We’ve all been there: digging through a desk drawer that looks like a war zone, desperately searching for a working pen or a spare paperclip. The truth is, it’s easier to find things and easier to focus in an organized space, whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom, or, most importantly, your office.

The good news? Conquering clutter doesn’t require an all-day marathon. The best way to get organized, no matter how bad the “clutter-monster” is, is to take baby steps. Choose a small area like a single desk drawer and give it your focused attention for just a little while. If you finish the task, congratulations! If not, take a break and return to the well-begun task soon.

Today, we’re diving into the office drawer. The same principles apply to any drawer (utensils, makeup, tools), but for now, let’s focus on getting your workspace drawers in shape in just three quick steps.

A small investment of time now will pay dividends in a more relaxed and productive you

3 Steps to Drawer Zen

We’ll skip the obvious. Yes, you have to empty the drawer and wipe it clean. Now, let’s get into the action!

Step 1: The Prep

Gather your tools. You’ll need:

• A trash can (for the obvious discards).
• A piece of scrap paper (for testing those questionable pens).
• Small containers that will fit inside the drawer. Try to find dividers that fit snugly together to prevent items from shifting.

Step 2: The Ruthless Edit

Consider each item before it earns its spot back in the drawer. Be honest with yourself and ask these three questions:

• Do I still use it and want it? Valuable drawer space should only house items you actively use.
• Does it belong here? Ensure every item you keep has a designated spot. If it’s a rubber band but you’re in the stapler drawer, find its correct home now.
• Is it a duplicate? Avoid surplus. One stapler is enough!

Still in Step 2: Deal with the negatives!

• Toss anything that receives a negative response directly into the trash.
• Test all your pens and markers on the paper you brought by tossing any that don’t work.
• Items that pass the test get put into small piles for just a minute.

Quick Tip: If you just can’t toss something, find someone who wants it or donate it. Don’t keep things you don’t use in such a valuable space.

Step 3: The Systematize

This is where you bring order to the chaos.

• Group your remaining, necessary items into the containers you gathered.
• Fit them into the drawer as compactly as possible.
• Create Zones by keeping items categorized and adding labels if necessary for your mind.

Remember, the containers don’t have to be fancy! You can cut down an empty tissue box or use plastic Gladware containers. Nobody is going to see them but you.

Finally, if there is an office essential that should be in the drawer like a stapler or a pair of scissors, go get them now and add them! You’ve now prepared a place for everything, and everything is in its place.

Takeaways: