Get Organized! Back to School Desk Essentials

So long summer, the school year is here! Getting your personal study space in shape can help you get ahead before homework starts to pile up.

Tackle the Mess

It can be hard to think straight, let alone get stuck into homework when your study space looks like a tornado just hit. So put on some music and take a deep breath - it's time to clear everything off your desk and clean out the drawers. Keep a waste basket handy because you're sure to find some surprises.

Once you have the area clear, you'll be able to see your desk's true potential, and by the time you're done organzing, you'll actually be excited to sit down and hit the books.

Sort and Separate

Now that you have everything on the floor or on a table, it's time to chuck out those dried up markers, empty glue sticks, and random scraps of paper. Sort your supplies into groups like this:

• Pens, pencils, highlighters
• pencil crayons, markers
• Scissors, glue, crafting supplies
• Notebooks, loose paper, binders, separators
• Erasers, sharpeners, tabs

Desk Essentials

Now that you can see what you have, it'll be easy to see what school supplies is missing, and where you need the most organzing help!

Essential School Supplies

• Pencils
• Pens
• Highlighters
• Pencil crayons/markers
• Pencil case
• Scissors
• Glue (stick and 
• Eraser
• Ruler
• Loose leaf paper
• Binder (s)
• Duo-tangs
• Notebooks
• Calculator
• Stapler
• Paper Clips
• Sharpener

Desk Organizers

Now that your desk is clear, and you've got your supplies inventoried and stocked up, it's time to get to serious about staying tidy! Getting organizers for your desk will help you keep everything in its right place. Here are a few suggestions:

• Pencil cups - keep these on your desk for items you reach for all the time: pens, pencils and highlighters
• Desktop tray - you can use this to organize assignments and papers by class or due date and keep your desktop clear
• Drawer organizer - no more messy, loose pens and crafting supplies flying all over the place!
• Literature Organizer - These stand-up separators are great for small notebooks and thin folders
• Book Ends - if you need to keep schoolbooks where you can reach them (and not all over your room), book ends are a great way to go.
• Tabs/Folders

DIY Organizer Tip

On a budget and want your desk to look cute? Use mason jars or decorate old jam jars and use them to store your pens, pencils and markers.

Have Your Say

How do you plan to organize your desk? Let us know in the comments section below.