20 Organization Tips to Create the Chicest Desk Ever

Samantha Tagher
Jan 08, 2018

For many of us, 2017 was a doozy, but we here at Brit + Co are ready to hit refresh in 2018! Follow our Hit Refresh series through January for new ideas, hacks, and skills that will help you achieve (and maintain!) those New Year’s resolutions.

Our desks are basically our little homes away from home. And since we’re so busy at work, they’ve gotten a *little* out of hand in the organization department. So our New Year’s resolution is to get (and keep!) our desks organized this year. We took to some of our favorite blogs to get a little inspo on how to organize them in the chicest way possible. Scroll through to take a peek at 20 of the best tips we found.

1. DIY Hanging Wall Pockets: Receipts and invoices flood our workspace on the reg, so this is the perfect solution. See ya later, clutter! (via Emily Henderson)

2. DIY Desktop Calligraphy Calendar: Tired of checking that laptop or phone for dates? A chic desktop calendar can really transform your workspace. DIY this desktop beauty with free printables (yes, free) and your very own paint pen designs. (via Brit + Co)

3. Tray: Stay ultra organized by keeping a tray on your desk. Things to put in the tray? The possibilities are endless, but we think it’s a great li’l home for notepads and fun tape dispensers. (via Living in Color Print)

4. Bulletin Board: Short on desk space? Swap out photo frames and sticky notes for a bulletin board that’s not only adorable for decoration but totally functional. (via Style Me Pretty)

5. DIY Clip-on Organizers: DIY these super chic white and neon containers to stay organized. Because there’s no need to sacrifice any of that precious desk real estate when you can just clip it on. (via Brit + Co)

6. Under-Desk Storage: Looking to organize #likeaboss? Use the space under your desk to your advantage. That’s where you can hide the not-so-pretty stuff. You know, like the bills and such. (via Pretty Providence)

7. Fresh Flowers: C’mon, we all know that fresh flowers make everything better. And that doesn’t stop at your newly organized desk. (via The Everygirl)

8. DIY Photo Garland: Have a stack of pictures on your desk that’s been there since lastNYE? DIY this fringe photo garland to make room for all your other space-saving hacks. (via Homey Oh My!)

9. Cart Storage: If you just flat out don’t have enough space to work on, use a cart (heck, even your old bar cart) to organize the clutter, err magazines. (via The Everygirl)

10. DIY Cookie Sheet Memo Boards: Magnetic memo boards can actually be a surprisingly elegant way to store all those extra notes and photos. Paint ’em, stripe ’em, or dot ’em — no matter what, these boards will add personality and order to your desk. (via Brit + Co)

11. Desk Organizer: Using an organizer to organize your desk? Hmm, that’s a thought. We definitely need somewhere to put all of that washi tape. (via The Everygirl)

12. Hang Your Calendar: Pressed for space? Get your planner and to-do list off your desk by hanging up a clipboard. Bonus points if it’s gold. (via My Fabuless Life)

13. Paper Organizer: Using an organizer like this is essential if you need paper at your fingertips. (via Style Me Pretty)

14. Planners on Planners: If you have optimal space and want to be optimally organized, then double planners are a definite must. Plus, a cup of joe never hurt anybody. (via The Paper Chronicles)

15. DIY Succulent & Supply Holder Bookends: A DIY project that serves four purposes is the holy grail of crafting. Bookends with storage, a memo board, and greenery are a fantastic space-saver for small desks. (via I SPY DIY)

16. DIY Desk Organizing Jars: You don’t need to spend crazy money to corral the clutter that naturally accumulates. Repurposed jars and some leftover paint create the perfect receptacles for all your gel pens and troll pencil ends. (via Better Homes & Gardens)

17. DIY Cord Labels: Past a certain age you can’t get away with having a jumble of cords under your desk, let alone pulling them one by one until you figure out which one goes with what. Get smart and use some washi tape to take the guesswork out of your gadget sitch. (via The Chic Site)

18. DIY Giant Mouse Pad: The desk you bought thinking it would be perfect for your mouse actually turned out to be awful, and now you need a giant mouse pad so that your computer mouse can glide around without messing up a simple drag-and-drop. (via Life Ann Style)

19. Junk Drawer Organizer: Beautiful trays or even recycled boxes make for great compartmentalized storage in a deep drawer. They help create natural groupings of similar items and look pretty too. (via Modish & Main)

20. Container Store Three by Three Ashwood Up-Rise! Desk Organizer ($99): Whoever invented computer risers is an actual genius. This one uses the same tabletop real estate that our desktop usually occupies, and has little cubbies for all kinds of things.

