Keeping a desk clean feels impossible sometimes, no matter whether it’s in the office or at home. One day, it’s spotless, and the next, it looks like a tornado just rolled through. But you don’t need to spend hours organising to keep things under control. With a few easy tweaks, your workspace can stay neat without much effort.
Start With a Clean Slate
If your desk is already a mess, don’t panic. Take five minutes to reset and begin with a clean slate. Start by discarding any rubbish, whether it’s old receipts, used coffee cups, or wrappers.
Put misplaced items back where they belong, and clear off any unnecessary clutter that’s contributing to the chaos. Once the major clutter has been dealt with, your desk will feel like a fresh start. This initial cleanup may take a little time, but once completed, regular upkeep will be much easier.
Stop Letting Stuff Pile Up
Most desk mess comes from procrastination. Instead of tossing papers in a pile to “deal with later”, file them immediately or scan them and go paperless.
This rule applies to all other items too — if it doesn’t belong on your office desk, move it right away. Don’t let things pile up, as the longer you leave something out of place, the harder it’ll be to get back on track
Embrace the One-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than a minute — putting away a pen, wiping off crumbs, throwing out old notes — do it immediately. These tiny actions prevent clutter from creeping in, so you never reach that overwhelming “where do I even start?” phase.
If your desktop stationery is constantly taking up the space, take a moment to reorganise it. Consider using small containers or organisers to neatly store these items in designated spots.
Keep Only the Essentials
Be ruthless about what stays on your desk. The more stuff you have, the harder it is to keep things neat. Your daily essentials? Keep them within reach. Everything else? Store it in a drawer, cabinet, or — if you don’t use it — get rid of it.
Tame the Chaos with Containers
Loose papers, scattered office supplies, and tangled cords can all make your desk appear messier than it actually is. To solve this problem, invest in some simple storage solutions like small baskets, trays, or even an old mug to keep items neatly contained.
These organisers will not only help keep things tidy but also make it easier to locate the things you need when you need them. Even the smallest of organisers can have a huge impact on the overall neatness of your desk.
Make Cleaning a Daily Habit
Think of tidying your desk like brushing your teeth—something you do automatically. Before you shut down for the day, do a quick sweep: straighten up, throw out trash, and put things back in their place. It takes two minutes, tops, but makes a huge difference.
Keep Food (and Its Mess) Away
While it’s fine to have a coffee cup or bottle of water on your desk, eating full meals at your workstation can lead to a mess of crumbs, sticky spots, and mysterious stains.
If possible, try to eat away from your desk to keep things clean. If you must snack while you work, make sure to keep some wipes or tissues on hand to quickly clean up any spills or crumbs.
Declutter Weekly
Even with daily tidying, stuff accumulates. At the end of each week, do a five-minute deep clean. Sort through papers, wipe down surfaces, and reset your space for a fresh start on Monday. It’s a quick, easy habit that pays off in the long run.
If you’re running out of stationery supplies, now may be the time to restock.
Make It Easy on Yourself
The less effort it takes to keep your desk clean, the more likely you’ll actually do it. Use storage solutions that work for you, keep a bin close by, and don’t overcomplicate things. A clean desk doesn’t have to be a huge chore — it’s just about building small, easy habits.
