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Clear Desk, Clear Mind: Tips for National Clean Off Your Desk Day


A clean home office desk with laptop, filer, and a potted plant

Did you know that January 9th is National Clean Off Your Desk Day? Yep, it's a thing, and it's the perfect excuse to give your workspace a little TLC. We get it; life gets hectic, and sometimes our work desks bear the weight of it. But don't worry, because today, we're digging into the art of decluttering and organizing, all in the name of increasing productivity and making your desk a place you actually want to spend time at. Let's roll up our sleeves and turn that cluttered chaos into an organized heaven!


1. The Great Decluttering Dance:


Begin by clearing everything from your desk - yes, everything. It may look like the end of the world at your desk for a moment, but trust us—it's the first step to getting clear. Sort through the pile and decide what stays, what goes, and what needs a new home. When you do this, don't forget about that old stack of papers you've been hoarding. Give it a proper send-off to the recycling bin. Those random sticky notes? Make a special place for them. Eliminate items that don't serve a purpose and you'll be on your way to an organized desk in no time! By keeping only the most important things on your desk, you can focus better and get more done.


2. Drawer Drama:


A cluttered personal items under the desk for clean up

Desk drawers are like the Bermuda Triangle of office supplies. Things mysteriously vanish in there, never to be seen again. Take a moment to go through those drawers. Empty them, clean out the dust, and organize your essentials. Use drawer organizers to keep pens, paper clips, and sticky notes in check. Now, finding a fresh pen won't feel like a hunt for buried treasure. And here's another pro tip; sort your drawers into categories and utilize dividers to create specific locations for different supplies. This allows for quick access and avoids future drawer mess.


3. Cable Control:


We've all been there – desperately fishing for the right charger among a tangle of cables. It's time to put an end to the chaos! To keep those stray cords in check, use cable organizers or binder clips. This will not only make your desk look cleaner, but it will also spare you the hassle of untangling a web of chargers every day.  You can also label your cables or use colorful ties to make them easy to identify. When looking for the proper cord, this simple approach saves time and sanity.


4. A Splash of Green:


Add a touch of life to your workspace with some greenery. A little succulent or low-maintenance plant like a pothos can transform the vibe of your workspace. Plus, they're like little productivity buddies, silently cheering you on as you tackle your to-do list.  Plants not only look nice on your desk, but they also improve the air quality. Just don't forget to choose low-maintenance plants to relieve stress in your green buddies.


5. The Power of Post-its:


A cork board with pinned post-its for an organized and clean home office desk

Post-its are useful, but too many of them may turn your workplace into a neon nightmare. Make a special area for your sticky note spree - a Post-it zone. It could be a cute memo board or a section of your desk. This way, you'll have your reminders within arm's reach without turning your workspace into a psychedelic dreamscape.

For distinct categories of activities or priorities, use color-coded Post-its. This gives your notes a visual grouping factor.


6. Go Digital with Documents:


If your desk is drowning in paperwork, consider going digital with your documents. Scan and organize important papers on your computer. Cloud storage platforms have changed the game in terms of keeping things neat without sacrificing access. For efficiency, invest in a document scanner, and organize digital data into folders with clear labels for quick access.  Say goodbye to the paper trail and hello to a clutter-free desk.


7. Personalize with Purpose:


While it's great to customize your workstation, too many trinkets might make it appear cluttered. Choose a few significant items, such as a family portrait, a cherished phrase, or a tiny piece of art, to personalize your desk without overpowering it.  Choose items that inspire or provide you joy. A clean workstation with personal touches promotes a happy and encouraging work atmosphere.


8. Mindful Mind Maps:


A person sketching a mind map for a more organized and clean desk

Have you ever heard of a mind map? It's similar to a visual to-do list that can help you keep track of your tasks without cluttering up your desk. Create a mental map of your daily or weekly goals using a whiteboard or a digital tool. It's a creative way to stay organized and focused.  Break down larger projects into visual mind maps to identify key tasks and prioritize them effectively.



9. File Away Fantastically:


Invest in a file organizer or some stylish folders to tame the paper trail. Designate spots for incoming and outgoing documents, bills, and any important paperwork. When you can find that one document in seconds, your future self will thank you.

You can create a file system based on the frequency of use and importance of documents. To keep your system running smoothly, clear your files on a regular basis.


10. The 30-Day Home Organization Challenge:


Now that you've conquered the chaos on your desk, why stop there? We invite you to take our 30-Day Home Organization Challenge! It's like a boot camp for decluttering and organizing your entire living space. We'll guide you through daily tasks to transform your home into a haven of order and tranquility. Plus, by the end of it, you could win a $50 Amazon gift card! Are you up for the challenge? Click here to begin the organizational journey!


So, there you have it – National Clean Off Your Desk Day, conquered! Your workspace is now a productivity powerhouse, and you're ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you. Here's to an organized, clutter-free, and oh-so-productive year ahead!





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