It can be challenging to concentrate on your work and be productive when your workstation is congested, which can also be a huge cause of stress and distraction. Yet, organizing your desk can enable you to focus and make your workspace more effective and productive.
Your productivity will ultimately increase if you have a more structured, concentrated feeling in your workstation. You may build a workplace that supports your goals and makes you more productive by getting rid of extraneous objects and organizing them more effectively.
You would not want a situation where things keep falling out of your desk that isn’t supposed to be there in the first place. A tidy decluttered work table is very vital for productivity and ease of work.
Now let’s go over some things I know are in your office right now that need to be decluttered right now so you can work better, feel better and concentrate.
17 Things to Declutter From Your Workspace to Boost Productivity
To increase productivity, clear the following items from your workspace:
1. Excess Paperwork
Paperwork can easily pile up on your desk, taking up valuable space and creating visual clutter. To declutter your workspace, go through your papers and toss out any that are no longer needed or relevant. Consider digitizing important documents and storing them on your computer to free up physical space.
2. Unnecessary Office Supplies
While it’s important to have the supplies you need to do your job, it’s easy to accumulate excess pens, paper clips, and other office supplies that you may never use. Go through your supplies and get rid of any duplicates or items you no longer need.
3. Outdated Technology
Old computers, printers, and other electronics can take up a lot of space and may not be working as efficiently as newer models. Consider upgrading your technology and getting rid of any outdated equipment that is no longer needed.
4. Personal Items
While it’s nice to have personal items on your desk, too many can create clutter and distraction. Limit the number of personal items you have on your desk and consider keeping them in a drawer or on a shelf instead.
5. Unused Furniture
Large or bulky furniture that is not being used can take up valuable space in your workspace. Consider getting rid of any furniture that is not necessary or replacing it with more functional pieces.
6. Excess Cables and Wires
Cables and wires can quickly become tangled and create a mess on your desk. Consider using cable ties or organizers to keep them neat and tidy, or getting rid of any cables and wires that are no longer needed.
7. Decorative Items
While it’s important to have a workspace that feels comfortable and inviting, too many decorative items can create clutter and distract from your work. Consider limiting the number of decorative items you have on your desk and keeping them in a designated area.
8. Magazines and Books
While reading material can be helpful for inspiration and relaxation, too many magazines and books can create clutter and take up valuable space. Keep a small selection of reading material on hand and store the rest in a designated area.
9. Junk Drawer
Everyone has a junk drawer, but it can quickly become a catch-all for random items and create clutter in your workspace. Take some time to go through your junk drawer and get rid of anything that is no longer needed or relevant.
10. Snacks and Food Packaging
While it’s important to stay nourished throughout the workday, snacks and food packaging can create a mess on your desk and be a distraction. Store snacks in a designated area and dispose of any packaging immediately.
11. Broken or Unused Office Equipment
Broken or unused office equipment such as staplers, hole punchers, or binders can take up space and create clutter. Get rid of any broken equipment and donate any unused items to a local school or charity.
12. Too Many Post-it Notes
While post-it notes can be helpful for jotting down reminders and to-do lists, too many can create clutter and be overwhelming. Limit the number of post-it notes you have on your desk and consider using a digital task manager instead.
13. Excess Office Furniture
Large or bulky office furniture such as bookshelves, file cabinets, or chairs can take up a lot of space and be a distraction. Consider getting rid of any furniture that is not necessary or replacing it with more streamlined pieces.
14. Old or Unused Desk Accessories
Desk accessories such as pencil holders, desk organizers, or letter trays can accumulate over time and create clutter. Get rid of any old or unused accessories and only keep the ones that are necessary for your work.
15. Dusty or Dirty Surfaces
Dust and dirt can accumulate on surfaces over time and create an unproductive environment. Wipe down your surfaces regularly to keep them clean and free of distractions.
16. Excess Office Decor
While it’s important to personalize your workspace, too many decorations can be overwhelming and create clutter. Limit the number of decorative items you have on your desk and consider rotating them out seasonally.
17. Unused or Distracting Apps
Apps on your computer or phone can be distracting and take away from your productivity. Delete any unused apps and limit the use of distracting apps during your workday.
You may build a more effective and productive work environment that supports your goals and enables you to be your most productive self by cleaning your workstation. Consider using these suggestions to design a setting that promotes imagination, concentration, and production.
Related: Monday Productivity Tips: 8 Things to do on Monday Morning to Streamline Weekdays Workload
