In this article: These 7 simple paper storage ideas for a small home office will help you find the perfect place for everything!
Now that we’ve dramatically downsized our home, I find I have to keep a close eye on the clutter that creeps in. (Where does it all come from??)
After a few busy weeks of projects, my small home office was buried in PAPERS!
I kept digging through piles to find the one piece I needed. It was driving me crazy and making life far more complicated than it should be.
So the other day I spent a few focused hours going through the room and rethinking the whole space. It doubles as my office and craft room, so a lot goes on in there!
I wanted to simplify things and set up systems that were incredibly easy to use. Here’s how it turned out:
Since the room is mainly used as an office, I decided to let the “office” part shine. Sorting through the paper clutter showed me I needed some smart paper storage ideas so I’d have a place for everything I need right at my fingertips.
Here are 7 Simple Paper Storage Ideas & Solutions
(that have made a huge difference for my small home office!)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience
1. Store printer paper in paper trays near the printer
This seems like a no-brainer, but I was constantly hunting for my printer paper. Simple paper trays dedicated to copy paper and cardstock make it so much easier to grab exactly what I need.
2. Sort papers into categories and file them in a desktop hanging file folder
As I sorted through piles and piles of paper (and threw a LOT of it out!), I discovered that what I wanted to keep fell into specific categories. As a blogger, I’ve taken some courses and have ongoing resources I refer to often. Having them neatly categorized in a desktop hanging file organizer makes them easy to find.
3. Store extra office paper upright in magazine holders
I know, I’m a bit of a lined paper hoarder, but I use it all the time! I found that these sturdy plastic magazine holders that were sitting unused worked perfectly for paper storage. They tuck away nicely in the office closet.
4. Hang a big, beautiful calendar
This month I ran into more than one problem because I hadn’t written my appointments on a CALENDAR! I’d tried so many calendar options, but finally bought one a lot like this one. It’s nice and big, and I can write all the things on it…in one place!
5. Use a day planner that works for your personality
Although I spend a lot of time online, I find it hard to keep my schedules and lists organized digitally. This type of day planner is my favorite. I buy a new one every year because they just seem to work well for me.
6. Use a bulletin board to post papers you refer to often.
I was hesitant to hang up a bulletin board for fear it would look messy, but I find it incredibly practical! I pin up the papers I refer to often, and again, I don’t have to search the world over for them.
I also like to keep a jar of pens and plenty of notepads and sticky notes close by.
7. Use printable labels and label everything!
This time I took the time to label all.the.things. It helps immensely! I labeled my binders, magazine holders, and file folders, and it just feels great.
I designed some labels and printed them on cardstock. I also made a set of printable labels for you to use! They’re blank, so you can fill in whatever you’d like. To get your own set, head over to the VIP Printables Library.
If you aren’t a VIP yet, click here to get access to the growing collection of free printables and snag your own printable office labels.
A tidy, organized room seems to help my brain work more efficiently, too. Less clutter = less searching!
For more organization ideas:
- Small closet organizers inspired by Ikea
- Small kitchen organization can be a challenge! Here are some storage ideas.
- 5 Simple Ideas for Small Master Bedroom Organization
- Small bathroom organization ideas that look pretty, too!
- Entry closet organization with farmhouse style.
Want help getting started decluttering your home?
I’ve put together a free 30-day home organization calendar to get you started.
