Desk a Mess? These Office Organisation Tips Will Fix That

A cluttered desk can derail your entire day. One minute you’re doing your thing. The next, you’re spiralling because you can’t find a working pen, your desk is covered in papers you definitely don’t need, and your snacks are mysteriously missing (again). Messy office spaces mess with your brain, your workflow, and your mood.

The good news is that getting your workspace under control doesn’t need to cost a fortune or involve 18 matching folders and a label maker. Here are some easy, non-overwhelming office organisation tips to help you stay on top of your space, your supplies, and your much-needed sanity.

Why Does Having a Clean Workspace Matter?

Short answer: because your brain deserves better than trying to function next to a teetering pile of receipts and three half-empty coffee cups.

Long answer: a clean, well-organised workspace does wonders for your focus, energy, and general ability to deal with life. When your desktop is clear and your systems make sense, it’s easier to stay productive, feel in control, and stop stress from creeping in amongst looming deadlines.

A tidy desk is also just a nice thing to have. It helps cut down dust and germs (especially in shared office spaces), and (quietly) tells the world that you care about your work. Consider it a tiny act of self-respect with a big ripple effect.

1. Start With a Tidy-Up to Clear the Clutter

Start with a ruthless tidy-up. Look at what’s currently living on your desk, buried in your desk drawers, or balancing precariously behind the file cabinet. Chuck anything you haven’t used since last financial year. Group the rest into rough piles — papers, stationery, tech bits, snacks you forgot were there.

Once the clutter’s out of the way, give your office desks a proper clean. Wipe surfaces, disinfect your keyboard, clean under your chair (yep, under it). The less grime you let build up now, the less you’ll have to deal with during your next cleaning spiral.

2. Create Zones in Your Workspace

Your desk is one flat surface with a whole lot of competing priorities. 

To clear space, set up simple zones: one for your computer, one for reading or writing, and one for random admin bits. Keep only what you need in arm’s reach. The rest goes somewhere else. Your desktop should be as uncluttered as you’d like your calendar to be. Think monitor, keyboard, one good pen, and maybe your emotional support water bottle. Everything else gets filed, shelved, or hidden in a stylish container you spent way too much of your paycheck on.

3. Rethink Your Storage and Desk Organisation

Well-placed storage is the key to staying on top of mess. Here are some office organisation ideas that work in just about any space:

  • Drawer dividers: A game changer for messy desk drawers. Keep cords, paperclips, USBs, and other loose items sorted.

  • Wall-mounted files: Free up desktop organisation space by using vertical storage.

  • Clear storage boxes: Great for visibility and stackable for tight spaces.

  • File cabinet use: Most office documents are now digital, but for paper you must keep, label clearly and avoid letting it pile up.

  • Organise your cables: Use cable clips or zip ties to keep cords untangled and off your desk or floor. If you have multiple chargers or power bricks, try a small cable box to keep everything contained and out of sight.

  • Repurpose containers: Don’t overthink it: glass jars, small baskets, and even old mugs can double as storage for pens, sticky notes, or other small items.

For your desk specifically: stash non-urgent stuff in your drawer (hello, backup snacks), only keep one notebook out, and use a tray or organiser to contain any chaos. If you need more space, mount a mini shelf on your desk.

4. Create a Consistent Cleaning and Organisation Schedule

Like any good system, the key is consistency. Set a recurring reminder to do a quick tidy, restock office supplies, and clean surfaces. You can make it a part of your bigger cleaning checklist.

Here’s an easy cleaning and organisation rhythm you can follow:

  • Daily: Tidy your desk, wipe surfaces, wrangle loose papers.

  • Weekly: Empty bins, dust light fixtures, refill office supplies.

  • Monthly: Clean vents, mop the floor, purge the drawer of doom.

If your office doesn’t already have one, set up a recycling system too, including a paper bin, plastics bin, and e-waste station. Make it clear. Make it easy. Make it impossible to use “I didn’t know where to put it” as an excuse.

5. Declutter Your Digital Space (and Improve Your Productivity)

Digital clutter can create real life stress, too. You know it. We know it. That folder called “new-new-final-FINAL.docx” knows it. Take a few minutes to sort your digital desktop, name things properly, and archive what’s old. Set up folders that make sense, and actually stick to them.

6. Add (And Look After) Your Plants

No organisation tips list is complete without a shoutout to our leafy friends. A desk plant can instantly boost your mood, your space, and your air quality. Research says plants help with reducing stress, increasing focus, and making you feel like you’ve got your life together (even if you don’t).

Low-effort options include snake plants, peace lilies, pothos and ZZ plants. Keep them alive with weekly water, a bit of sunlight, and a cute watering can someone can be trusted to not lose.

Ready to Reclaim Your Office Space?

You don’t need a full Pinterest office makeover or a TikTok-famous desk mat to get organised. These small tweaks and desk organisation ideas can make your work space feel calmer, cleaner, and far more productive. 

And if your newly organised home office or commercial setup still feels a bit grubby, EarthWize can help. We offer ethical, chemical-free commercial cleaning that keeps your space looking fresh. Get in touch to learn how we can support you to create a more productive environment for your team.