Struggling to keep a tidy desk? You’re not alone. We’ve all looked at our desks at some point and thought, How did it get this bad? Maybe it started with one coffee mug, then a few Post-it notes, and suddenly it’s a paper avalanche with a side of biscuit crumbs.
The big question is – does it actually matter? Is a tidy desk just for show, or does it genuinely help you get more done?
Let’s talk about what a clean desk can really do for your brain, your productivity, and your peace of mind – and how to keep it that way without losing your personality (or your mind).
Why a Tidy Desk Isn’t Just About Looking Neat
First off, yes – studies show that tidy desks help most people work better. It’s not just about impressing your boss when they walk past. A clean, organised workspace makes it easier to concentrate, think clearly, and actually finish things.
Think about it: when you’re not constantly pushing aside old paperwork or searching for that pen that definitely rolled under the keyboard, your brain has more space to focus on the task at hand.
But here’s the twist – messy desks aren’t automatically the enemy.
Messy or Tidy? It Depends on You
Some genuinely brilliant people have worked from chaotic desks – Einstein, for one, wasn’t exactly known for his minimalist office setup. And there’s research that backs this up: one study from Kathleen Vohs at the University of Minnesota found that messy environments can help spark creative thinking and out-of-the-box ideas.
So if you’re a designer mid-brainstorm or a writer knee-deep in notes, a bit of controlled chaos might actually help.
The trick is knowing yourself. If mess stresses you out or makes you procrastinate, a tidy desk is probably your best friend. If clutter doesn’t bother you and helps you think more freely, no need to sweep everything into a bin just to tick a box.
That said, even the most creatively messy people can benefit from a reset now and then.
How to Tidy Your Desk Without Going Full Marie Kondo
No, you don’t need to thank your stapler for its service. But a bit of regular maintenance goes a long way. Here’s how to get your desk under control without turning into an organisation obsessive:
1. Start With a Clean Slate
Take everything off your desk. Everything. It’ll look worse before it looks better, but stick with it.
2. Group Your Stuff
Split your items into rough categories – pens, cables, notebooks, snacks you forgot about… Be honest about what you actually use daily.
3. Keep Only the Essentials on Show
What do you use every day? That’s what gets to live on your desk. Everything else can go in drawers, shelves, or get recycled.
4. Get Yourself Some Storage
You don’t need fancy organisers. A couple of trays, a pencil pot, and a drawer divider can work wonders. Even a few mugs for pens and paperclips can make things feel more contained.
5. Deal With the Paper Problem
If you’re drowning in printouts, scan what you can and store it digitally. Less paper = less stress. Digital notebooks like OneNote or Notion are handy if you’re into that sort of thing.
6. Tame the Cables
Chargers, HDMI leads, USB cables – they love to tangle. Grab a few Velcro wraps or cable clips. Or better yet, go wireless where you can.
7. Put a Bin Nearby
You’re far more likely to chuck stuff away if the bin’s within arm’s reach. It’s that simple.
8. Make Cleaning Part of Your Day
End your workday with a quick desk tidy – two minutes tops. Clear mugs, bin scraps, and straighten things up. It makes a big difference the next morning.
9. Audit Monthly
Once a month, do a slightly deeper clear-out. Be brutal with stuff you haven’t touched in weeks.
What You Get Out of a Tidy Desk
Here’s the payoff. A tidy desk gives you:
- Better focus – less clutter = fewer distractions
- Less stress – looking at chaos all day takes a mental toll
- Faster work – no more “where did I put that USB stick” moments
- A professional vibe – whether it’s for Zoom calls or unexpected visitors
- Healthier habits – regular cleaning means fewer germs and clearer thinking
And if you work from home, it helps draw a line between ‘work’ and ‘home’ life. Shutting your laptop on a clean desk feels like a proper end to the day.
Final Thought: Your Tidy Desk. Your Way.
Look, you don’t need a desk that looks like it belongs in a magazine. If a few sticky notes and a snack drawer keep you happy, that’s fine. But if you’ve been feeling distracted, stressed, or buried in to-do lists, your desk might be part of the problem.
Try a tidy-up. Keep what helps you work. Bin what doesn’t. And if nothing else, you’ll finally find that missing charger cable.
Now go give your desk a little love – it deserves it.
