A good desktop organizer can make your workday more efficient and stress-free, while a poor one can raise frustration levels and cause even more clutter on your already crowded desk. When choosing a desktop organizer, be sure to ask yourself what your specific needs are and which desk accessories are likely to be placed in the organizer. Some people, for example, will be perfectly content with an in/out box for papers and files, while others may need one that will hold pens, sticky notes, paper clips, documents, and other commonly used desk accessories.
The vast majority of desktop organizer models you are likely to encounter at a supply store will be plastic. These units are inexpensive and easy to use, and they are reasonably durable for desktop use. The biggest drawback to these units is their appearance: they tend to be bland, boring, or even plain ugly. If aesthetics is not important to you, a plastic desktop organizer will work just fine for most applications. If, however, you are looking for something a little classier and don't mind spending a bit more money, consider other materials such as wood and metal.
Wood desktop organizer models will offer aesthetic appeal and durability. The specific appearance will vary according to the type of wood used to construct the organizer as well as the color of the stain used to finish the wood. Expect to pay more for these units; very attractive woods will also cost more than less attractive and durable woods. Oak and cedar, for example, are more expensive woods that have a natural aesthetic appeal and natural durability, while pine is not as attractive and usually not as durable. Be sure to take note of the construction of the organizer as well to make sure all joints are solidly connected and the overall stability of the structure is sound.
Wire desktop organizer models have gained popularity as well. These are inexpensive like plastic models, though they are generally more visually appealing than plastic. Thin metal wire organizers often come in several different colors to broaden one's options for desktop aesthetics, and since the thin metal is easy to work into various shapes, you are likely to encounter several models that will fit different needs. The downside to such organizers is the strength: many wire organizers tend to bend easily if too much weight is placed on them. This is usually not a problem unless the unit is dropped or someone places an unusually heavy object on it.
