top 10 tips for a clutter-free desk

Ok, so your desk isn’t exactly promoting productivity. Likely story. These tricks and tips will transform your grimy desk into one that’s joyfully inviting.

1. never let junk mail hit your desk.

We know it’s easier said than done. Straight to the trash, recycling bin, or shredder.

2.  give yourself guidelines (and stick to them)

Create a monthly clear-the-desks rule, when everything goes into a file, a box, or the trash.

3. make it look pretty

Always take five minutes to straighten up your desk before leaving. When you see how pretty it is, you’ll want to come back.

4. organize accordingly

Use a label-maker for files and boxes “accounts payable” “2014 taxes” “keepsakes.”

5. think about the way you work 

Set-up your file cabinet (or file box) the way your mind works—by topic, by month, whatever speaks to you—so you’ll be more inclined to use it.

6. invest in key pieces

Buy a paper shedder. It makes clutter-clearing easy; and the buzzy repetition is meditative.

7. utilize every inch

Find room in a drawer for your stapler, tape dispenser, post-its, highlighter, and other useful but ugly supplies.

8. out with the old

Can’t let go of that old-fashioned calendar and rolodex? Come on, there are helpful apps for all of that.  

9. stock up on what you use 

Don’t cram your pencil cup with random, found pens. Buy a single type of writing implement.

10. presentation maters

Treat yourself to a nice letter organizer—mail looks more deal-able (and takes up less space) when envelopes are neat.