Diwali cleaning for your workspace: Declutter, de-stress, and deliver more with these effective tips

Diwali cleaning checklist: The first step in decluttering is sorting everything on your desk into categories; documents, office supplies, gadgets, personal items, everything (Image: Canva)

Do you often find yourself staring at a messy desk, overwhelmed before you even begin your day? Pens scattered, papers stacked haphazardly, and gadgets tangled in cables; a cluttered workspace doesn’t just look chaotic, it can also make you feel anxious, unorganised , and rushed. When your surroundings are a mess, your mind often follows suit, making it hard to focus and even harder to stay productive. This is why organising your workspace is essential for reducing stress and improving your work performance

Try these 7 tips to declutter your workspace and start enjoying the benefits today:

• Sort and categorise: The first step in decluttering is sorting everything on your desk into categories; documents, office supplies, gadgets, personal items, everything. Grouping them together helps you see what you have and makes it easier to decide what should stay and what can go. For example, if you notice that half of your desk is covered with old receipts and sticky notes, it’s time to either file them away or toss them. Keep only the essentials at hand and store the rest neatly out of sight.

• Go paperless whenever possible: If paperwork is piling up, consider going digital. Scan important documents and save them in organised folders on your computer or cloud storage systems like Google Drive or Dropbox. This not only reduces physical clutter but also ensures that you can access your files anywhere. Think about how much desk space you could free up by removing unnecessary paper. Going paperless can simplify your life while also contributing to a more eco-friendly work environment.

• Designate a home for everything: One of the main reasons clutter accumulates is because items don’t have a designated space. If things don’t have a “home,” they’ll end up scattered across your desk. Make sure each item has its place; a drawer, a shelf, or a container. Say, use a cable organiser to keep all your chargers and cords neatly in one spot, or dedicate a drawer to your stationery. This makes tidying up much faster and ensures your desk stays clutter-free over time.

• Clear off your desk daily: At the end of each workday, take five minutes to clear your desk. Remove any items that don’t belong, throw away unnecessary papers, and tidy up your space. Doing this daily can prevent clutter from building up and help you start fresh the next morning. Make it a habit to file away any loose documents before you clock out, so your workspace feels more inviting when you return the next day.

• Limit personal items: While it’s nice to personalise your workspace, too many personal items can make your desk feel cramped. Limit decorations to a few meaningful pieces, such as a photo frame or a small plant. This keeps your space professional while still allowing for a touch of personality. For instance, a single photo of loved ones or a minimalist desk plant can brighten your day without overwhelming your desk.

• Use storage solutions: Invest in smart storage solutions that work for you. You can opt for drawer dividers, file organisers, or easy to install shelves. Consider using stackable trays for papers, bins for office supplies, and even small drawers for odds and ends. Also, if you find your desk buried under piles of documents, a tiered file organiser could be a game-changer.

• Maintain a minimalist mindset: Lastly, adopt a minimalist approach to your workspace. Only keep items that you use frequently and get rid of anything that no longer serves a purpose. This mindset will help you regularly assess and remove unnecessary items from your desk. The next time you notice a particular tool or accessory that hasn’t been touched in months, it might be time to store it elsewhere or let it go entirely.