Are your desk drawers bursting at the seams? Here a 4 quick & easy steps to an organized desk that is both functional and pretty!
Hello! Welcome back to another round up of beautiful decorating ideas that you can whip up in just 10 minutes or less!
Y’all, I’m seriously SO excited about this series! I mean honestly, who doesn’t have 10 minutes to spare?
On the first Wednesday of each month, I’ve been teaming up with an amazing group of bloggers to bring you all sorts of inspiration that you’re sure to love. This month’s theme was {getting organized} and I absolutely cannot wait to see what everyone came up with!
Who doesn’t have an area (or ten) in their home that could use a little organizing. A junk drawer, a shelf, a cupboard. It takes just a few minutes to empty it out, sort through things and get rid of what you no longer need. Really. Why put it off any longer?
If I learned anything from my {Journey to Sparking Joy} – and let’s face it, I learned a ton! – it’s that clutter and disorganization in my home create clutter and disorganization in my mind. Cleaning out that clutter and creating a tidy place to live and work is just such a freeing experience!
Can think of one disorganized space that has been weighing on you? Perhaps even more than you might think?
For me, that was my desk. Though I had it looking lovely on the outside, a little organization was long overdue!
So, let’s carve out just ten minutes to clean out that messy shelf, drawer, cupboard or desk and get it tidied up once and for all …
Ready?
one: Start with a blank slate. Clear it all away – the top, the drawers, everything. Set it all aside to sort through.
two: Sort it all. Go through each and every single item and ask yourself whether it should stay or go. Is it broken? Do you use it? Does it belong inside/ on top of your desk, or should it be kept elsewhere? Once you’ve gotten rid of those things that don’t belong, sort what’s left, grouping like with like.
three: Create a home for every single thing. This is the fun part … find a spot for everything to “live”. Use baskets, containers, or dividers to keep it all organized.
A few inexpensive containers from the dollar store make for easily organized drawers and a pretty cup or pitcher is such a lovely way to hold a few extras.
Organize any paperwork into baskets or file folders (see how I tackled all things paper here).
four: Maintain. Always put things away when you’re done with them, don’t wait to do it later. Follow the “one minute rule” – if it takes less than one minute to do, do it NOW.
Is there anything more freeing than a tidy, well organized space? It’s like a big ol’ breath of fresh air, isn’t it?!
Read more about my life-changing journey to tidy up our home once and for all!
Now, don’t forget to check out these other fab organizing ideas that you can work through in just 10 minutes or less (just click on the photos to check out each project)!
Wishing you SUCH a lovely day!
Love your ideas – especially the pretty paper in your drawers and using a pitcher to store pens and pencils! Gorgeous workspace!! Sharing on facebook and pinning! xo Heather
Awwwww, well thank you so much Heather! At least my workspace is feeling ready for the new year 😉
Your desk is lovely! I love the paper lined drawers!
Thank you SO, SO much Susan! I’m totally smitten with that pretty paper too!
Your desk is so pretty! I wish I could work there 🙂 I think I need to get some more organization stuff for my drawers and the top of my desk, too. It just ends up getting so many piles of papers! Your pretty paper is so happy, too.
Oh, thank you Jenna! I’m so happy you love it! It’s in a completely bare and empty room that we haven’t even begun to decorate if that makes you feel any better 😉 Thanks for the love my friend!
Love your tips and your desk is just beautiful! pinned
XO
Kristin
Thank you SO, SO much Kristin!!!
Wow, what a beautiful organized desk…I wish mine was this organized!!
I will definitely have to take your inspiration to heart! Thank you!
Thanks so much Melanie!!! I’m so happy you’re feeling inspired! Let me tell you, it was certainly a long time coming! 😉
I love love love the paper in your drawer! It’s so happy and bright and plays so well against the white desk! What great tips Kristen! The idea of “everything having a home” is one I’ll remember!!!!! THanks for sharing your 10 minute organizing tips!
Thank you SO much Yvonne! I felt the very same way reading about your kitchen organization!!! I’m so happy you found it helpful!
The drawers in my desk are just a disaster. This has inspired me to clean them out and get more organized. Thanks!
Thank you SO much Hillary! I’m thrilled that you’re feeling inspired! 10 minutes well spent in my books!!!
I love your desk! I would love to have that, then I might actually keep my desk cleared off! I am trying though, there is space for my coffee cup now at least! I’m stopping by from the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop. 🙂 Have a great day!
Hahaha! That’s a start Ashley! Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment – that desk used to belong to my hubby’s grandfather and we absolutely adore it!
Great tips, I love the one minute rule! I tend to clutter up the surface of my desk, but I force myself to take a break a few times a day to get everything put away again. A messy work surface is horrible for productivity!
Yes! I totally agree Jesica! I find it so difficult to concentrate when things are not tidied and put away. Thanks so much!
Now I really wish my desk had drawers! I might have to keep an eye out for a new one that will be more functional for our family.
I can’t imagine a desk without drawers … but, I’m sure you could find a way to organize everything with a few pretty baskets on top too! Thanks so much Lindsay!!!
Love your ideas and your beautiful pictures.
Thank you SO, SO much Debbie!
Your desk is lovely. Thanks so much for posting these tips- I desperately need to clean and organize my desk and you’ve just inspired me to get a move on! Thank you 🙂
I just love your blog.
Thank you SO, SO much Angela!!! You are much too sweet! I’m thrilled that you’re feeling inspired to get your workspace organized! It’s such a great way to start the year!!! Thanks again!
Kristi, thanks for the great ideas. I have a desk very similar to yours that I’ve had since college. It’s been in both my daughters’ rooms and it’s been my sewing desk for several years now. Definitely could use a little organizational therapy. Thanks for sharing on Your Inspired Design Link Party.
Oh, how lovely Carol – it would make such a lovely sewing desk! I absolutely adore our desk, even more so now that it’s properly organized! 😉 Thanks so much!
Wonderful tips, Kristi! I really love your photographs and the styling you did on the desk. It’s very crisp and clean!
Thank you for linking up with Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Olivia- Co-host
Reinvented Collection
Thank you so much for your sweet comments Olivia!!! Wishing you a lovely weekend as well!
Wow Kristi you are so organized. Everything is in place and easy to find. I used to be like that BC (Before Children). And I really love that desk!!
Thank you SO, SO much Mary! Staying organized with a husband and son that don’t share my affinity for tidiness definitely makes keeping organized a bit more challenging! I’m so much happier in an organized space though and knowing that it takes just a few minutes to get everything in it’s place, makes it much more do-able. Thanks again!
Thank you for this inspiration! I’m a stay-at-home Mimi and in the midst of a downsizing and simplifying project — this was just what I needed!
Oh good, I’m so happy you found it helpful Dianne! Downsizing and simplifying can feel so overwhelming as you get started, but what a freeing experience to get rid of those things you no longer need in your life! Good luck!!!
thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. Watch for your feature tomorrow xo
Oh wow! Thanks so much Katherine!!! Can’t wait to check it out!
It looks great! It must feel so nice :o) I’ve started on my craft studio… I have so much stuff in there it is ridiculous!
Tania
Ugh, I know just what you mean Tania!!! It took me ages to sort through my craft supplies, but it’s totally worth it!!! Good luck my friend!
Kristi, your drawers look so organized! Thank you for sharing. You are one of the features at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link so you can check out your feature. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2016/01/the-sunday-showcase-from-make-it-pretty_17.html Hope to see you tomorrow at Make it Pretty Monday! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
How exciting!!! Thank you SO, SO much Kathryn! Have a wonderful week!
Hi Kristi, 100% with you about the ‘tidy space=tidy mind’ equation. But it also helps to have a charming spot to keep it all. That desk of yours, with its beautiful paper, just begs you to keep it neat…so it will be much easier to do on a regular basis. Thanks for your 10-minutes inspirations!
Hugs, Lynn
Awwwww, thanks so much Lynn! I adore this old desk, especially after it’s makeover! You’re right, keeping things neat and tidy is so much easier when you love the spot you keep it all! Thanks again Lynn!
You’re so right Kristi, I can’t concentrate when my home is a total mess. Love how your organize your desk draws. I think I will need to get some of those little clear trays to fill with random stationary items. Thanks so much for linking up with us at The Creative Corner Link Up! xx
Thanks so much Maria! I definitely fell lighter when my home is tidy and everything is in its place!
Great Tips, Kristi! And I absolutely love the paper lining the drawers of your desk!
Awwww, thank you Erin! I love that paper too!!!