Whenever I move into a new office, the first thing I have to do is organize the space to make use of every inch available. While making sure that it feels like some place I’d actually want to be — not a sterile cube. (Yeah, I’m THAT person who goes into full desk makeover mode on Day One.) Granted, I’m lucky to work in a creative field, where I can go a little crazier with my tchotchkes than some places. All in all, though, these tweaks are pretty minor — and very easy to undo, meaning no holes in the walls or paint or anything that’d upset property management. Here’s what I typically do, in case it’s at all helpful as you plan your Cubicle, Sweet Cubicle.

Give Your Monitor A Boost.

Take a look at your screen. The top third of your monitor should be at or slightly above eye level, so you can type comfortably without drooping your neck or hunching your shoulders. For most of us, though, the monitor by default is a little too low. This is where a couple coffee table books (or reams of paper) can come in handy. It’s a great way to make use of those chic books you bought years ago … and never really flip through anymore.

Corral Your Uh, “Creative Necessities.”

Originally, I was going to say “crap,” but that seemed crass. Either term works for those Post-Its, tape dispenser, stapler, notepad, and pushpins you keep lying around. A small, square tray works wonders to make everything appear tidy, even if your workday is best categorized as chaotic. (I threw in a water pitcher, with the hopes it’d help me drink more water throughout the day. We’ll see about that.)

Add Some Character.

I can’t resist a little quirkiness, whether that’s a Reptar-ish dinosaur hand sanitizer dispenser, or a cool glass jar of rainbow sprinkles. Some things are fun and functional; some just liven up my desk. Those items, plus a few photos from home (and a watercolor monthly calendar that doubles as wall art) add a little personality to the office, helping me stay human when I’m caught in the frenzy of the workday. The pops of color and kitsch also tend to spark off-the-wall ideas, so I’ll take it as a double victory.

Go Green … Ish.

Full disclosure: I can’t keep any plant alive, no matter how much people swear it’s “unkillable.” Oh, I’LL FIND A WAY. It’s like my subconscious hears those words and takes it as a challenge (sorry, succulents). I stuck two little fake plants of varying heights next to my mug o’ pens (everyone has one of those, right?) to add some visual appeal. Plus, when they’re in the corner, they’re not as noticeably plastic. But I still get the joy of a little greenery.

Protect Yourself From The Frigid Office Curse.

Practical desk chairs aren’t cool. We all know it, and unless you plan on hauling your own armchair in, you’re often stuck with them. To make mine a little less blah, I added a patterned throw … which I frequently wrap myself in on days when the A/C is on Jack Frost mode. Balance restored.