I got tired of clutter on my desk, but this $50 storage solution changed all that

A range of desk accessories on a wooden desk with blue backlighting — (Image credit: Future)

I have a strange inability to ever put things away, which - combined with a career in testing all manner of gaming gadgets - resulted in a hellscape of a desk for many years. I had enough last Black Friday and finally gave into something I'd been searching for for years; a desk pegboard.

These storage systems are nothing new, they were all over TikTok a while back and stuck in nearly every Temu marketing image for a bit as well. They've had their moment in the sun, then, but here's why I'd recommend returning to the idea this Black Friday, with a $12 Amazon discount on a board similar to the one I've been using for the last year.

Most office storage relies on shelves or drawers; big bulky cubbies that take up space on your desk top or knock against your legs underneath. I have a standing desk with a sprawling laptop setup, I've done my time with risers, shelves, stacks, and even a number of different hooks and bags.

A pegboard has a place for everything, predetermined by what you need to store. I use the little pots for pens, keyboard tools, cleaning fluid, and box knives, with a hook for my headset, a shelf for notebooks and storage drives, and a lip for a controller. Everything has its slot and, more importantly, I'm actually putting it there. It's slimline, doesn't take away from my desk space, and keeps everything at a moment's notice away.

EasySMX X10 controller on a black shelf with a plant next to it — (Image credit: Future)

There are a few things to look out for when grabbing a pegboard, though.

I opted for a clamp-on model rather than having to fully screw it into the wall, but both are equally easy to find. I'd recommend the clamp version if you regularly need to reach for accessories while seated - everything will be just that bit closer to you, but it will mean you lose a little space on some of the larger designs. I'd absolutely take that over a larger design if you use a standing desk, though - everything simply rises with me whenever I change position.

See all Black Friday deals at Amazon
More desk accessories at Amazon
Pegzone desk pegboard | ~~$53.99~~ $41.99 at Amazon

If you're after a whole new setup this holiday season, check out the best Black Friday gaming chair deals or the best gaming desks we've tested so far. Of course, we're rounding up plenty more Black Friday gaming deals for even more offers as well.

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Managing Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I've written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i'm focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming laptops (and the keyboards, headsets and mice that come with them), PS5, and trying to find the perfect projector.