From clutter to clarity: organising your office desk like a pro

A messy desk can be stressful as it can affect both our productivity and our mood. Here at TREE, we're all about creating a clutter-free space to foster a clear mind, and with the right organisation tips and storage space options, you can make a workspace that brings you joy, keeps you inspired and stay focused at what's at task!

The impact of clutter on productivity and mental health

Clutter is not just a mess; it can hurt our mental health and how much we get done. Research shows that clutter can raise cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone. This can make us feel more anxious and overwhelmed.

When our work area is messy, our brains have to work harder to sort through information and ignore distractions. This mental strain can make it harder to focus, be creative, and can lead to more mistakes.

Essential steps to decluttering your desk

First thing's first: take everything off your desk. Clearing your space completely will help you decide what you really need and what you can donate, throw away, or put in another place.

Next, sort through the clutter things: make separate piles for items you use every day, every week, and every month. These may include your computer, a notepad, your favourite pen, and maybe a small tray for incoming papers. This way, you can identify what should you keep within easy reach and what can be stored a bit farther away in your workspace or home office.

Effective strategies for paper management

If you tend to have piles of paper build up at your desk, we've pulled together a few effective paper management tools to cull the clutter:

• Go digital: opt for digital documents whenever you can. You can also use scanning apps to change paper documents into PDFs.
• Create a filing system: If you do require physical copies, consider using a simple filing system, with labeled folders and clear categories to keep them organised.
• Purge regularly: Don't let old papers stack up! We recommend scheduling some time in to sift through and get rid of outdated or unneeded documents.

Storage solutions for a tidier desk

Take a look at some of our favourite storage ideas below to help keep things in tip-top order!

Go vertical

Vertical storage is often overlooked, but can provide you ample space to organising your office essentials, especially in small spaces. Putting shelves above your office desk can give you a convenient place to store and display books, binders, and decorations while keeping your desk top clear.

TREE tip: if you want to eliminate the look of clutter, opt for storage bins or baskets to place on your shelves. They help corral loose items to help create an overall streamlined look.

Desk organisers and drawer dividers

Desk organisers and drawer dividers are a simple but effective addition to keep your smaller desk essentials organised, thereby combatting clutter. Dividing your drawer into smaller compartments will allow you to group your pens, pencils, paper clips, and other small items, so that you can give everything a home. You'll find this solution will maximise your drawer space whilst making it much easier to find all your home office accessories when you need it!

Tame your desk top with a tray

Not only does a tray help group smaller items to create visual harmony on your desk, it also provides a naturally stunning base for all your accessories like your notepad, pens, a small plant, and a pretty container for paperclips. There are an array of designs available to perfectly suit your personal style: a tray made of reclaimed teak offers a raw and rustic look and feel, while an option with unique abstract patterns can add colour and visual interest to your workspace.

Cable management solutions for a neat desk

Tangled cords can make your desk messy, but fret not – they are easy to manage! With the help of cable ties, clips, and sleeves, your wires can be kept tidy and neatly out of sight. There are even colour-coded cable ties, which make it easy for you to identify which cord goes with which device. A cable management box is a wonderful addition to hide power strips and all those extra cords, keeping your space looking neat and organised.

Giving your workspace some personalisation

Long gone are the days of sterile office spaces – your desk and home office pieces should reflect who you are, giving way to a workspace that makes a you feel inspired. Feel free to add personal items that make you happy. Add your personal touch by using decor that matches your interests and style, such as a bright desk lamp, a fun pen holder, or a colourful mousepad. You could even add a potted plant to bring life to your desk setup!

Don't forget about scents – a scented candle or a diffuser with essential oils can change the feel of your workspace, and create a calming, welcoming space that will give you some mental clarity.

Add ergonomics into the mix

Indeed, comfort makes the world of a difference to ensuring you have a productive work day. Think about getting an ergonomic chair that supports your lower back and can adjust to your preferred height so that you can sit properly. A wrist rest for your keyboard can help reduce wrist strain, while a footrest can improve blood flow and make you feel more comfortable.

Maintaining your newly organised desk

Now that you have a clean and tidy workspace, it's important to implement a few daily routines to keep the clutter from returning. At the end of each workday, take a few minutes to clean your desk, put away files, organise loose papers, and throw away any trash. A quick five-minute clean-up each evening can really help keep your workspace organised, and ensure that you'll start each morning with a clear desk and a fresh mind, ready for the day ahead.

Adjusting your organisational system

A good organisation system is one that adapts to your changing storage needs – what worked for you six months ago may not be the best option now. We recommend checking your organisation system regularly to see if it still works well for you. Perhaps you'll find that you need more desk storage, or that you need a rearrange your storage tools to make your workspace better for your tasks and projects.

We hope today's bLOG post has given you some desk organisation ideas to help manage clutter and maintain a clean and tidy workspace. With the right storage tools and systems in place, you'll have yourself an clean, inspirational workspace to stay focused and productive.