San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
IT MAY BE TIME FOR A DESK REFRESH
Declutter and reorganize for a more efficient sit-down workspace
Want to feel on top of the world at work? Start by tidying up the top of your desk, which is likely suffering from severe disorganization, problematic piles of paper, and a lack of clear real estate needed to complete necessary tasks.
Admit it: Your desktop (the non-computer one) and desk drawers are probably long overdue for a serious sprucing up, especially considering how much work-from-home business you’ve had to rely on that piece of office furniture for over the past year.
“It’s extremely common for a work desk to become disorganized. A little mess often means stuff is happening, but too much mess can be a sign of stagnation. Papers can pile up and inadvertently obscure things that require attention. And neglecting to file documents regularly makes them harder to find when you need them,” says Debra Baida, owner of Liberated Spaces in San Francisco. “That’s why it’s important to give thought to the ecosystem that is your desk, which provides an opportunity to assess your workspace and address what might be changed to best support your day-to-day needs.”
Marty Basher, an organization professional with Lakewood, New Jersey-based Modular Closets, contends that a wellmaintained, clutter-free desk reduces stress and increases work productivity.
“Too often, people treat their desks as a dumping ground when they are tired or
lack time to properly organize things,” he says. “But committing to removing junk and minimizing items maximizes your workspace, making it feel more inviting and functional.”
Your first step is to remove everything from the top and inside your desk. Then, wipe down all surfaces with a gentle cleaner until all food stains, crumbs, finger smudge, and dust bunnies are gone, recommends Basher.
“Next, take inventory of what you have. This requires categorizing and dividing your current desk contents into piles, which allows you to observe how much stuff you have and decide what to discard, donate, or reorganize,” Basher adds.
Consider additional supplies and accessories you may need to organize your workspace better. These could be drawer dividers,
small bins and containers for items like pens, paper clips, tape, and sticky notes; portable bins or racks for holding hanging file folders; and an inbox container that can sit atop your desk.
“I use one inbox for all incoming items, and I keep current papers I need on my desk in a second, larger inbox that has separate spaces to sort items like client projects, financial documents, and marketing tasks,” says Pamela O’brien, an interior designer with Houston-headquartered Pamela Hope Designs.
When determining what else deserves a spot on your desktop, focus on essential items that need to be visible and at your fingertips.
“Methodically sort through each of your items and ask yourself if it belongs there. If it does, and you can do so without derailing your focus, place it where it should go,” Baida suggests. “Otherwise,
set it aside with other things that require relocation, and stow away those items where they belong once you’ve finished with the desk.”
Regarding drawer contents, return items to these spaces based on the priority of use and ease of access.
“For instance, if you have a spare hard drive and use it only once or twice a month, consider storing it toward the rear of the drawer as opposed to occupying prime real estate in the front of your drawer,” notes Baida.
Don’t be afraid to part with accouterments that have outlived their usefulness.
“No one needs to hang on to a broken stapler, instruction manuals for obsolete office equipment, or 500 pens,” says Basher.
Additionally, aim to remove as much paperwork as possible by digitizing files on your computer and shredding unnecessary documents. Install cord hiders to minimize cable clutter. Use modular storage containers near or around your desk to take some of the storage burdens off your desk. And consider using your wall space for additional storage.
“Wall office supply holders can hold everything from files to staplers to tape dispensers. Adding a couple of shelves or cubbies above your desk also adds storage as well as decor space,” Basher advises.
Top off your workspace, if you have the room, with a handful of decor items – such as a framed photo, travel souvenir, or small trinkets – that aren’t distracting or conflicting with the tidy theme you’ve created.
“A plant can add softness and quiet vitality to a desk that’s usually dominated by linearity and technology,” says Baida.
For best results, strive for a quick straightening of your desktop before or after each workday.
“An attractive, neat working environment will inspire you to do a better job and maintain order, which can make a big difference in your day,” O’brien says.