Make sure you remove everything from your desk, even if you know you’re going to put it back in the same place. This includes pictures, plants, papers, diaries, your computer etc.
Shred any sensitive documents before disposing of them. Recycle paper, plastic, and anything else that is recyclable. People who are extremely organized with clean desks have a saying: “When in doubt, throw it out. ”
You can use compressed air to clean your keyboard or any other objects with difficult to reach areas. You can use a solution of water and white vinegar to clean many surfaces or purchase a cleaning agent that you like. Surfaces include the top of your desk, the inside of your drawers, the tops of shelves, and any screens.
If your desk is in a cubicle at work, you may need to set up some small shelves above or next to your desk. If your desk is in a home office or bedroom, you may want your shelves away from your desk so that they’re out of sight and don’t pose a visual distraction. Think about what will go on the shelves before you install them. Make sure they’re the right size for the books or tools you plan to put on them.
Make sure every label is clear and specific. That way, no drawer will simply become a “junk drawer. ” If you like, you can use a color-coding system instead of writing the words on each drawer. Be careful with labels. Don’t generalize too much or you can end up having messy drawers full of miscellaneous items. This can also cause confusion when it’s time to put something away.
You can choose a few important things that get to sit on top of your desk. These can include current projects or tools you use repeatedly, such as a ruler or calculator.
Do whatever needs to be done with each object immediately if you can. If a paper needs to be shredded, or a knick-knack needs to be dusted, do it now. Don’t wait until later. If it will take more than two minutes to deal with an object (for example, if the paper shredder is in another building, or you’d need to go buy a duster) place the object on your “to do” list. Objects that will go back on the desk can go into a new pile. Objects that are trash go in the trash. Objects you’re not sure about can go in a third pile.
After a month, six months, or a year, you can go through that container. If you haven’t used something from it, throw it away. The chances that you’ll ever use it are very slim.
Try to avoid having a lot of visual distractions at your desk. Limit the amount of decoration at your desk so that you can still focus. Books are best kept off your desk if possible. Have an accessible shelf where you can keep the books you need regularly. [9] X Research source
By cleaning your desk off at the end of each workday, you ensure that you’ll come into a clean and usable workplace the next day. Designate one day per week or month to really clean your desk thoroughly, depending on how quickly it gets messy or disorganized.
You might want to use different kinds of containers for different items. You might need file folders or a bulletin board to pin things to. You may have lots of tools that need to be hung on hooks.
If you have noticed that a certain item rarely or never gets used, don’t keep it at your desk. If there’s a tool or resource that you use a lot but have been keeping elsewhere, create a space for it at your desk.
Ask other people who work in your field how they organize their desks. They might have valuable insights for you!
