
Keeping items off your desk is the first step towards an organized desk. The less clutter you add, the less mess you have to work around. You only need the essentials — your computer, phone, pen and paper, and enough elbow room to work. Remove things that often just end up placed there, such as watches, keys, wallets, mobile phones and charging cables. Many organization experts suggest keeping computer peripherals such as printers, speakers, modems, etc. off of the desktop as well. In addition, personal items, such as picture frames and tchotchkes, should be kept off of the desktop. Hang pictures on the wall along with other favorite wall art.
Helpful Tip
Install storage shelving on a wall adjacent to your desk or place a shelving unit, bookcase or filing cabinet next to it on which to set printers and other peripherals.
Keep cables for electronics bundled together with plastic ties, behind the desk or otherwise out of the way. Label plug ends of each cable with the name of the device for quick and easy connection or disconnection. You can use tape and a marker to create labels or use a label maker.
Periodically clean the desktop, phone and computer with a clean cloth to remove dust and debris. Canned air is a good way to remove debris from keyboards, electronic components and any other hard-to-reach spaces where dust and debris may collect.