1. think about the items you find on your desk, and put them into categories. For example; communications from the office, notes from parents, homework, notes to yourself, etc. you might choose different groupings than these. Next decide how you will file these things in a way that makes sense. You may use wire baskets, file folders, colored pocket folders, etc. whatever works for you. Label them so you will be sure to put your paper in the appropriate place.