How do you get your office organized? Tell us @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

(Additional reporting by Ariel Garneau)

8 Easy Ways You Can Make Work Less Stressful, According To Experts

One of the deep questions I asked myself on January 1 was, "How do you want to feel as a stay-at-home mom who's also a part of the WFH crew?" The first word that popped into my mind wasn't a full sentence; it was 'ease.'

I've spent the greater part of my life as a people pleaser who also has a Type A personality when inspired during work hours. There's nothing wrong with being ambitious, but I don't always know when to turn it off which leads to burnout. Does this sound like you?

If so, we're not doing this anymore bestie. This year we're changing the way we approach work so we're not on a first-name basis with stress 10 months out of the year. I've got tips from the following bada** ladies who know how imperative it is to not let work drain us:

  • Kayla Baum, CEO & Founder of Twello (a workplace wellness company!)
  • Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin, Founders at The Business Reboot

Keep scrolling for 8 expert-approved tips for how to make work less stressful — & trust me, you need these.

Karin Kaufer

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

Zen Chung

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

Anna Nekrashevich

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

  • What is the most effective use of my time right now?
"For instance, if you're preparing for a big presentation at work, concentrate on immediate needs rather than getting sidetracked by unrelated projects. This approach helps you conserve energy for what truly matters," they suggest.

Greta Hoffman

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

Yan Krukau

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

Kaboompics.com

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

  • "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

Tima Miroshnichenko

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

Yan Krukau

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

  • "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"
What this does is "frame the conversation as collaborative and proactive, encouraging your manager to work with you on a resolution," Frazier and Pepin observe.

Visit more of our work-life articles when you need career advice or how to learn to part ways with burnout for good.

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Sorry 'Landman' Fans, [SPOILER] Didn't Make It Out Of The Finale Alive

Landman fans, how we feeling? The first season of Taylor Sheridan's new drama came to a close on January 12 with the season finale, "The Crumbs of Hope," and it provided viewers with plenty of to think about as tensions between the cartel and M-Tex Oil came to a head — and one character suffered a potentially-fatal medical emergency.

Here's everything you need to know about the Landman season finale, including THAT (potential) character death.

What happens in the last episode of Landman?

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

The last episode of Landman opens after Monty's (Jon Hamm) ruptured aortic aneurysm in episode 9 lands him in the hospital for a heart transplant...if they can find a new heart in time. (I'm getting flashbacks to Dan's heart transplant catastrophe in One Tree Hill). But based on the fact Monty flatlines and Cami (Demi Moore) and their daughters cry over his bed, things aren't looking hopeful.

Meanwhile, Tommy (Billy Bob Thornton) takes over as M-Tex Oil president, and as he works on smoothing things over between the cartel and the oil company, he gets kidnapped by the cartel, who also blow up an oil tank and drive a nail into Tommy's leg for good measure. But just when it looks like Tommy might meet his end, cartel leader Galino (Andy Garcia) wipes out the other members and helps him escape.

Billy Bob and Andy have actually been friends for awhile, but this is the first time they've acted onscreen together! "Andy is such a great guy and great actor, and when we did those scenes at the end of the last episode, it felt so good, because we kind of had us two old veterans going head to head,” Billy Bob Thornton told Variety. “It was quite an experience, and I have to say every moment of it felt real. Tommy’s dealing with someone now who is really smart. The other guys were hired to work for him, but now Tommy’s talking to the man himself. There are advantages and disadvantages to that. Since he is so smart, who knows what Tommy is going to get tricked into?”

How did Landman end last night?

Landman season 1 ends with Tommy returning home with a proposition (er, more like a friendly demand) from Galino that the oil business and the cartel become allies. After all, the cartel's interested in taking part in the industry — and seeing what it has to offer.

“The cartel and the oil industry are kind of these odd neighbors living side by side in West Texas,” co-creator Christian Wallace tells Variety. “Now Andy’s character is thinking he is going to make a change and utilize that proximity in a way that could benefit him.”

Hopefully Paramount+ greenlights Landman season 2 so we can see just what happens between Galino and Tommy in the future...and if Monty makes it out of the hospital alive.

What did you think about the Landman finale? If you're a Taylor Sheridan fan who's still reeling from those final moments — and the Yellowstone finale — check out 17 TV Shows Yellowstone Fans Should Watch Next.

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The 16 Best 2025 Planners & Calendars From Amazon To Help You Conquer The New Year

Sometimes, one tool is all it takes to become the best version of yourself. Keeping track of a planner or calendar can make organizing your life a total breeze, whether you’re focused on managing work, wellness, or wealth – or all of the above! These 2025 planners and calendars help turn chaos into calm so you can feel totally on top of your game in order to crush your New Year’s goals.

