Q&A for How to Organize Your School Desk

Get drawer organizers for each type of item in your desk. You can have a container for writing utensils, a smaller container for paperclips, a tray for papers, and so on. That way you can keep all like-items in the same place so they're easy to find.

Take everything out and organize each item by type, like putting all of your pencils in one pile, your papers in another pile, etc. Then, go through each pile and get rid of whatever you don't need, like duplicate items or things you don't use.

Advise your classmates to bring their own supplies and be clear that your desk is private. Be firm in your request, and if the issue persists, consider discussing it with your teacher.

To keep your school desk organized, consistently return items to their designated spot and avoid storing unnecessary items.

Leave some items at home and regularly swap out what you need on a daily basis.

Consider placing larger items on the floor beneath your desk or chair.

Consider using a chair bag to store extra supplies like books and pencil cases.

If it has dried, you should be able to scrap it off. Try using the end of a ruler.

If you rarely use the case, place it towards the back of the desk. If you use it frequently, keep it next to your textbooks for easy access.

You could ask friends or a teacher to rate the cleanliness of your desk on a scale of 1 to 10. If they rate it 5 or below, seek their suggestions on how to improve it.

Using masking tape to divide so each person gets part of the desk would work great!

Do you carry things around in your backpack? Try to organize your backpack. How big is the top of your desk? If it's large, you can maybe put reading books in a small box. If it's not too big, put only a pencil cup or case on the desk. Put the extra things under your chair in a box, basket, or your backpack.

Put your notebooks and folders inside your binder, so when you switch to a new class you can just grab it and leave.

Try making two sections: one for textbooks, binders, and other items you use often. Then the other could be used for things you don’t need often, such as reading books for silent time, special folders, or things you need to take home. If you need to organize supplies, you could use your pencil tray if you have one or use a small cup for them.

Don’t put too much stuff in your desk so that it is easier for you to switch desks. Put things that you use every day. You can ask a teacher what supplies you will use tomorrow so that you can bring them with you. Also, you can ask a teacher or a friend to keep some of your things at their desk and give them to you when you need them.

First, you can tell your teacher so they can help you by giving you the right wipes and towels to clean it. You can get pencil shavings by gathering them together then throwing them out.

Hand sanitizer will most likely work for most of the pen and pencil stains.