Do you only need ideas for storage bins or do you also need ideas for places to keep the storage containers (shelves, etc)? For example, where do you plan to put the refrigerator drawer? Will it be placed on the desk, under the desk, or beside the desk? What types of things do you need to store? You mentioned papers. Is that all? Do you need to keep different types of papers in different containers? Do you want all these containers on your desk? If not, what space is available: under the desk, over the desk? (I recommend saving your high visibility real-estate for time-sensitive materials like bills.) Do you need storage for pens, pencils, scissors, stapler, etc. What about things like stationery, wrapping paper, craft supplies etc?

Sorry to ask so many questions, but I think youÂll get better answers if posters have a better grasp of your storage issues. If you need ideas for storage furniture, it would be helpful to see a photo of the entire room.

Baskets are an easy answer. You can find baskets in all shapes including squares and rectangles that hold papers well. A large basket with handles makes a great recycle bin for old papers. (This is also a good way to cut down on clutter. We let our papers stay in the recycle bin about 2 weeks, removing only the bottom half on each garbage day. DH doesnÂt mind putting the papers into the bin b/c he knows he can always get them back out.) You can attach tags on strings to each basket to indicate its purpose. A napkin holder or bread basket (long, narrow basket) can be used to keep to-be-paid bills in sight. Wrapping paper can be stored in a tall, upright container. Right now I have several rolls in a (clean!) kitchen garbage can. (For the record, until we moved, it was tucked in a closet where no one could see it!) However, I could see a large crock or umbrella stand in a corner of your room.

How about a French memo board behind the desk for photos and important reminders? If you have any extra fabric, you could make one to match your beautiful desk skirt.

Know what you want to store, know how much space is available, and keep a measuring tape in your purse at all times! When you stumble upon a little gem, youÂll know immediately if it works for you. The key to keeping your working area clutter-free is to not only have a place for everything, but have an easily accessible place for everything. If you have to dig out your storage bin each time, youÂll end up just leaving the mess on your desk for later.

Nin

Thanks for making me think about what I need. Started filing yesterday, found some great file folders at Ross of all places. The file cabinet I have is an ugly taupe color, will repaint that black. I have boxes and boxes of pictures, so am organizing them in decorative photo boxes. Have gone through 2 bins of stuff so far, throwing a lot away.

It is a process but I will prevail!

Laura

You will hate me for this:

You do not need more containers at this time. As you said, there are bins under your sewing table you need to clean out. (And perhaps there are other to-be-sorted piles here and there?) I really think that "clutter" doesn't cease to be clutter if it's just put into a new container.

What you need to do is sort and decide whether you still really, really need papers, whatevers, you've got stashed in different places. Toss first, then decide whether whatever storage containers you currently have will suffice for everything left. I nearly bought a 3rd filing bin before I sorted all the paperwork I had and realized that many things I no longer needed (like very, very old credit card statements and warranty/instruction manuals for things I didn't even use anymore or were long out of warranty). That 3rd filing bin would have been wasted money.

And you have to be honest with yourself. Are you really going to use those old sewing patterns stashed away? Are you really going to try the recipes or crafts in the magazines you've had for a long time? Rate them by priority: Is it something you really want to try within 6 months, or is it something for "in the future sometime"? If it's in the second category, think about whether you really want it cluttering your space if space is an issue.

And does ALL of that paper really have to wind up in the office in the paper form? You might want to start scanning some of that stuff onto your computer.

Also, you should consider giving yourself a "forced" deadline for the magazines in your new bin, if you don't already do this: Once the magazines reach the top edge of the bin, you can't put another one in unless you take an old one out, go through it thoroughly, rip out the important crafts/recipes/decorating pics and throw the rest out. (There's a magazine storage post over on another website in which the poster said she was overwhelmed by all the mags--she just couldn't fathom going through a couple years of magazines. I sure don't want to be in that situation!)

I love places like the Container Store, but buying more decorative holders for stuff should come after you do your purge. Otherwise it is not organizing your office, it's just moving things around.

And, yes, I have done this: old catalogs gone, except for a few important ones, the rest I can see online; old magazines gone through and then given away at work or freecycle; craft things I know I don't need; now I'm going through videotapes to see if any can be given away; old sheets and towels that went to the animal shelter; etc.