National Clean Your Desk Day: 5 Tips for Organizing Your Workspace

A corner office, featuring the Valery Desk, with window views of the city

With all the goal-setting and New Year’s resolutions, it’s no surprise that the second Monday of January is known as National Clean Your Desk Day. As we look toward the new year, the possibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, so why not clear the slate by clearing your work desk? 

Whether you work from home or in an office, we’re sharing our top tips for organizing your workspace, so you can feel refreshed and motivated in the new year. It is true, after all, that decluttering your space is the first step to decluttering your mind.

1. Start at Surface Level

A professional women typing on her Mac computer in her home office
Source: Pexels

Before you tackle what you can’t see, start with what you can. 

Begin by unplugging all your devices and removing paperwork, office supplies, cables and accessories from your desk. It’s important that circuits don’t come in contact with water or cleaning liquids to ensure your computers and iPads are ready for all your new year plans.

Once you’ve cleared the area, grab a damp cloth or disinfectant wipe and start cleaning any surfaces. Scrub down your desk, bookcases and file cabinets, wipe those fingerprints off your screen, and polish up your office décor. Then, move onto interiors, like cabinets, drawers or storage boxes. 

2. Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

A hand reaches into an expanding folder, looking for a document
Source: Pexels

When you’re deep in work mode, it can be challenging to think about anything else, especially something as small as keeping your desk organized. That’s why taking a step back to evaluate what you need and don’t need is the key to a fresh start. 

Shred, throw away, donate – No matter your method of choice, focus on getting rid of any old documents, dried-out pens, trash or unwanted items. The same goes for your computers and laptops too. It’s time to delete those long-forgotten screenshots and sort out your messy desktop.

This is also the perfect opportunity to go digital. Important documents can be easily scanned and placed in a drive for safe keeping.

3. Organize Your Space

Now that you’re down to the essentials, it’s time to organize your space. This can mean creating a bulletin board for all your post-its or simply color-coding your documents by priority.

Find what makes the most sense for your workflow and creativity. If you need extra counter space in your home office, a larger desk could help you plan your projects more effectively. If your books and documents keep piling up, consider getting a new file cabinet or credenza for additional storage.

This is your chance to create a functional workspace that sets you up for success.

4. Refresh Your Office

Looking at the same four walls every day can dim your motivation – especially if you’re in a cubicle or corporate office where a complete makeover may not be possible. Luckily, you can still find ways to spruce up your space.

For example, the simple addition of décor, like vibrant flower arrangements, vases or wall art, can breathe new life and personality into your work, while a lamp can reduce the strain on your eyes and brighten up the ambiance.

Plus, if you’re missing that nice back support, you can opt for a new office chair that is both stylish and comfortable.

5. Make a Schedule

A crowded desk covered with a calendar, laptop, coffee cup, camera, notebook and pastry
Source: Pexels

National Clean Off Your Desk shouldn’t be limited to just one day. That’s why we recommend creating a cleaning schedule. Not only will this save you time in the long haul, it will also help you stay organized and minimize the amount of cleaning you’ll have to do at the end of the year.

With every office sweep, you’ll find new and innovative ways to optimize your workspace and boost your productivity, so you can crush all those new goals. 

Here’s to serving major boss vibes with a clean workspace in 2022! 

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