The Best Desktop Mail Sorter

Desktop mail sorters can be designed to do just that — sort and organize your mail — or can perform other useful functions. The traditional style has vertical separators that divide the mail into bills, correspondence and other categories, and the ends are open so that the length of the mail won’t matter.

The other basic style is horizontal, with separate shelves built into a frame. You can also find box-shaped desktop organizers with deeper slots, which can be narrow or wide.

Manufacturers make sorters and organizers from metal, wood, plastic, acrylic and other materials. Look for a style that matches your décor. The product should blend in and not stand out too much. You’ll want to clear and clean it out from time to time, so look for ones that are easy to care for. If you only need to keep mail sorted, choose a smaller one with open ends. Larger ones are good for keeping entire desktops organized.

To store wide things, like reams of paper and books, choose organizers with wider compartments. These are great to use next to printers. Organizers with different compartment sizes are great if you want spots to separate things like binder clips, pens and papers.

The price ranges for these products can vary widely, so expect to pay more for ones made from solid wood and other costlier materials. Corrugated cardboard or plastic is fine if you just need one to keep classroom assignments in order.

You’ll also want to check the weight of your organizer if you don’t want something too light or too heavy. And if you don’t want to keep all of your supplies in one large unit, get one that’s only for mail and another for paper and supplies. Don’t have enough desktop space for both? Just put one or both on a nearby shelf for easy access.

• With larger mail and assignment sorters, be sure that they have individual tabs or slots for name tags.
• Box sorters and organizers can collect debris in the bottoms, so turn them upside down once in a while and use a small brush to clean the nooks and crannies. A compressed air duster also works well for this.
• Always check the measurements before buying desktop accessories. If it’s too large, you won’t have enough room to work.
• Enclosed storage compartments may not be long enough to hold oversized mail and other items.
• Some sorters and organizers require minimal assembly before you can use them.
• If you tend to stick junk mail in your sorter, it will build up. Try to clean it out at least once a week.