Scroll on to find your dream 2025 planner or calendar so you can stay on track all year long!

2025 Planners

Amazon

1. Paperage 2025 Weekly & Monthly Hardcover Planner

A planner that has both weekly and monthly formats can be super helpful if you've simply got a lot going on. That way, you've got a look at the nitty gritty and the big picture.

Amazon

Having both date formats at your disposal also makes looking back at the year super fun, offering a visual timeline of all the things you achieved in 2025.

Amazon

2. Kate Spade New York Daily Planner August 2024-December 2025

This wire-bound planner looks downright adorable, plus it comes with several fun sticker sheets to help you keep planning playful.

Amazon

This one is also great if you like to bring your planner on the go – its hard cover easily stands up to daily use!

Amazon

3. Taja 2025 Weekly & Monthly Planner

This unique 2025 planner kicks off each month with an inspiring quote to further motivate you towards your goals. Whether you're a student, parent, teacher, or working professional, you'll definitely enjoy the ample planning space this pick has to offer.

Amazon

4. Waav 2025 Weekly & Monthly Planner

The calm, minimalist look of this weekly and monthly planner helps clear out any mental clutter you may have before starting your workweek or tackling weekend errands.

Amazon

5. Orange Circle Studio 2025 Planner

This shroomy spiral planner would be perfect for organizing any outdoorsy plans in 2025.

Amazon

In addition to weekly and monthly calendars throughout, it comes with a goal planner, a budget tracker, and a blank notes section for any miscellaneous points you don't wanna miss.

Amazon

6. Day Designer 2025 Daily Planner

This high-quality planner is totally worth the splurge, especially if you're super loyal to your planner and use it every day. In it, you'll find tabbed monthly planners alongside weekly and daily spreads that include blank writing spaces for notes, gratitude, and your top three priorities for the day. Score!

Amazon

7. Happy Planner Disc-Bound 12-Month Planner

The cheerful and colorful print on this planner is perfect for setting a productive mood!

Amazon

8. Graphique 18-Month July 2024-December 2025 Hardbound Spiral Planner

The graphic on the front of this 2025 planner says it all: "I'm at capacity." Luckily, its pages are equipped with plenty of spaces and guides to help you handle all of life's chaos with ease.

Amazon

9. Anecdote 2025 Daily Workflow Planner

The page layouts in this planner are so sleek and sophisticated. You'll be able to see every plan and point very clearly, so you never miss a beat amidst all the busy-ness.

Amazon

Its hard cover is bound by an elastic band so you don't risk pages ripping or folding.

2025 Calendars

Amazon

1. Karto Vertical 2025 Wall Calendar

This wall cal with earth tones will match any workspace.

Amazon

The bottom section allows you to list any notes and top priorities you may have for the respective month!

Amazon

2. Zicoto 2025 Aesthetic Desk Calendar

If you're more of a desk calendar type of person, this aesthetically-pleasing one comes propped up so you always have a clear view of what's on the docket.

Amazon

3. Ban.do 'Let Me Write That Down' 2025 Wall Calendar

Planners and calendars shouldn't be boring – spice up your walls with this super colorful pick! The vertical orientation feels more updated and playful than a horizontal one, so you could easily hang it up anywhere.

Amazon

4. Graphique 2025 Flower Pop Wall Calendar

This floral-themed cal keeps your space lookin' fresh with a nice pop of color.

Amazon

5. Poketo Undated Monthly Vertical Wall Calendar

This month-by-month wall calendar comes without numbered days, so you can start it whenever you please, no matter the year. The neutral color palette keeps your planning sessions nice and calm.

Amazon

6. Taja Abstract Art 2025 Wall Calendar

This wall calendar works just as well as wall art as it does a planning tool. Each month reveals a new lively print to help you stay motivated.

Amazon

7. Vintage Fruits 2025 Wall Calendar

This has got to be one of the cutest 2025 planners out there. It's filled with 12 different vintage-esque illustrations of fruits that'll make your space feel cozy as ever.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved products all year long!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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'A Simple Favor 2' Director Has The Best Response To Rumors Blake Lively Delayed The Film

It Ends With Us has quickly become the most memorable movie of Blake Lively's career after rumors of drama between her and costar & director Justin Baldonimorphed into a full-on legal battle. And after the feud was uncovered, the internet has spiraled over what Blake Lively's relationships with her other costars are like — and whether what's happening behind the scenes of her movies are going to delay them. Well, A Simple Favor 2 director Paul Feig had the perfect response to rumors that another feud between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick caused Amazon to shelve the movie.

