“You want to put mail—opened or unopened—in a place you frequent where it won’t cause your space to appear cluttered,” says professional organizer Shaniece Jones, who is the founder of One Woman Army Closet Design & Organization. We researched mail storage systems of various materials, colors, and styles. And we instantly fell in love with the Poppin Super Stacked Desk Set, which has two stylish letter trays and little cubbies to keep things like pens, letter openers, and paper clips ready to go. So, go ahead, and take a peek. We’re certain you’ll uncover the best mail organizers for every home and budget. There’s an accessory caddy on top, a smaller two-compartment tray for tiny things like paper clips, and a pen holder. You’ll also get a set of six complementing ballpoint pens. The Super Stacked Set is made of flexible yet durable silicone. It’s slightly grippy, too, making it easy to stack the trays together and add additional pieces if you want to expand your collection. You can choose from six stunning hues, though we should note the pens only come in white. The price is steep, but as something you’ll use every day, it’ll be worth the investment. Price at time of publish: $80 It’s relatively compact, so you can place it anywhere you’d like—on your desk, on the kitchen counter, or on a shelf near your front door. It’s only available in one finish, but it’s definitely versatile. And while the two-slot design is relatively basic, it gets the job done. Price at time of publish: $17 The front row has three smaller sections for such things as keepsake cards, favorite pens, letter openers, and scissors. This piece is made of solid wood, so it may chip over time. But we think the affordable price makes up for this minor flaw. Price at time of publish: $30 Jones explains that your workstation may not be the best spot to store mail. “Yes, it can remind you to go through it,” she says, noting that your desk is already where you handle important matters. “But it can add to the stress by reminding you that you have one more thing to do on top of the work you already have planned.” Still, the most important thing is whether or not a desk mail organizer works for you. If front and center on your desk will help you take care of your junk mail pile, then this is the organizer for you. Price at time of publish: $24 It has a slot for unopened mail, two large coat hooks, a small shelf, and three littler hooks for keys, sunglasses, and other small items. But we should note that because there’s only one slot for papers, this is more of a temporary storage solution rather than something for organizing or sorting. Price at time of publish: $85 We like the Wallniture Lisbon file holder, which has five slots wide enough to hold file folders and letter-size sheets, plus lots of mail. The steel design isn’t the most decorative, but it’s undoubtedly sturdy. You can hang it in your office, mudroom, or pantry, too. “You can also put one on the back of a door,” offers Thompson. While you’ll have to assemble it at home, we think it should be a snap to put together. Price at time of publish: $43 It’s made in a certified Fair Trade facility, ensuring workers are paid fairly and treated ethically. Though there’s only one color available, the contrasting black powder-coated metal and pine wood lend to a cool industrial-rustic aesthetic. The price is steep, but if it’s within your budget, we say go for it! Price at time of publish: $99 You can choose from five or eight slots in a downward slanting configuration that gives you a better view of what’s inside and allows you to sort paper with ease. Price at time of publish: $38 The modern yet versatile Collator is part of an extensive collection of desk accessories. You can pair it with a matching pull-out stackable letter tray, a magazine file, or a desktop caddy for office supplies—to name just a few. Price at time of publish: $31 This mail organizer is handmade by skilled artisans using generations-old weaving techniques. In addition to rattan, it features metal reinforcements for extra strength. The only potential downside is that it’s not tiered, but other than that, we have no complaints. Price at time of publish: $28 The space-saving design can be hung nearly anywhere. However, at 6 inches wide, it’s relatively narrow. Envelopes are no problem, but you won’t be able to fit unfolded letter-sized sheets. Price at time of publish: $38 Additionally, pay attention to the organizer’s slots, tiers, and/or trays. If you want to separate unopened letters from your to-do pile and outgoing mail, look for something with at least three slots, such as the Pottery Barn Trenton 3 Tiered Organizer. A vertical mounted organizer is also ideal for homes short on space.
Material and Color
Mail separators can be made of various materials, including wood, metal, bamboo, acrylic, plastic, silicone, or even woven rattan, like The Container Store x KonMari Woven Rattan File Divider. Durability and functionality are important, but appearance matters too. Look for a color or finish that complements the decor in the space you plan to put it. Pro organizer Pia Thompson, who is the owner of Sweet Digs, says your paper station should be “visually pleasing so it feels inviting, and you want to use it.”
Assembly and Installation Requirements
Most mail organizers come pre-assembled. In the event assembly is required, it’ll probably be pretty easy. But double-check before buying anything if you’re not up for putting one together. If you’re getting a wall-mounted unit, confirm whether it comes with all of the necessary hardware and tools. For heavier vertical racks made of solid wood or steel, like the Wallniture Lisbon Metal Wall File Holder, make sure you mount it to a stud.
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Theresa Holland is a product reviewer and commerce writer specializing in home improvement, decor, remote work, and lifestyle. “Stock the area with supplies like markers, Post-Its, a letter opener, a box cutter, scissors, a trashcan, and a calendar,” adds Thompson. “Also, keep a recycling bin and a shredder close.” If you frequently send letters or cards, you might want to have an outgoing category as well. Once you know your categories, look for a mail organizer with enough slots or trays to accommodate your needs. Jones adds, “The best place is where you frequent the most or drop your keys.” This could be your entryway, mudroom, family command center, or a designated corner of your kitchen. But wherever you store your mail, it should be in the line of sight, but also out of the way. For this story, she interviewed Shaniece Jones, a pro organizer specializing in storage solutions, and pro organizer Pia Thompson of Sweet Digs. With their expertise in mind, she researched the best mail organizers, narrowing it down to functional, versatile, and durable options with notable features and aesthetic appeal.
