Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Desk Organizer

Last updated on August 15, 2024
Categories Home Tags ,
desktop organizers

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Desk Organizers

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Best Overall

Greenco Steel Pull-Out Desk Organizer

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Greenco

Steel Pull-Out Desk Organizer

Keep your school or work space neat and tidy with this desk organizer. It features three tiers for storing files, letters and worksheets. Each of the tiers pulls outward, so you can quickly grab the items you need without disturbing the other tiers.

Overall Take

Most EconomicalThanks to the budget-friendly price tag on this desk organizer, you'll be able to get more than one.

 Great Basic

Amazon Basics Scratch-Resistant Work Desk Organizer

Amazon Basics

Scratch-Resistant Work Desk Organizer

With this desk organizer, you'll never have to hunt for a pen or paperclip again. The unit is constructed from a sturdy commercial-grade steel and features a mesh design, so you can see the contents of the organizer at a quick glance. There's also a powder coat finish, which is both stylish and resistant to chipping.

Overall Take

Best for Office SuppliesThere are nine compartments in this desk organizer, including a pull-out drawer.

 Best Rustic Design

‎25DOL Wood File Holder Organizer & Desktop Mail Sorter

‎25DOL

Wood File Holder Organizer & Desktop Mail Sorter

Oversized but not overly big, 25DOL's handmade wood mail (and more) basket is 9.8 inches long and 5.5 inches deep, with ID tabs and progressive compartments inside. It has an appealing farmhouse look that you'll love.

Overall Take

Old-Fashioned LookThis mail basket is big enough to store small clipboards and notebooks, and it won’t take up much space wherever you choose to place it.

 Also Consider

Greenco Reinforced Alloy Steel Desk Organizer

Greenco

Reinforced Alloy Steel Desk Organizer

This small desk organizer includes five compartments and a mini sliding drawer. It's a great way to remove clutter from your workspace. It's made out of a durable scratch-resistant steel wire mesh with a reinforced metal rim.

Overall Take

Sleek and Compact LookKeep your workspace neat and tidy with this small desk organizer.

Buying Guide

Is there anything more frustrating than not being able to find what you need on your desk? Whether you’re trying to locate an important paper that’s buried in a towering pile or a highlighter that’s fallen off the back of the desk, it is difficult to be productive when you’re surrounded by chaos. Using a desk organizer is a good way to bring order to your workspace so you can focus on the important tasks at hand.

There are many different types of desk organizers on the market. If you primarily need a way to arrange your stationery, look for a desk organizer that comes with several small compartments of varying sizes. This way, you can keep your pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky notes and erasers neat and tidy. However, if you have a lot of paperwork that needs to be sorted, you can opt for a vertical or horizontal desk organizer with space for letter-sized papers and booklets.

One of the most important things to consider when buying a desk organizer is the size. You’ll need something that has room for everything you want to store, but it shouldn’t be so big that it takes up valuable space on your desk. Make sure you have ample space to work on the desk without bumping into your organizer.

What to Look For

  • Before you purchase a desk organizer, first tidy up and only keep on your desk the things you use on a daily basis. These are the items you need to find space for in your desk organizer. Remove any clutter so that you don’t fill your organizer with items you don’t really need to have front and center.
  • Consider how many compartments you need and in what size. Take a look at the items you want to store on your desk and separate them into categories. For example, papers in one pile, pens in another pile and so on. This will help you see what size and type of compartments you need.
  • Opt for a desk organizer that has some weight, as anything too lightweight will be wobbly when full. It should be able to hold all of your items with ease.
  • Metal organizers are a good option as they match with different decors, are sturdy and durable, and have a sleek aesthetic. Plus, they are easy to clean with a damp cloth.

More to Explore

When you’re organizing your workspace, begin by figuring out the optimal placement for things you use most often. For example, place your desk organizer on the side of your dominant hand. This way, it will be easy to grab the things you need.

If there are any items you don’t use frequently, such as glue or staplers, place them in your desk drawers instead of your desk organizer.

Before you finish your workday, scan your desk to see if there is anything you can put away. This way, your desk will be neat and orderly when you’re ready to work next.

From our partners