Here's exactly what A Simple Favor 2 director Paul Feig had to say about Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively's relationship.

Paul Feig offers a very promising update on 'A Simple Favor 2'

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

When a viral tweet claimed that Amazon had indefinitely delayed A Simple Favor 2 because of a feud between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, director Paul Feig stepped in to clear up the rumors.

"Despite glowing test screenings, Blake Lively’s refusal to promote—amid her messy legal battle with Justin Baldoni—and growing tensions with Anna Kendrick have derailed the sequel," X user Eric B tweeted on January 10. "Anna is furious. Paul Feig is disappointed. Hollywood is in shock. This isn’t just a movie—it’s an implosion."

"This is total BS. Sorry," Feig said in his retweet that same day. "The movie is finished and coming out soon. Don’t believe anything you read on social media these days."

And Anna Kendrick says reuniting with Blake Lively was "lovely."

Anna Kendrick also spilled on reuniting with Blake Lively, claiming that working together felt "a little bit like riding a bike."

"She lives on the East Coast, I live on the West Coast, so we don't get to see each other often," she told PEOPLE. "But it was lovely, and I think that those characters have such weird chemistry that it's so fun to just get the gang back together."

We don't know many details about the plot just yet but we do know it involves a destination wedding — and Blake Lively's Emily in a very fancy wedding dress. Stephanie and Emily "head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman," according to the movie's synopsis (via People). "Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square."

Sign me up!

Check out The Best Blake Lively Movies to get ready for A Simple Favor 2.

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Here's What Hit '90s Show You Should Rewatch Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Are you anxiously waiting for new TV shows to debut this year? Me too, particularly Meghan Markle's series With Love, Megan (January 15). But, we at Brit + Co have the perfect buffer that'll hold you over — revisiting the '90s.

Instead of trying to cram the likes of Dawson's Creek or Sex and the City into one weekend, we have the best show you should watch based on your zodiac! We've already made cozy plans to curl up with a cute blanket from T.J. Maxx so we can watch endless reruns of the shows associated with our signs, and we hope you join us!

Scroll to find the '90s show that perfectly matches your zodiac sign!

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 - April 19): Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Bold, fearless, and always ready for a fight, Aries will love Buffy's courageous spirit and kick-ass attitude. She's got all the makings of a fire sign who means business.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Friends

Taureans appreciate stability and comfort. Friends offers warm, familiar characters and a cozy, sitcom vibe. If you really want to tap into this vibe, call your besties and have an impromptu watch party!

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 21 - June 20): Felicity

Curious and ever-changing, Geminis will relate to Felicity's journey of self-discovery and her endless quest for knowledge. There's also the inevitable complicated relationship Felicity has with Ben and Noel that's hard to resist.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Moesha

Cancerians are nurturing and empathetic. They'll connect with Moesha's family-oriented values and emotional depth. Though she didn't get everything right, Moesha always tried to remedy things whenever they went wrong — just like a true Cancer.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 - August 22): Beverly Hills, 90210

Leos love the spotlight and drama. 90210 delivers glamorous characters, high-stakes situations, and plenty of over-the-top moments.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 - September 22): The X-Files

Virgos are analytical and detail-oriented. The X-Files offers a perfect blend of mystery, science, and a touch of the paranormal. What's not to love?

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 - October 22): Sex and the City

Libras appreciate beauty, balance, and social connections. Sex and the City explores love, friendship, and fashion in a stylish and sophisticated way.

P.S. We won't be shocked if some of you discover you're more of a 'Charlotte' than a 'Carrie.'

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Charmed

Intense and passionate, Scorpios will be drawn to the supernatural world of the Charmed Ones, filled with dark magic and powerful sisterhood.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Adventurous and optimistic, Sagittarians will enjoy the Fresh Prince's witty humor, vibrant personality, and knack for getting into trouble.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Dawson’s Creek

Ambitious and disciplined, Capricorns will appreciate Dawson's intellectual pursuits and the show's exploration of complex relationships and coming-of-age themes.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): Daria

Quirky and independent, Aquarians will identify with Daria's unique perspective and her ability to see through societal norms. It's also not surprising that Daria has what some call a 'black cat' personality because Aquarians can have a dry sense of humor that's borderline sarcastic.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 19 - March 20): Sabrina, the Teenage Witch

Dreamy and imaginative, Pisces will love Sabrina's magical adventures and her ability to navigate the challenges of adolescence with a touch of magic.

Revisit your weekly horoscope to see if our predictions for your zodiac came true this week!

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