Working from home is a fantastic way to spend your career!
But as your home office grows and matures, if you’re like me, you’ll notice that clutter inevitably starts to pile up and the next thing you know, you’ve got books, paper clutter, cords, and all kinds of other stuff piling up everywhere on your home office desk.
You need storage space – and lots of it!
By the way – before we get too far along here, if you want to get more great ideas for your home office and connect with other home office hackers to make your space the best join my free private Facebook group, Home Office Hacks here.
Smart Home Office Storage Ideas
The best home office storage ideas aren’t just the same old stuff that you’ve already thought of.
They’re clever and unique.
And they help you make the most of your available space, whether you’ve got a roomy home office with lots of space, or you’ve got a small space.
Clutter is virtually always the enemy of productivity so regardless of the size of your home office you need to tame the beast that is the clutter inevitably comes from working at home.
So while we’re going to talk about the standard kinds of things you’d see in an office, like a file cabinet, or a desk organizer, we’re going to do our best to make it something unique all while being highly effective.
Here are 31 home office storage ideas for your home office to help you get more organized, productive and bring a little serenity back to your home office workspace!
Create A Family Hub
Kind of like a mud room as an architectural feature that’s been so popular a family hub will help keep your dining room table clear and store all your work-related items.
Use a peg board mounted to a wall to collect keys, cables, and other accoutrement along with a small table with shelves to store your laptop, tablet, pens & pencils, papers & files.
Triton Products PEG2-WHT High Density Fiberboard Pegboards with Mounting Hardware, 24″ x 42″ x 1/4″, White (Set of 2)
- LONG LASTING PEGBOARD: High- density fiberboard (HDF) is a wood product similar to MDF, but much denser, stronger and harder. It is recommended to be used with our DuraHook 70000 series locking pegboard hooks and accessories.
- VERSATILE STORAGE SYSTEM: Organize your garage, shed, workshop, or any room in your house and keep your tools organized. Durable, weather-reisitant and easy to clean and maintain your storage space professionally without damaging the board.
Furinno Just 3-Tier Turn-N-Tube End Table / Side Table / Night Stand / Bedside Table with Plastic Poles, 1-Pack, White/White
- SIMPLE STYLISH DESIGN: Petite size 3-Tier end table suitable for small spaces
- QUALITY MATERIAL: high quality medium density composite wood and plastic tubes.
Doavis 2 Pack Plug in LED Track Lighting Heads (4000K 110v Warm White) Track Lighting Systems for Accent Task Wall,Spot Light Ceiling Lighting Fixtures for Shop &Kitchen
- Doavis track lighting system: The 6 LED plug in track lighting heads system, with neutral light 4000K color temperature, 2700 lumens, 50 degree illumination angle.There are built-in adapters at the bottom of lights , no need other adapter. This track lighting fixtures system can make natural, textured and precise lighting effects.Led track lighting for shop home and gallerie.
- Rails and installation The ceiling lights system has 6 LED lights and includes 4 lighting rails. Each rail is 1.68 feet (0.5m) long and the total length is 6.56 feet (2m). We present 3 track joints to connect each track. You can freely design the installation style.If you need to extend it, you can also buy a universal track, our lights are also suitable
Mobile Storage For Working On The Move
If you need to move around because your kids are in the office and you need to set up somewhere else, creating a mobile work station that moves around with you. Use a cabinet on wheels to store all your stuff so it can go anywhere in your house with you.
- HealthedInn Multi-Functional 3 Tiers Wood/Metal Utility Cart
- Hasuit Kitchen Island Cart on Wheels
- Nova Microdermabrasion Rolling Wood Kitchen Island Storage Trolley Utility Cart Rack
Clear Up Desk Space By Adding A Storage Hutch To Your Desk
A simple solution to getting rid of clutter on your desktop is by adding a hutch to hold everything off the surface. This works well when there isn’t much floor space but still needs some extra storage.A bookshelf with file drawers underneath
This idea works great because you shelves and drawers in one piece. It has plenty of space inside which makes it perfect for storing files and documents.
The best part about this design?
You don’t have to worry about having enough room on top since there’s plenty of shelf space above. This would be ideal for someone who needs extra desk space but doesn’t want to sacrifice their book collection.
