What’s more maddening than a tape dispenser, a staple remover, or a ruler that’s gone missing? A few handy pegs can arrange everything you need right in front of you — and keep it there. Then you can get down to business.

The Strategies

Put frequently used items toward the bottom, saving the upper reaches for fixtures, like a clock.

If a constantly disappearing stapler or ruler is the bane of your home-office existence, tie a colorful piece of ribbon to it, designate a hook, and let it dangle.

With a metal pegboard, add magnetic accessories to tack up reminders for meetings or to hold paper clips (or jelly beans, for a p.m. sugar rush).

To control a jumble of wires, consider installing an extra pegboard behind your desk, almost to the floor. Anchor the cords with a row of hooks.

The Gear

Wall Control EZ Wall Organizer Panels (16 by 32 inches), $22 each.

Shelf Assembly, (16 by 4 inches) $11 or (16 by 9 inches) $20.
To Buy: Both at www.wallcontrol.com.

Small Add-a-Pockets mesh bag, $13 for a set of two.
To Buy: Container Store, 800-786-7315.

Lipper International See & Store Canister (for paper clips), $10 for a set of five.
To Buy: www.target.com.