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One challenge I see when organizing anything is deciding what items should go together. In a close second, where to store office supplies.
So I’ve put together a simple guide for how to group office items, so you don’t have to overthink about where things go.
We’ll start by chatting about why we group items together, break down some category ideas, and then I’ll share logical storage spots for each.
Why We Group Items Together
Grouping is the secret sauce of an organized workspace. When you decide on categories that make sense for how you work, you:
- Save time: No more hunting for that one pen or sticky note.
- Boost productivity: Everything feels intentional, so you can focus on the task—not the clutter.
- Keep it tidy: Once the categories are set, it’s easy to return things to their “homes.”
Office Item Categories You May Have
Every office is unique, so lean into how you use your space. Below are some of my favorite go-to categories for grouping like with like:
Writing Tools
- Pens
- Pencils
- Markers
Cutting & Fastening
- Scissors
- Hole Punchers
- Paper Clips
- Binder Clips
Paper & Notepads
- Sticky Notes
- Notepads
- Notebooks
- Files & Folders
Tech & Power
- Chargers
- Batteries
- Gadgets (like label makers or calculators)
- Cables & Adapters
Mailing & Shipping
- Envelopes
- Stamps
- Mailing Labels
- Packing Tape
Reference & Records
- Manuals
- Receipts
- Interview Notes
- Important Documents
Decor & Extras
- Desk Lamps
- Plants or Décor Items
- Art Supplies (paint, brushes, sketch paper)
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Where To Store Office Items
Once you’ve got your categories, it’s time to assign a home for each. Here are some practical spots:
1. Desktop Organizers
- Pens, Pencils & Markers: A divided cup or tray keeps your writing tools at arm’s reach.
- Sticky Notes & Notepads: Stack these flat in a shallow tray to grab a pad in one swift move.
2. Drawer Dividers
- Scissors, Clips & Hole Punchers: Use small bins or drawer organizers to corral cut-and-paste tools.
- Batteries & Chargers: A sectioned drawer means no more rummaging for that AA battery or phone charger.
3. Vertical Files & Magazine Holders
- Folders & Files: Store papers upright so you can flip through them like a catalog—no flopping piles!
- Notebooks & Manuals: Tuck these beside your files for quick-reference when you need them.
4. Shelves & Cubbies
- Decor & Art Supplies: Display pretty items (like a small plant) in open cubbies—and stash art supplies in clear bins on lower shelves.
- Tech Gear: Store cameras, extra gadgets, or label makers in easy-to-reach cubbies.
5. Wall & Over-the-Desk Solutions
- Cable Management: Hooks or clips mounted under a shelf keep charging cables tangle-free.
- Mailing Station: A wall-mounted rack for stamps, envelopes, and shipping labels keeps everything corralled without taking up desk space.
6. Baskets & Bins
- Seasonal or Infrequent Items: Store extra paper, seasonal planners, or rarely used supplies in labeled baskets on a top shelf or under the desk.
- Receipts & Interview Notes: A small lidded bin keeps loose papers contained until you file them.
Where To Store Office Supplies
- Choose your grouping style (by function, frequency of use, or even color—hey, it’s your desk!).
- List your categories—aim for 8–10 so it stays simple.
- Assign each category a spot in your drawers, on your shelves, or on your desktop.
- Label if it helps! Even a piece of washi tape with “Pens” on it works wonders.
- Quick weekly reset: Spend 2 minutes at week’s end returning stray items to their homes.