File cabinets and shelves that double as bookcases
A file cabinet is just a file cabinet in most instaces. But you can get one that will become a multi-purpose tool when you get the right one! If you need additional surface area for your books, then these designs might fit the bill. They look really nice too!
These two options use file cabinet doors to create an open shelving unit that doubles as a bookcase.
The first one uses four file cabinet doors while the second option only requires three. Both designs allow you to easily access your books without taking them off the shelf.
Convert Your Closet Into A “Cloffice”
A cloffice is where you take a closet or some other nook in your in your house and convert it into your office.
Talk about clever and unique solutions!
An office in a closet be design is optimized to get the maximum utility out of the available space and is one of the latest and most innovative ways to set up your home office.
Use Closet Shelving To Build A Wall of Shelving
You can purchase premade closet shelving or use a closet full of empty shelves to create great office storage options.
Rubbermaid FastTrack Closet Kit, White, 6-10 Ft., Wire Shelving Kit with Expandable Shelving and Telescoping Rods, Custom Closet Organization System, Easy Installation
- CUSTOM FIT: Perfect for any walk-in or reach-in closet with an opening that’s 6 to 10 feet wide; Add 26 feet of shelving space and12 feet of hanging space with adjustable rods and expandable shelves
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Store your closet items in/on a durable and strong organizer complete with an all-steel rail and upright system
Tribesigns Double Rod Free standing Closet Organizer, Heavy Duty Clothes Closet Storage with Shelves, Extra Large Wardrobe Clothes Garment Rack, Shelving Unit Capacity 500 lb, (white)
- Heavy duty metal frame combine with thick particle board makes the it super stable and sturdy, no wobble and collapse. The bearing capacity is 500 lb. Ideal for being a long-term clothes rack closet organizer system.
- Double hanging bars accommodate both long and short garments. Every garment rod hold up 50 lb .4 smaller shelves and 2 bigger shelves ensure you plently of room to place clothes, accessries, shoes etc. And put large box or off-season clothes on the top for added storage.
Storage boxes under desks
A storage ottoman is a great option for your office to go under your desk. I know for me, I like to put my feet up under my desk – it’s just so much more comfortable. By using a storage ottoman, you can give yourself both a great foot rest, and a storage container with plenty of storage at the same time!
- OrganizeME Ottoman Storage
- COSYLAND Ottoman Bench with Storage
- Christopher Knight Home Mission Fabric Storage Ottoman
Another simple solution is using old shoe boxes or plastic containers to hold important items such as pens, pencils, paper clips, etc. You could even put some magnets on the outside to keep track of what goes where.
The added bonus here is that you won’t have to take anything out of its original container. Just pull down the lid and everything stays right where it belongs.
Desk organizers
There are many different types of desk organizers available today. These office accessories are a must-have for anyone who’s serious about creating the perfect home office workspace.
Some of these office organizers come in wood, metal, glass and acrylic materials. The most common desk necessities for your desk include:
Desk trays & caddies – These are similar to file folders except they often contain multiple compartments instead of just one.
DecoBros Desk Supplies Organizer Caddy
Drawer dividers – These are typically found in wooden furniture pieces. They usually consist of several small drawers that slide into each other.
File holders – There are many styles of file holders including wire baskets, wall mounted units, hanging racks, and desktop stands.
Triangle File Folder Racks and Magazine Holder
Laptop trays – Most laptop users prefer tray tables over keyboard trays. Tray tables offer better stability when typing and less chance of damaging your computer.
Pencil cases – Many companies make custom-designed pen cases that feature magnetic closures.
Storage cubes – A lot of modern home offices now incorporate cubicles with built-in storage areas. Cubes are made of either cardboard or plastic and range in size depending on how much storage you require.
Cabinets on wheels
If you need additional storage for larger projects, cabinets on wheels may be an ideal fit. Cabinets on wheels are generally used for storing documents, files, supplies, equipment, and tools. They’re easy to move around since they roll along the floor.
