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How to keep your office desk clean and tidy
We’ve all heard "untidy desk, untidy mind". While there is some evidence to suggest that a messy desk may be the sign of a creative genius at work, for most people it simply takes time and energy away from your work by making it harder to find the things you need. Not to mention that it leaves a bad impression on clients and likely drives your colleagues up the wall!
Here are some simple tips on how and why to keep your desk tidy.
Messy vs. tidy
Consider for a moment what a cluttered office is conveying to customers and colleagues. First impressions are important and lasting. A messy workspace suggests one of two things: either that you have too much to do and can't handle your workload or that you are simply a careless person.
A tidy office setup, on the other hand, contributes to better efficiency, improved time management and a professional image. It also reduces stress, supports focus, and can even boost creativity. As professional organiser and founder of Iordning Stockholm Nina Strandberg notes:
“A well-organised desk boosts creativity and sets the tone for a more enjoyable working day.”
A cluttered desk can also make you less efficient by costing you valuable time spent looking for items hidden under other paperwork. In contrast, by keeping your workspace organised, you signal professionalism and respect for colleagues while creating an environment where you can work more effectively.
Give your desk a lift
An easy way to make your day more organised and ergonomic is by using smart desk accessories to help you get a clean and tidy workplace. For example, by fitting your computer screen onto a monitor arm, you raise the screen off the desktop and create more workspace. As an added bonus, you will naturally sit in a more ergonomic posture as the screen will be at the right height not to place any strain on your eyes, back and neck.
A desk screen can also play a practical role in keeping things tidy. In addition to providing privacy and helping to reduce surrounding noise, it creates an opportunity to lift everyday items off the desk surface. Using a hook designed for desk screens is a simple way to hang headphones, bags or cables within easy reach without adding clutter. This keeps frequently used items organised, visible and off your desktop, making it easier to maintain a neat and functional workspace.
Organise your paperwork
Keeping documents within reach while maintaining a tidy desk is easier with simple storage solutions. Use a sorting tray for printouts, magazines, and other documents that you need close at hand—this frees up desktop space and helps you stay organised. You can also add a small shelf or stand for personal touches, like a family photo, a pen pot, or a small plant, to keep your workspace neat yet inviting.
Setting up a basic filing system on your desk is another effective way to stay organised. Divide paperwork into categories such as to-do tasks, active files, and documents waiting to be filed. Sensitive documents should be locked away in a cabinet at the end of each day to maintain GDPR compliance and reduce clutter.
Make use of space under the desk
A mobile drawer unit with inserts for pens, paper clips and other small items is an easy way to keep your stationery organised so you can find what you need quickly. If you have space, you may even be able to fit your bag in the bottom drawer. Recycling can often be a cause of clutter while it waits to go into a central recycling bin; placing an archive box with a lid under your desk for collecting paper looks neat and tidy and is easy to carry when it needs to be emptied.
If you often refer to books, catalogues or ring binders, consider requesting a small cabinet nearby to keep your most-used materials within arm’s reach but off your desktop.
Additionally, consider corner desks or desks with integrated storage to make the most of your available workspace. These solutions help maintain a tidy desk in both office and home setups.
Get your cables under control
Wires hanging loose under the desk are not a pleasant sight. They collect dust easily, get tangled and are hard to unplug if necessary. By hiding the wires in a cable tray or spiral, not only do you hide the mess, but it is much easier to keep cables untangled. You can also hide cables and socket extension leads in a cable box.
Make use of desks with cable ports where possible, which allow you to feed wires straight through the desktop. This helps avoid trip hazards and contributes to a more organised workspace.
Add labels
You can easily make stylish labels to help you keep everything in its rightful place. Try labelling all your cables so that you can find the one you need quickly and easily if you want to take your laptop charger with you, for example. Labelling each shelf on your letter tray is another good way to stay on top of things. Label each shelf according to order of priority so you can see what you need to do at a glance. A handheld label printer makes easy work of this task!
Small decorative touches for a productive workspace
Adding small touches like a stylish pen holder or a delicate flower vase can uplift the workspace atmosphere and break the monotony. Moreover, incorporating greenery, such as a potted plant, not only adds freshness but also promotes a calmer and more conducive work environment.
Don’t forget desk hygiene
It’s worth noting that office desks can harbour more germs than you think - up to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, according to some studies! A tidy, clutter-free desk makes it quicker and easier to give the surface a regular clean using antibacterial wipes. Keeping your desk hygienic not only protects your health but contributes to a more professional work environment.
A daily reset makes all the difference
Lastly, take 5 minutes at the end of each workday to tidy up anything that has built up on your desk that day. Throw away any unnecessary papers and take coffee cups to the kitchen. These small habits, combined with the other suggestions above, will help you maintain a consistently neat and tidy desk.
Looking for more desk storage solutions?
FAQ
- Enhance your desk space with smart storage solutions like desk drawers, organizers, and shelves. Utilize under desk drawers and small desk storage options to keep your workspace neat and efficient.
- Essential desk accessories include desk organisers and corner desks with storage, ensuring a clutter-free workspace. Consider desks with shelves above and under desk drawers for additional storage, along with small desk tidy ideas like cable management systems.
- Personalise your desk with stylish desk organisers and small desk for small space solutions that reflect your personality. Incorporate desk storage options such as desks with shelves above to display personal items while maintaining an organised workspace.
- Professional organisers specialize in desk organisation, offering expertise in decluttering and optimizing desk space. Whether you need desk tidy ideas or small desk storage solutions, a professional organiser can create a functional workspace tailored to your needs.
