Is your work space messy and cluttered? Does your desk have so much stuff on it that there’s barely space for you to write? Do you find yourself pushing stuff out of the way just so you have enough space to sit down? A cluttered space makes for a cluttered mind, and my own desk was so disorganized that it was causing me anxiety. I cleaned the clutter using these hacks and found that my desk is not only a more efficient workspace, but it’s more fun to use. Try these tips and tricks for a workspace that’s organized, efficient and fun!

1. Sterilite drawers are great for organizing important documents.

   

   You can get them for relatively cheap on Amazon (about $40 for a set of 3), and they work wonders for organizing the papers that cause clutter. Your documents will be easy to find and you can even line the inside with contact paper, washi tape or scrapbook paper to make the drawers more fun!

   

2. Add fresh cut flowers or a small plant for a pop of color.

   

   No need for any expensive bouquets or glass vases. I bought a bouquet of flowers for a couple of bucks at the grocery store, cut them short and placed them in a recycled bottle. Not only will they make your workspace less drab, you’ll feel like a cool hipster for using a recycled bottle instead of a vase.

3. Line up mementos neatly along the far edges of your desk.

   

   Almost everyone wants to display their photos and keepsakes to personalize their workspace, but you don’t want your mementos to leave you with little space to work. Lining your mementos neatly along the edges of your work area will allow you to admire them without hogging the desk space.

4. Use your favorite mug, even if it’s just for water.
   

   

   My favorite mugs and glasses always make me feel a little happier, even if I’m having a terrible day. Using your favorite mug will give you a little something to look forward to every time you sit down to work.

5. Light a scented candle to boost your calm.

   

   Not everyone can do this depending on where they work, but if you can, lighting a candle can really adjust your mood. Choose soothing scents like lavender, chamomile, white tea or green tea.

6. Make your space cozy.
   

   

   Fold your favorite sweater or blanket over the back of your chair so that when you get chilly from wintery weather or the frigid, office air conditioning in the summer, you can throw on something cozy and stay focused through the cold. 

7. Keep snacks nearby “because you’re not you when you’re hungry.”

   

   You won’t be nearly as productive if you’re hungry or have to get up to get food, especially if you just got started on a project. Keep non-refrigerated snacks such as nuts, peanut butter and crackers or an apple in or near your desk for those peckish moments.

8. Utilize your desk drawers.

   

   I’m not sure if other people do this, but often instead of really cleaning and organizing my desk, I throw all the papers and junk from the top of my desk into the drawers. This ends up being a problem because I didn’t actually clean, I just moved the mess elsewhere and can’t find anything later on. Utilize your desk drawers by organizing the drawers themselves using small cardboard boxes or a kitchen utensil holder (pick a cheap one from the dollar store) and labeling where everything belongs.

9. Clear the clutter from your desktop.
   

   

   
   Do you really need all those post-its from last month? Are all the papers in those piles important, relevant and necessary? The answer is: probably not. Sort through everything — put the important documents away, recycle the junk and shred the rest. Do one big haul, and make sure to sort your documents weekly so the top of your desk remains clutter-free.

10. Keep water within reach.
    

    

    You gotta stay hydrated! Keeping a water pitcher on your desk will help ensure you get the minimum eight glasses of water per day you need. You might have to stop working for more bathroom breaks, but what’s the harm in a few extra breaks in exchange for being healthy and hydrated?

11. Move non-work stuff away from your workspace.
    

    

    Something that makes a work space look messy is all the extra stuff accumulating on the sides and underneath the desk, especially if you don’t actually need it for work. Find a place for non-work-related items away from your desk — you can even bring a storage bin into the office to create a designated place for those items.

12. Put your cell phone away if you don’t need it for your work.
    

    

    This one’s tough because so many jobs heavily rely on smartphones. Phones often interrupt and slow productivity. So, if you can, try turning your phone to do-not-disturb and placing it in your desk during the work day.

13. Hang simple wall art or inspiring quotes.
    

    

    A nice piece of art can make a big difference, and quotes can help keep you motivated throughout the day and remind you of your goals. Nothing too fancy — you don’t want your walls to distract you. Try making your own wall art or purchase inexpensive pieces from places such as Marshalls and HomeGoods.

14. Use mason jars for anything and everything.
    

    

    They’re great for holding pens and pencils, organizing small items such as paper clips and knickknacks — you can even use them as a vase for your fresh-cut flowers. Not only can you get them for cheap at craft or dollar stores, you can liven them up by painting them, tinting them or making a full-blown organizer! 

15. Be sure to have great lighting.
    

    

    Nothing is worse than trying to get work done in a dark, dank space. Plus, bright lights help keep you awake, which is important for those days when you catch a bad case of the Itis. Pinterest has tons of cool ideas for lighting up your desk just right.

16. Place a good book on your desk.

    

    It looks great, especially if it complements the color scheme of your desk, and you can read it to get a short, much-needed break from your computer screen.

17. Clean and re-organize often.

    

    Clean up papers, throw out old post-its and make sure desk drawers are neat at the end of each week to keep your space efficient. Change out your wall art or add new inspirational quotes every few months to help you stay motivated. Lastly, be sure to wipe down your space with Clorox or Lysol wipes at least once a week — because who knows what germs could be lingering, especially during flu season.

Maintaining a fun and efficient workspace is definitely an investment. But once you’ve done it, you’ll be so happy you did. A little TLC and your workspace can go from disaster:

…to downright delightful!

 

Check out Blavity’s Pinterest for more DIY tips.

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