desks?

Wood, laminate and metal are excellent materials. However, wood-based tables tend to be lighter and better suited to both conventional and traditional designs than the other two materials.

Making the right choice of the most suitable office desk just got easier.