How to declutter your desk to improve your mental health
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Learn why clutter causes anxiety and how reducing clutter on your desk can improve your mental health. Plus, 6 tips to help you declutter your desk for good.
When you’re busy jumping between finishing last-minute projects and hopping on another video call, keeping a clean desk might be the last priority on your to-do list. But decluttering your desk can have a positive impact on your mental health, not to mention it can also be seriously satisfying.
When your desk is messy, you may have difficulty concentrating on tasks, making you feel out of control and overwhelmed. As a result, tidying up can help you cultivate a calmer, more focused mental state, boost efficiency, and improve your mood.
How reducing clutter can improve your mental health
Reducing clutter and organizing your desk can work wonders for your mental health.
Decreased stress: A tidy workspace can help decrease your stress levels and reduce anxiety. When you feel a sense of control over your environment, you may notice an improvement in your mood and overall self-esteem.
Improved concentration: An organized desk can also boost your mental clarity and focus. Without the visual distraction of clutter—or the time lost looking for a misplaced item—your brain can better process information and concentrate on the tasks at hand. This heightened focus can lead to a smoother, more productive workday.
Calmer mind: Starting your day at a clean desk can set a tone of efficiency and capability, and this can make it easier to feel calm and get to work. An organized environment can also help you maintain good mental health and achieve daily professional goals with reduced stress and distraction.
7 steps to declutter your desk
With a few straightforward tips to declutter your desk, you can create a streamlined, efficient workspace that can help enhance your productivity and protect your mental health.
1. Remove everything and start fresh
Begin by clearing everything from your desk. This can help you assess what you have so you can make intentional decisions about what you need and what can be discarded or stored elsewhere.
2. Categorize your items
Sort all your things into categories such as office supplies, documents, personal items, and electronics to help you see any duplicates or unnecessary objects that add to the clutter.
3. Prioritize desk essentials
Place any items that you use daily on your desk, such as your favorite pen, your planner, your laptop, or books. Anything you use less often can be stored neatly in drawers or on shelves, which can help keep your desk surface clear. This can leave you plenty of space to work without distraction.
4. Implement storage solutions
Use organizational tools like drawer dividers, trays, and holders to keep small items tidy. For papers and documents, consider vertical sorters or wall-mounted organizers to free up desk space. Proper storage solutions can help keep supplies accessible but out of the way.
5. Digitize paper clutter
Scan important documents and store them digitally. This can free up physical space and help avoid important documents accidentally getting tossed in the trash. Plus, making them easily retrievable can further enhance your productivity.
6. Adopt a clean desk policy
Tidy your desk at the end of each workday. Organize paperwork, remove empty water or coffee cups, and place every item in the drawer or area where it should go. This can help you stay organized, so you can start each new day with a clear workspace and a clear mind.
7. Regularly reassess
Set a recurring schedule—perhaps weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—to review your desk to reassess what’s needed. Has outdated paperwork been piled high, or has that coffee stain not been wiped away? Regular upkeep (and the occasional deep clean) can help prevent clutter from building up, so you can keep your workspace fresh and current.
Why does clutter cause anxiety?
Clutter can significantly impact your mental wellbeing, because a chaotic and disorganized environment can be overwhelming and lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety. When your workspace is cluttered, it sends a continuous signal that tasks are unfinished, which can be mentally exhausting.
A disorganized space can also make it difficult to find what you need quickly. This can disrupt your workflow, causing frustration and reducing efficiency.
Studies have shown that people with cleaner, less cluttered workspaces are able to focus better and process information faster than those working in more cluttered environments. The visual distraction of clutter can reduce cognitive performance and strip you of a sense of control, which can directly feed anxiety.
How to maintain a clutter-free desk: 6 tips to stay organized
Establishing habits that prevent clutter from accumulating can help you ensure your desk remains an organized, clutter-free zone ideal for productivity and mental clarity. Regular maintenance and a proactive approach to organization can help you create a sustainable, tidy working environment.
