A clean workspace is crucial for productivity. When things are cluttered and chaotic, our minds have more trouble staying focused. When you’re busy being an entrepreneur, business owner, or planning your next career move, you should be doing it all from a nice, organized desk.
If you’ve been putting off cleaning your workspace, then this is the perfect time to finally get on that. The second Monday in January is also known as National Clean Your Desk Day—yes, there’s a holiday for everything!
So, it’s time to say goodbye to that clutter, discard what you don’t need, and finally sort through that ever-growing stack of papers.
Don’t be overwhelmed. Just sweep it all away like they do in the movies!
Okay—well, maybe not. However, our top desk organization tips and recommendations below will definitely help you get started.
Top 10 desk organization tips
- Start with a clean slate – The first desk organization tip is, of course, to clear off everything from your desk. But maybe don’t sweep it all off in one go–even if the mess is driving you nuts. Once you have your blank slate, wipe down your surface, dust your computer and keyboard, really give everything a nice deep clean before you start reorganizing!
- Take advantage of desk organizers – Desk organizers come in all shapes and sizes to suit your organizational needs. These are great tools to help keep everything in its place, from sticky notes to pens and pencils, documents, mail, paperclips, and more! Here is a Best Seller Desk Organizer option with excellent reviews.
- Use small storage baskets to hold additional items – If your workspace is especially cluttered, you might need more than a desk organizer to clear up space. Small storage baskets can help. You can get them just about anywhere, but here is an option with great reviews. They’ll give your workspace a nice aesthetic touch. If you have supplies you don’t use frequently or things you don’t need to have out on your desk at all times, storing them in a basket will keep things neat and ensure you have enough space on your desk for the things you do need.
- Keep it simple – Don’t go overboard with personal items, knick knacks, and decor. It might be tempting to add a bunch of decor to your workspace to make it more aesthetically pleasing, but too many personal items can quickly become ‘clutter’ and also a distraction. Instead, keep things simple with just a few personal accessories.
- Prioritize your workflow – Keep only what you need on your desk. An article by CNN Business advised that one “should only keep relevant and active projects and documents” on their desk. Anything extra that’s not relevant to what you are currently working on should not take up space on your desk. When you sit down for the day, make sure you’re only bringing what you need.
- Embrace white space – Another tip from the same CNN article suggests keeping “a paper-sized free space to your dominant side as a designated workspace.” This is to make it easier to review or sign documents. In fact, it is also preferable to keep the items you use most near your dominant hand for quick grabbing.
- Keep your computer in front of you – Many suggest your desktop or laptop should be placed directly in front of you at a comfortable distance. You want to be able to sit up straight and be able to see the monitor clearly at eye level. The proper positioning of your computer will help you stay focused and on task longer.
8. Get a trash can shredder – If you don’t already have one near your desk, get one! Having a trash can shredder nearby will encourage you to clean up your space and minimize mess.
9. Clean up before you go – Before you leave your workspace each day, take a moment to tidy up. Dump whatever trash you have accumulated throughout the day, organize documents, return your supplies to their appropriate spot. Tidying up daily will help keep the clutter from piling up again.
10. Reassess your space from time to time – What might work for you now, might not work in the future. As your projects evolve, you may find you need a different setup. Perhaps you need more desk space, or your work requires more supplies. You may need to purchase additional storage items or move things around. So, take the time every few months to consider how your workspace and if its current setup is working for you.
Happy National Clean Your Desk Day! Let us know how you did with our recommendations!
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