Last Updated on 12/08/2026
A clean desk isn’t just about looks — it helps you focus and get through your work faster. But a tidy pile of papers doesn’t always mean you’re actually organized, especially in a shared workspace where a messy desk can be inconvenient for others, or just plain embarrassing. Here are a few practical tips to help you keep your desk organized.
How to tidy your desk step by step
The easiest way to tidy your desk is to clear it completely, then decide what actually needs to come back. Sort each item into four simple groups: keep, relocate, recycle or throw away. Old notes, empty packaging, unused stationery and outdated documents pile up fast — most desks have at least one drawer nobody’s opened in months.
Once you’ve cleared the clutter, only return the items you regularly use. Everyday essentials such as your keyboard, notebook, phone and favourite pens should be kept within easy reach, while less frequently used supplies can be stored in drawers, cupboards or desk organisers. A tidy desk doesn’t mean an empty one — it means every item has a place, and you know where it is.
Declutter your desk and remove unnecessary items
A tidy desk starts with getting rid of things you no longer need. Take a closer look at what has accumulated around your workspace: old notes, empty packaging, unused stationery, spare cables, duplicate supplies and documents that should have been filed or shredded. If an item has no clear purpose, it probably does not need to stay on your desk.
You can borrow a little inspiration from Marie Kondo here, but for the workplace the question is less “does it spark joy?” and more “do I actually use this?” Keep the items that support your daily work and move everything else to a more suitable place. Reducing visual clutter makes your desk easier to manage and helps create a workspace that feels calmer, clearer and more practical.
Organise your desk for everyday work
Once you have cleared away unnecessary clutter, the next step is to organise what remains. A well-organised desk should make everyday tasks easier, with the items you use most often kept close at hand and everything else stored in a logical place.
Organise Papers and Documents
Loose papers are one of the quickest ways for a desk to become messy. Use letter trays to separate incoming documents from work in progress, and store completed paperwork in folders or filing systems rather than leaving it in piles. Document holders can also be useful for keeping frequently referenced papers upright and easy to access.
Try to give every type of document a designated place. This makes it easier to find what you need and prevents paperwork from gradually taking over your workspace.
Keep Stationery Under Control
Pens, notebooks, staplers, sticky notes and other small office supplies spread across a desk fast when they don’t have a dedicated home. A desk organiser or pen holder keeps everyday stationery together while still within reach.
Spare pens, replacement notebooks and other less frequently used items belong in a drawer or cupboard, not on the desk itself.
Manage Cables and Electronics
Charging cables, laptop leads and monitor cables create visual clutter even on an otherwise tidy desk. Start by removing any cables or chargers you no longer use, then group the remaining ones together.
Cable clips, ties and similar accessories keep wires organised and out of the way. Route cables behind or underneath the desk, and moving around your workstation — or reaching your equipment — gets noticeably easier.
Viking Letter Tray Metal Non Stackable A4 Black
Viking Desk Organiser Wire Mesh Black 22.2 x 14 x 12.5 cm
Viking Letter Tray Plastic Stackable A4 Black
Viking Pencil Cup Wire Mesh Black 9 x 9 x 10 cm
Viking Filing Shelves Silver Wire Mesh 29.5 x 35.5 x 26.5 cm
How to keep your workstation clean
Keeping your workstation organised is only part of the job. Regular cleaning helps prevent dust, crumbs and dirt from building up on the surfaces and equipment you use every day.
Start with your desk surface, removing loose items before wiping it down with a suitable cleaning product. Pay particular attention to areas around your keyboard, mouse and phone, where dust and dirt can quickly collect.
Your keyboard and mouse should also be cleaned regularly, especially if you eat or drink at your desk. Turn the keyboard off or disconnect it before cleaning, remove loose debris carefully and wipe the keys and mouse with an appropriate cloth or cleaning solution.
For your monitor, use a soft microfibre cloth and a screen-safe cleaner rather than a general-purpose spray. Avoid applying liquid directly to the screen.
Finally, remember frequently touched equipment such as telephones, headsets, desk controls and shared devices. These can easily be overlooked, so including them in your regular cleaning routine will help keep your workstation looking neat and ready for use.
Desk essentials for a tidy workspace
The right desk accessories make it easier to keep your workspace organised throughout the day. Rather than relying on regular clean-ups, give the items you use most often a dedicated place:
- Desk organisers and pen holders for everyday stationery
- Letter trays and filing products for paperwork
- Monitor stands to make better use of the space around your screen
- Cable management accessories to keep charging leads and computer cables under control
- Labels and label makers for identifying folders, drawers and storage boxes
It’s also worth keeping a few cleaning products nearby, such as microfibre cloths and screen-safe cleaners, so you can deal with dust and small spills before they build up.
Build simple habits to keep your desk tidy
Keeping your desk tidy is easier when it becomes part of your daily routine. Instead of waiting until clutter builds up, spend just five minutes at the end of each day putting things back in their place.
File documents as soon as you’re finished with them rather than letting papers pile up. Return pens, staplers and other stationery to the same place after use, and remove cups, food packaging and other unnecessary items before you leave your desk.
It also helps to give your workstation a quick clean once a week. Wipe down the desk surface, keyboard, mouse and other frequently used equipment to prevent dust and dirt from settling in.
Five minutes a day and a weekly wipe-down — that’s usually all it takes to keep a desk from sliding back into clutter.
How often should you clean and tidy your desk?
A simple cleaning schedule stops clutter and dust from taking over. You don’t need to deep-clean your workstation every day, but a few regular habits make a big difference.
- Daily: remove rubbish, empty cups and food packaging, put stationery back in its place and deal with loose papers before they turn into piles.
- Weekly: wipe down your desk surface, keyboard, mouse, phone and other frequently touched equipment. This is also a good time to reorganise paperwork and return any misplaced items to their proper storage space.
- Monthly: take a closer look at drawers, filing areas and cables. Remove unused stationery, outdated documents and equipment you no longer need, and check whether your current organisation system is still working effectively.
Stick to this rhythm and a full clear-out becomes the exception, not the routine.