1. Set daily cleaning minutes
Dedicate a few minutes at the end of each workday to tidy up your desk. Put papers back in their place, arrange books and materials, and clear out any trash. This daily routine can help prevent the buildup of clutter so your workspace feels fresh and inviting every morning.
💙 Make a few minutes of tidying up a part of your Shut Down Routine at the end of the day.
2. Use labels
Label drawers, shelves, and bins to help you maintain an organized desk. When every item has a designated place, it’s easier to find what you need and put things back where they belong.
💙 Embrace organization tools to increase Productivity and workflow by spending less energy looking for what you need and more time on the task at hand.
3. Keep a minimalist approach
Regularly evaluate the items on your desk. If you haven’t used something in a few months, it likely doesn’t need a place in your workspace.
💙 Reset Your Attention with Eric López, PhD, in order to see your desk, and any unnecessary clutter, with fresh eyes.
4. Embrace technology
Start (or continue) using digital tools for note-taking, scheduling, and document storage. For example, if someone gives you a business card, take a picture right away and then recycle the paper. By reducing the need for physical notebooks and sticky notes, you can decrease the potential for clutter. Digital tools can also be easier to search, and having files accessible from anywhere can help enhance your efficiency.
💙 Playing soft music in the background while you work, like our Infinite Ambient for Relaxation playlist, can also help enhance efficiency.
5. Conduct regular audits
Review the contents of your desk and drawers regularly. Schedule a monthly or quarterly audit to reassess what you need to keep in reach, and what can be archived or discarded. This ongoing evaluation can help keep your workspace functional and clutter-free.
💙 Take a 60 Second Reboot for a quick break to refresh your mind before you refresh your space.
6. Choose personal items wisely
While personal items can make your workspace feel more comfortable, they can also contribute to clutter. Limit yourself to a few meaningful items that don’t take up too much space or distract from your work.
💙 Try to practice mindfulness in what you bring to your desk. If you’re new to the practice, begin with Jeff Warren’s Mindfulness for Beginners.
Declutter your desk FAQs
How often should I declutter my desk?
Declutter your desk regularly to prevent notes, stationery, and other items from accumulating, as these can lead to disorganization and stress. A nice guideline is to declutter thoroughly once a month.
However, if you find your desk gets cluttered more quickly, try increasing the frequency of your tidying sessions to bi-weekly. Regular check-ins can help keep your space functional and your mind clear.
What tools or accessories can help declutter my desk?
Several tools and accessories can help you keep your desk decluttered and neat.
Drawer organizers can create compartments for small items like pens, clips, and other office supplies.
Document trays and file holders can be great for organizing papers and reducing pile-ups.
Cable management boxes or clips can help keep device leads and chargers tidy and out of the way.
What is digital clutter?
Digital clutter is the accumulation of unnecessary files, emails, apps, or data on your digital devices that you no longer use or need. Just like physical clutter, digital clutter can hinder your productivity by making it difficult to find important files and navigate your devices efficiently.
To manage digital clutter, regularly review and organize your digital files, and delete or archive those that are no longer necessary.
How can I personalize my workspace while keeping it clutter-free?
Personalizing your workspace can make it feel comfortable and inviting, but it's important to customize without adding to the clutter. Choose a select few items that make you happy, such as a small plant, a photo, or a piece of art. Keep these items to a minimum and ensure they don’t take up functional space needed for work-related tasks. This way, you can enjoy a personalized desk while keeping it tidy.
What is the 20/20 rule for decluttering?
The 20/20 rule suggests that if you can replace an item for less than $20 and within 20 minutes, you might not need to keep it around, especially if it’s not frequently used. This rule can be helpful in decluttering as it encourages you to think critically about the items you keep, so you focus on only those that are truly necessary or difficult to replace. This can be particularly useful in managing miscellaneous things that might not be essential every day.
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