Clear the Clutter: 10 Ways to Keep Your Desk Clean

Often, I wander to my desk in the morning and wonder what happened overnight. It seems like my desk has been caught in the middle of World War 3. There are papers everywhere, Post-its are strewn about, there are lots of fast food wrappers everywhere. I just can’t seem to keep my desk clean for more than five minutes. I am busy working! I just think that as long as I know where everything is amidst the clutter, my desk is as good as organized.

However, when my boss came to my desk to ask me a question, he thought otherwise. He immediately crinkled his nose in disgust. He said, “You know it’s lucky that you do such a great job here, I don’t think I would tolerate this mess with anyone else.” Ouch.

This is when I realized that, no matter organized I thought I was, I had to make a change. As a professional, I shouldn’t have a mess cluttering my desk. If I can’t even get my desk under control, how am I going to be able to keep my work in order?

Here are ten things that I did to organize my desk. If you want to avoid a life of confusion when it comes to your desk. These tips can help you as well:;

1) Clear off the top of your desk. This was a great idea, I was able to clear off my desk and let it see the light of day again. I was also able to judge how much space I actually had.

2) Use a desk top organizer. This is was very useful. I was used to having everything tossed carelessly in a pile. But with a desk top organizer, I was able to fit a lot more stuff on my desk without it getting cluttered.

3) Create a separate drawer for personal paperwork.

4) Keep cleaning supplies. Having paper towels to wipe your desk down periodically will help your desk stay cleaner, longer.

5) Get rid of pens and pencils that aren’t being used anymore (or that don’t work).

6) Have a notepad to take use as notes. Don’t use scrap papers laying around.

7) Organize things according to how you use them. The more that you use something, have it closer to you.

8) Organize your wires. Sometimes your desk can get chaotic if there are tons of wires around your desk. Make sure that the wires are organized.

9) Make sure you have enough light. If you are able to see everything, you will think twice about a messy desk.

10) Stay organized as you go. Don’t wait until the end of the day to organize. If you have a few extra seconds, straighten up things. It will make the end of the day a lot less stressful.

A few weeks later, my boss came strolling by my desk. He said, “Welcome to. . .” He looked at me, and I smiled. He was extremely confused. He thought that I was a new employee, that is how clean my desk looked. I advocate to you, that no matter how clean that you think your work space is, there is something that you can do to help you organize it. It may not seem like a big deal, but when faced with impending deadlines and a hectic work schedule, you will find that having a clean desk will help you feel less stressed. I have found that I am also able to focus better because I am not worried about the clutter that is surrounding me. Make a change for the better and cut the clutter. You’ll be glad you did.

About the Author

Neltje Maynez is a writer for My Colleges and Careers. This site is a great resource and tool for those that have graduated and are looking for online mba programs.