The Office Survival Kit: How to Tidy a Messy Desk and Keep It Clean (Without Losing Your Genius)

Let’s face it - most of us have had a desk that looks like a paper explosion just went off. A few rogue coffee cups, pens you don’t even remember buying, and that ever-growing pile of paperwork that you swear you’ll sort through tomorrow.

But before you justify the chaos with the age-old adage that “a messy desk is a sign of genius,” let’s be honest: that genius is probably buried under the debris.

In fact, while some might argue that a cluttered workspace is a sign of creative genius (thanks to Einstein and his famously messy desk), the truth is that a messy desk can cost you productivity.

According to a study by Brother International, the average worker spends 76 hours per year looking for items lost in the mess. That’s nearly two full workweeks spent rummaging for that one post it note!

So, if you’re ready to reclaim your desk (and those lost hours), here’s how to tidy it up and keep it clean - without losing your mind or your genius.

1. The Great Desk Clear Out

Step one is brutal but necessary: take everything off your desk. We’re not joking—everything. We’re talking staplers, old to-do lists, the half-eaten sandwich you swore you threw away, all of it.

Why? Because studies show that a cluttered workspace can increase stress and anxiety. And let’s be honest, you don’t need more of that in your life. Once your desk is clear, wipe it down. It’s probably harbouring more crumbs than your office’s breakroom floor.

2. Sort, Bin, and File

Now that your desk is a blank canvas, it’s time to tackle the pile of items you’ve removed. Sort everything into three categories: Keep, Bin, and File Away.

• Keep: Only what you use daily should make the cut - pens, your laptop, and your favourite mug (singular!).

• Bin: It’s time to be ruthless. If it’s broken, outdated, or something you haven’t used in months, get rid of it. That random business card from 2019? Say goodbye.

• File Away: Anything that isn’t immediately necessary but still important (like that ever-growing pile of papers), put in a drawer or folder.

And here’s a fun fact to back this up: According to the National Association of Professional Organisers, clutter can cause up to 40% of housework to be delayed. So the more clutter you clear, the less time you’ll waste later. Genius or not, nobody wants to spend their time searching for a pen!

3. The Quest for Organisation

Now that you’ve de-cluttered, it’s time to get organised. Use trays, containers, and drawer dividers to make sure everything has a home.

• Desktop trays for important documents keep papers from building up (again).

• Pen holders prevent the Great Pen Hunt that happens every time you need to jot something down.

• Cable ties or clips keep your wires from looking like a spaghetti junction.

Organised spaces have been shown to increase productivity by 20%, so that’s extra motivation to make sure everything’s in its rightful place - genius or not!

4. Less is More

We know it’s tempting to keep adding things to your desk, but resist the urge! Clutter multiplies when you’re not looking, so aim to keep your desk as minimalist as possible. Only the essentials should live on your desk surface, and the rest should stay neatly tucked away.

5. End of Day Clean-Up

Here’s the secret to keeping your desk tidy long-term: take five minutes at the end of each day to reset. Put away anything you’ve used, wipe down the surface, and make sure everything’s in its place. Think of it as a mini victory lap for surviving the workday.

6. Deep Clean for the Win

Even with daily upkeep, your desk will still need a good deep clean now and then. Schedule a monthly clean-out to declutter and disinfect. After all, your desk might have more germs than a toilet seat (yep, 400 times more bacteria, according to a study by the University of Arizona). So, sanitising is non-negotiable.

At Best Choice Cleaning Company, we’re experts in keeping workspaces spotless and organised, from desks to kitchens and everything in between. If you need help tackling the chaos in your office, let us take care of the cleaning so you can focus on what you do best - without getting lost in the clutter.

Get in contact with us today to find out how we can help keep your workspace clean, tidy, and productive.