We live in a fast-paced world that often leaves us feeling drained and distracted. Amid this chaos, our working environment plays a crucial role—it’s the foundation of productivity and creativity. Yet, many of us underestimate how much clutter impacts our performance and overall well-being. A messy desk isn’t just an eyesore; it can lead to stress, reduce focus, and even stifle creativity.
Decluttering isn’t about creating a Pinterest-worthy space—it’s about designing an environment that supports clarity, efficiency, and a healthy mind. When your workspace is organised, you’re more likely to feel energised and stay on task.
And what better time to start than the New Year? It’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your routines and tackle that clutter head-on. A clean, organised space can set the tone for a productive and successful year ahead.
What are the benefits to decluttering?
1. Boost Productivity:
“Clutter is the thief of time,” said Edward Young—and he was right. When your workspace is organised, you spend less time searching for things and more time focusing on tasks that matter.
Studies show that a clean environment reduces distractions and helps you stay focused. In the long run, this means saving both time and money, while boosting productivity and peace of mind.
2. Reduce Stress:
Have you ever noticed how walking into a cluttered environment instantly raises your stress levels and leaves your mind feeling scattered? That’s because clutter creates visual and mental noise, making it harder to focus and feel in control.
When we declutter, we do more than tidy up—we promote a sense of calm and regain control over our space. Karen Kingston explains it perfectly:
“Why clutter clearing is effective is that while you are putting your external world in order, there are corresponding changes going on internally too.”
3. Improve Creativity:
When your workspace is uncluttered, your mind feels lighter too. Reducing visual and sensory overload creates room for fresh ideas and sparks innovation. A tidy environment isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about giving your brain the clarity it needs to focus and create.
4. Promote Better Health:
Uncluttered spaces are easier to keep clean, which means less dust and fewer allergens—creating a healthier environment for everyone.
Plus, when you’re not working in a cramped space, you’re more likely to maintain better posture and ergonomics, reducing strain and improving comfort throughout the day.
5. Enhance Professional Image:
An organised workspace sends the right message: you value efficiency and professionalism. It shows that you’re not wasting time fishing through piles of paperwork but are ready to focus on what matters.
A clean desk instils confidence—not just in yourself, but in others—reinforcing your ability to get the job done effectively.
How do you declutter?
I know it can seem overwhelming, but it's like that saying - "how do you eat an elephant?" Break it down in to bite sized pieces.
1. Start Small - One Area at a Time:
When it comes to decluttering, the key is to start with one area at a time—maybe your storage spaces like bookshelves or filing cabinets.
Create four zones (or tubs) to make sorting simple:
- Keep
- Throw
- Donate
- Put Back Where It Belongs (yes, even those coffee cups that keep multiplying!)
Once you’ve sorted everything, wipe down the area—remove dust, sticky coffee marks, and give it a fresh feel. Finally, put back only what you truly need.
2. Reduce Paper Clutter by Going Digital:
One of the easiest ways to cut down on clutter is to digitise your documents. These days, most files can be stored securely in the cloud, making them easy to access and share.
Of course, keep original hard copies in a safe place if they’re required for legal or compliance reasons—but for everything else, go digital. It saves space, reduces mess, and makes your workflow more efficient.
3. Create Zones for a More Organised Workspace:
If you have the space, consider creating dedicated zones in your office. A breakout area can be a great spot to take a break, recharge, and return to work feeling refreshed.
Similarly, storage zones help keep everything in one place, reducing clutter and making it easier to find what you need when you need it. A well-organized workspace isn’t just practical—it boosts productivity and creates a more enjoyable environment.
4. Try the “One In, One Out” Rule:
Finally, consider adopting the one in, one out rule: whenever something new comes in, something old must go out. This simple habit helps prevent the gradual build-up of items that often leads to clutter.
By keeping this balance, you’ll maintain a cleaner, more organised space without feeling overwhelmed.
Are You Done Decluttering? Not Quite!
Decluttering isn’t a one-time task—it should become part of your weekly routine. Set aside 10–15 minutes every Friday before you log off for the week. Clear your emails, tidy your desk, and organise your files so that Monday morning starts in a clean, organised space.
Once a month, go a little deeper and give your entire office a refresh if needed. And don’t forget the basics—wipe down your desk for a truly fresh start.
If you love the look of a clear desk, check out our desk and storage combos and our range of desk accessories. Need extra storage? Explore our storage solutions to keep those papers neatly organized.
Remember:
“The best time to declutter was yesterday, but the next best time is now!” – Unknown