January 11, 2021, 9:58 am | Read time: 5 minutes
The formula for successful remote work is surprisingly simple: All you need is a workspace and some organization. However, maintaining order often proves challenging in practice. With these seven tips, keeping your desk tidy becomes effortless.
The minimalism trend has taken over home organization. With varying degrees of enthusiasm, people are decluttering their closets, basements, and more. However, maintaining order in one of the most important areas of a home is proving difficult. We’re talking about the home desk, which has become a frequently used space since the COVID-19 pandemic, but its organization doesn’t always reflect that. The fact is, people are significantly more productive and efficient in a well-organized environment. The principle is simple: “Clean desk, clean mind.” Only when our (mental) eye isn’t too distracted can our thoughts flow, allowing us to work optimally. Isn’t that what we all want? With these seven tips, you can keep your home office desk tidy for good.
Avoid Multifunctional Use
A desk, especially if it’s not in a separate office, often becomes a catch-all in passing. During a phone call, a coffee cup might end up on the desk and not make its way back to the kitchen quickly.
Desks are also often repurposed as vanities. Mascara, concealer, and a mirror then take up a portion of the desk space.
Use Systems for Desk Organization
It may sound like a dull office environment from the ’90s, but organizational systems of all kinds are back and more stylish and smarter than ever. Drawer and document boxes or pen holders come in various chic designs made of wood, metal, or sturdy cardboard. Wall organizers are also recommended. Boards that allow for flexible attachment of bins, wire baskets, or S-hooks are increasingly available. The advantage: all office supplies are at eye level and not on the work surface.
If you need many folders for work, a color-coded sorting system is advisable. Arranging them in a rainbow order not only adds a creative touch to the environment but also simplifies finding important documents: yellow for insurance, red for pay slips, and blue for taxes. Alternatively, different colored labels or fonts are also conceivable.
Bundle Notes Instead of Scattering
They often stick to the left and right of the monitor, “adorn” the desk lamp, or scatter across the workspace: we’re talking about small sticky notes. Not only do the notes themselves, but also the Post-its in various neon colors, create a real “visual war,” which is not conducive to efficient work. It would be better for you and the desk’s organization if all these (seemingly) important messages were bundled in one place and always available. Here, both smartphones and tablets, as well as the analog version with a good old notebook, are much more practical. After all, what good are all the reminders stuck to your home desk if you need them on the go or in a meeting?
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No Paper, Little Chaos
In times of digital work and increased awareness of sustainability, completely avoiding paper is a great help in keeping your workspace as tidy as possible. If that’s not possible, using both sides of a sheet and having a trash can nearby is advisable. Otherwise, that paper is likely to persistently remain in place.
Minimal Decoration for More Desk Order
Of course, we all like to have art or memories of loved ones and past travels around us. However, they remind us, and that’s where the problem lies. We are constantly, albeit pleasantly, tempted to distraction while working. It’s advisable to reduce decoration to an absolute minimum and opt for inspiring objects instead of those with a strong personal connection. How about a naturalistic-style picture on the wall, as it also promotes creativity?
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On Tidying Up and Filing
If you want your desk to look presentable, you can’t avoid tidying it regularly. But how often is regular? It’s advisable to establish a clear, ideally daily routine. Spend at least five minutes after work each day to clear the desk of unnecessary items and let it “breathe” again.
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If that’s too stressful or if not much paperwork accumulates in a day, you can also use the well-known filing system. Its “expiration date” should be no later than a week. That means by Sunday evening, the filing should be empty, allowing you to start the new week fresh and free on Monday.
A Wall Desk Helps Keep the Desk Organized
Sometimes, you might need to consider a completely different workspace if keeping order just isn’t working. A foldable wall desk can be the ideal solution. To close it, you must ensure a bit of order every day. Additionally, many models already have clever storage and sorting options integrated for better organization.