4 ways to keep your stationery collection organized

When you first start your stationery collection, there’s not much need to worry about organization. Your small stack of cards can easily fit into a desk drawer or be placed at the corner of your desk. However, once you begin gathering more supplies, from various types of greeting cards to writing utensils, your drawers will become stuffed and your desk overrun with items. To prevent the takeover of  your working space, plan to gather items you can use to keep everything well arranged.

1. Boxes
Stationery will often fit perfectly into a designated card box. Storing all of your paper and envelopes in this container will allow you to keep track of all your items. Make the box even more organized by adding various dividers for the selections. For instance, insert labeled papers that stick up above the stationery to quickly find the section of birthday cards or thank you notes.

When it comes to boxes, feel free to get creative. Insert dividers or try using separate boxes for your various cards. Also, just because you’re using the box as a storage container doesn’t mean you should allow it to be bland. Give the holder some personality so you’re excited every time you pull out an item. There are plenty of places you can purchase decorative card boxes, or get crafty by adding a design to a regular shoe box.

2. Magazine holders
Repurpose an old magazine holder by turning it into a place for extra paper. If you have sheets left over from an old project or like keeping booklets of letter paper, use the magazine holder to keep the items in a visible, yet out-of-the​-way location. Again, this is an item you can get creative with by adding some color to the outside of the container.

3. Card catalog cabinet
If your space has a rustic feel, or you have a love of libraries, consider finding a small card catalog. Depending on the size of the drawers, this item can be used to store all sorts of stationery supplies, from cards to envelopes and even stamps or paper punches. The label holders on each drawer are also perfect for noting which box holds what items. If you want organization, this item will definitely help you get there.

To add a little extra style to this item, try painting it to match your work space colors, as shown on La Bella Vida Design. A fun idea would be to paint the main portion of the cabinet one color, like white, and then giving the drawer faces a different color, such as light blue. This will help draw the eye to the holder every time you enter the room and remind you of all the important notes you need to be sending to friends and family.

4. Jars
Reuse old candle jars or jam containers by storing your collection of pens and pencils inside. Your stationery collection would not be complete without these items, but don’t let them pile up in your center desk drawer. Instead, stack them inside your containers where you can see the variety of colors they have to offer.

Keeping a full stock of greeting cards is important for staying in touch with family and friends. Having extra stationery on hand doesn’t mean your office space needs to be messy, though, so be sure to utilize the right organization materials.