A simple supply organizer can save space

Isn’t it amazing that no matter how much storage space you have, you can always use more? When I first moved into my latest home office, I thought for sure I’d have plenty of room for my books, supplies, projects and anything else that belonged in my home office.  A few months later I realized I was wrong. I bought two bookcases, added shelves to my closet and parted with things I’d never used. Before you give up on finding more storage space, try these tips.

• Think vertically. Add freestanding bookcases to your home office or install shelves above or near your desk.

• Replace stacking trays with stacking bins. Bins work better than stacking trays because they’re larger and there’s more space between each bin. Also, they sit on the floor not on your desk.

• If you can’t resist using stacking trays (old habits die hard), limit the number of trays you use. Extra trays will only give you places to stash papers you’ll never refer to again.

• If you have desk drawers, make it easier to see what you have by using drawer dividers. They keep everything within the drawers separated, and help you save time looking for the supplies you need.

• Designate a specific place to store your extra supplies, stationery and products. This could be a closet or shelves within your office. The tendency is to put something wherever it will fit. Instead, store supplies where you’ll find them easily.

• Store the same types of items together. This leaves you with only one place to look for one type of item.

• Mom was right: if you take the time to put things back where they belong, you’ll know exactly where to look for something when you need it.