Tables with built-in storage
- Homfio Computer Desk with Shelves
- Tribesigns 59-Inch Computer Desk with Storage Shelves and Drawer
- South Shore Crea Craft Table on Wheels
A dual-purpose coffee table can be a fantastic way to store items while still providing seating. It’s perfect for holding magazines, newspapers, mail, and other miscellaneous paperwork.
Wall hooks
Another option for organizing stuff in your home office is using wall hooks. These are great for hanging cords, your headphone and even anchoring file folders and other stuff so you can get it off your desk surface which will help you to easily access important papers without having to dig through piles of clutter.
Wall hooks provide convenient ways to hang pictures, mementos, awards, diplomas, certificates, and more.
Wire baskets
Another popular choice among professionals is wire basket organizer systems. They’re very versatile and can accommodate almost any type of item.
Vertical filing system
- Officemate Grande Central Filing System
- TreeLen Mesh Hanging Wall File Organizer
- PAG Store 5-Tier Wall File Holder
A vertical filing system allows you to organize papers by category rather than alphabetically. For example, if you were working on a project related to marketing, you’d place all of those papers together.
Bookshelf dividers
Dividers help separate large groups of books into smaller sections. They’re especially useful if you have a library full of books.
Shelves
Shelves are great because they give you plenty of space but don’t add bulk. They also protect valuable items like artwork, collectibles, antiques, and electronics. Lamps with attached shelving units
You might not think about lamps as being able to hold anything, but there are some really cool options out there. One such lamp has a shelf unit that attaches directly to its base. This means you can use this lamp as both a reading light and a spot to keep pens, pencils, paper clips, etc.
Office cubbies
There are many different types of cubby holes available today. Some come preassembled and others are modular pieces that allow you to customize them according to your needs. You’ll find these handy little boxes at most hardware stores.
Storage bins
Bins are another common piece of furniture found in homes across America. There are several styles including metal, wooden, glass, and plastic. The best part? Most bins are stackable! So when you run low on room, just pull one down and fill up again.
They’re also a great solution for larger items too.
I love how simple they are yet they provide lots of storage. They stack great so you can create multiple levels of organization. I’ve seen them made out of all kinds of materials including wood and plastic, or MDF board and they look pretty good too.
Drawer organizers
This is another underrated organizational tool. Drawer organizers are designed specifically to keep things neat and tidy within your drawer. They typically include labels, tabs, and compartments to help sort your stuff.
Closet organizers
Closet organizers are a wonderful tool to use in your home office! They make keeping track of everything super convenient.
They range from small portable ones to large walk-in models. Many also feature adjustable shelves, allowing you to add or remove space depending on what you want to do.
Bookcases
- FURINNO JAYA Simple Home 3-Tier Adjustable Shelf Bookcase
- Rolanstar 6-Tier Bookshelf with Doors
- HSH Solid Wood 5-Tier Industrial Rustic Vintage Bookcase
These days bookcases aren’t only reserved for books. Many have been repurposed into computer desks. If you don’t want to invest in a new case, then consider buying a second-hand one instead. Just remember to clean it thoroughly first.
Cord & Cable Storage
Using String shelving or peg board to store your cables is a clever way to make use of space.
String shelving is a fantastic and versatile solution. Peg board works well for organizing cables by color.
Even better, use some masking tape and label all your cords and cables so you know what cord goes with what device.
What is the best way to store office supplies?
Since we’re talking about organization and storage ideas here, let’s think outside of the box (pun intended).
Sure, you could just put all that stuff into a box and stuff it into a closet, but that’s not very creative.
Instead, get creative and try using an old shoe rack, file cabinet, or even a wall-mounted pegboard system. These items are inexpensive and easy to install.
In fact, you can cover the entire wall with peg board and hang all kinds of stuff!
In addition, you want to have your office supplies in your home office handy and available to you, so leaving stuff in the box isn’t going to work here.
Instead, take advantage of vertical space to keep the things you need nearby.
How do I create storage space in a small office?
When you’re cramped and space is limited you have to get creative and resourceful.
One thing that you’re likely to have in a small space is walls, at least one, right?
Go vertical then!
Using your entire wall space is a brilliant idea to increase your office storage capacity. Creating your own hanging office supply board is a great way to organize your home office space. You’ll be able to see everything easily and quickly access any item without having to dig through piles of papers.
You may already have some type of shelf unit in place. It might be something as simple as a wire basket with hooks attached to the back. Or maybe you have a filing cabinet. Either way, these types of units are perfect for storing pens pencils paper clips etc.
You can hang stuff on the wall, mount shelves and cubicles and other stuff to get it up off the floor and your desk.
Also – think about what you sit on: You can find an office chair with storage! Your chair can serve multiple purposes and also be a place where you can store things to clear up your work area and desktop space.
How do I maximize space in a small home office?
Maximizing space in a small home office, especially one with some storage, is a little bit art, a little bit science.
The trick is optimization.
First, figure out exactly what you need. What’s important to you? Do you really need an entire shelf dedicated to file folders, pens and pencils? Or would you be able to get more out of a desk with cabinets?
Once you know what you need, start thinking about how you could optimize your existing space.
For example, if there’s no room under your desk, maybe you should move your printer over there.
Look in unusual places.
For example, your printer doesn’t NEED to be right by you. Since most printers are connected via your WiFi network these days, put it up high on a shelf, or even in another room. The exercise going and picking up your papers is good for you anyway.
Find items that nest and stack too. This kind of thing will be the best way to get the most out of your small space for your home office.
How can I make my home office space better?
“Better” is such a subjective term.
Better in terms of what?
Organization?
Comfort?
Optimized space?
But I get it.
Sometimes, “better” is all we can come up with – we don’t know exactly what it is, we just know it needs to be “better” than it is right now.
The first step is to determine what you want from your home office.
Do you need a quiet place to focus and think? Do you need to stand up and move around?
Figure out what about your home office IS NOT working right now.
Here’s an example.
For me, when I was figuring this out, I learned that it was my desk.
Sitting caused a lot of discomfort for me – my back was killing me!
I knew I needed a new layout and design for my office, and the centerpiece was going to be a new desk.
Figuring out what wasn’t working pointed me where I needed to go to make my home office better. The same process can work for you too.
If you need to get creative, look into putting your office into a closet.
Yep, that’s a thing.
Use the ideas you’ve seen in this post to uncover things you’ve never thought of before to implement for your own home office.
How do you organize a messy office
It’s easy to let clutter build up in our homes and offices but once you learn how to clean efficiently, you’ll find yourself spending less time organizing and more time doing what matters most.
In fact, many experts say that having a cluttered workspace makes us feel stressed and anxious because it causes distractions and hinders productivity.
So here are six tips to help keep your office organized and free of clutter.
1) Keep It Clean
Start each day by cleaning your workspace. You may not realize how much dust accumulates during the course of a week until you take the time to sweep away everything.
2) Use Storage Solutions
You might have some extra shelves lying around somewhere in your house. If they’re empty, use them as storage solutions for your office.
3) Organize Your Desk Area
Keep your computer keyboard and mouse within reach at all times. Also, store paper documents near your monitor. After all who likes having a pile of paper in their way?
4) Create A System For Storing Documents And Files
Create a system for storing files and paperwork. Make sure you label every drawer and cabinet.
5) Store Important Items In An Easily Accessible Place
Store important documents like tax forms, insurance policies, etc., in places that are easily accessible.
6) Don’t Overlook Small Details That Can Help With Organization
Don’t overlook small details like file folders, labels, pens, pencils, staplers, tape dispensers, scissors, staples, glue sticks, erasers, rulers, and other supplies. These little tools can really add up if left unchecked.
Office Organization Ideas
There you have it – numerous ideas to optimize your office design and maximize your storage.
These office ideas for storage will free up tons of space and bring harmony to your workspace.
And I get it – when you’re in your office ideas come fast and furious, and things can get messy.
Trust me – I understand as someone who’s been there and done that!
Now that you understand why organization is necessary, you should start implementing these strategies today.
In your particular office design remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to maximizing space in any room or area of your home.
Instead, try different methods and see which ones work best for you.
Have fun exploring these ideas and creating your own organizational systems.
Next Steps
Want to join others who are creating the most amazing home offices and get more tips, tricks and hacks on how to make your home office the best it can be?
Join my brand new free private Facebook group, Home Office Hacks to connect with other home office hackers to make your space the best!
