Have you ever given thought to how clutter or disorganization affects your mood and your productivity? Some people argue that their desks may be messy but they know where everything is. So why have a messy desk in the first place?

Clutter leads to distraction and knows no boundaries. Whether it’s your desk or your kitchen with the clutter, notice how you feel when you enter the room. Do you get a warm, fuzzy feeling, like you could stay there all day? Or do you want to enter, get what you need, and then leave quickly?

Psychologists have studied the effects of clutter on our wellbeing and brains so it’s proven that looking at clutter weighs us down by making it difficult to make decisions and/or take action. Not taking care of the clutter or not finding the time to do so can also lead to feelings of depression or lower self-esteem, which in turn can lead to lowered productivity.

So, let’s clean off that messy desk!

Organizing Tips for a Clean Desk

One quick and easy way to clean your desk is to take everything off, put all papers into a pile, and clean the top. Now, only put back the essential items you need. Your next step MUST be to either hire an assistant or schedule time in your calendar to sort through all the papers. You don’t want to throw away important contracts, notes, or bills.

Now you need systems for dealing with the clutter so it doesn’t overwhelm you again. Try an accordian folder for bills or sign up for paperless bills and move everything online. Identify your biggest sources of clutter and find a solution. If your kids contribute to their clutter, move it to their rooms and find a storage solution in there. Your office should not be everyone’s extra storage space.

Add one thing that brings you joy to your desk. It can be a family photo, a diffuser with your favorite essential oils, or even a small vase of fresh flowers. Create a clean environment where you’ll be happy to work.

Once your desk is cleaned off and you have systems in place, take note of how easy it is to turn on the computer and do your work! No more wondering what’s under each pile or demeaning yourself for not finding the time to clean.

Tips for Bringing Positivity to Your Work

Your office space should be reserved for just work so you can enter and immediately feel focused on the day’s tasks. If you need a little more positivity and warmth for this space, consider framing a favorite inspirational quote on your wall or use it as the wallpaper on your computer screen. Frame your vision board prominently in your office so you can spend a few minutes each day remembering WHY you’re in business. Give your office a paint job or add new curtains for an inexpensive pick-me-up. If you don’t have the luxury of a home office, upload your favorite Spotify playlist with music that will inspire you to keep moving forward.

Lastly, remember that you are in control of the noise you let into your life. If your social media feeds are filled with nastiness, consider unfollowing certain people or hiding offensive posts. Maybe your newsfeed isn’t the best place to get your news headlines first thing in the morning.

Choose to acknowledge joyful things and your heart and mind will be calmer and ready to work.