Which desk organizer is best? Office desks should be productive workspaces, but if they’re cluttered, it can be hard to concentrate and get work done. Desk organizers will help you maintain a tidy desk so you can be as professional as possible and stay on track with your workflow. Desk organizers store small office supplies in compartments, shelves or drawers. If you’re looking for a design with visual appeal, the Victor Desktop Organizer is a top choice for its fine wood craftsmanship. What to know before you buy a desk organizer Do I need a desk organizer? Desk organizers, also called desk caddies, come in handy if your desk and drawers lack organization and storage options. These caddies keep essential office supplies literally within arm’s reach, which is extremely convenient on busier days. They’re also popular investments for home offices and remote learning spaces. However, a larger desk organizer may not be ideal if you’re pressed for space. Smaller desks may be overwhelmed by some desk organizers, and in some situations, they can obstruct access to devices or other office supplies. Desk organizers may be distracting to some individuals, in which case drawer organizers may better serve them. What can I store inside a desk organizer? To some extent, desk organizers are considered quick-access stations that store frequently-used essentials to save on frequent trips to the supply closet. Desk organizers typically store small office essentials, such as pens, notebooks and sticky notes. However, many people also keep personal items inside them, like hand sanitizer, lotion or snacks. Desk organizer sizes Because desk organizers come in a variety of sizes, it’s easy to find one that suits your setup. Smaller designs are ideal for compact computer desks. If you have a sprawling desk with room to spare, there are plenty of medium and large options that provide a higher level of organization. What to look for in a quality desk organizer Wooden desk organizer One of the most important features to compare in desk organizers is their material. Wooden desk organizers are well-received for their fine craftsmanship. They complement most offices, especially when matching the wooden finish of your desk organizer to the room or desk itself. However, wood desk organizers are usually the most expensive option. Mesh desk organizer Mesh desk organizers tick a lot of boxes. They’re affordable, easy to clean and have contemporary visual appeal. They’re made with metal that is often covered with stain- or corrosion-resistant coatings. Depending on usage, some mesh organizers aren’t as durable as other options. Plastic and acrylic desk organizers Plastic or acrylic desk organizers are both simple and versatile. Some of these organizers have stacking or modular designs, so you can customize your organization setup. Make sure to clean these with gentle cleansers as more abrasive cleaners can leave plastic and acrylic with a dull or cloudy appearance. Types of compartments At the very least, desk organizers have compartments for pens and paper clips. Some have dedicated drawers or trays for sticky notes, while others have longer shelves or slots to accommodate paper, notebooks or files. Newer desk organizers may have built-in cable management for devices. Nonslip bases on desk organizers Several desk organizers, including many wood and mesh designs, have nonslip bases or feet with silicone or rubber pads. These bases do more than prevent desk organizers from sliding across desks. They also prevent the bottom of the organizer from scratching or damaging desks and other surfaces. How much you can expect to spend on desk organizers Smaller desk organizers with limited organization cost $20 and below. Those with more storage options, including built-in filing systems, run between $25-$50. High-end desk organizers with fine craftsmanship range from $50-$100. Desk organizer FAQ Ink leaked in my desk organizer. How do I clean it? A. There are a few ways to handle this. You should always begin by wiping away any wet ink before deep cleaning. Next, dilute a towel with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer and wipe the unit down. If the ink doesn’t come off, use a heavy-duty cleaner. Is it worth getting a desk organizer with drawers? A. Some people gravitate toward desk organizers with drawers because they’re effective at keeping office supplies dust-free. Others feel drawers get in the way, including smaller ones that don’t slide out easily. What’s the best desk organizer to buy? Top desk organizer Victor Desktop Organizer What you need to know: Appreciated for its sleek design, this organizer has four shelves and a drawer to hold paperwork and small office supplies. What you’ll love: The boxy design, available in five finishes, integrates seamlessly with most desk setups. The sprawling shelves are long enough to hold standard-size paper and notebooks. It also has nonslip feet to protect the desk from scuffs. What you should consider: Because the shelves are narrow, it’s somewhat challenging to clean or dust inside them. Top desk organizer for the money DecoBros Desk Supplies Organizer Caddy What you need to know: A budget-friendly option, this mesh caddy has five large and two mini compartments. What you’ll love: The caddy has a small notched drawer that holds standard-sized sticky notes. Because it has a mesh design, it’s easy to clean either with alcohol wipes or compressed air and is available in black or silver. What you should consider: There are occasional reports that the caddy arrived with damage. Worth checking out Simple Houseware Mesh Desk Organizer with Sliding Drawer What you need to know: This space-savvy desk organizer has an all-in-one design that holds stationery, notebooks and small office supplies. What you’ll love: It has five vertical sections that can hold papers easily and keep them organized and two horizontal sections for smaller things. The included sliding drawer is divided into nine smaller compartments for easy organization. What you should consider: Some people thought it wasn’t very sturdy. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.