Did you know that a cluttered home office can wreak havoc on your mind? Having to navigate piles of clutter can overstimulate your brain, a study has found. The solution? A tidy desk. The results? Focused concentration on your working tasks so you are ready to have a successful day.
Here are some tips on how to declutter your working space:
- Use three piles
One way to make it easier to part with junk around your home office is to divide your stuff into three piles: things you’ll keep, things you’ll throw away or recycle, and things to donate to charity or ‘freecycle’. This methodical approach allows you to see exactly where your items are going and make the whole process less stressful.
- Be brutal
Take the time to ask yourself when was the last time you used a specific item. If you haven’t used it in a while, it may be time to let go of it. A good rule of thumb is; if you haven’t used the item in the last six weeks –and you don’t envision using it in the next six weeks – then you may not need it in your life. You can donate it and give it a new life with someone else.
- Make it a lifestyle change
Starting can be the hardest part when trying to declutter, so incorporating decluttering into just five minutes of your day can help you establish good habits without losing a full day to it.
The benefits of cleaning your home
Organising your desk is about more than just making it aesthetically pleasing. A tidy working space can reduce stress and anxiety, leaving you feeling more energised and positive with increased productivity levels, according to a study carried out by Raja, a home office supplies and packaging business. Here are a few benefits of a tidy home office:
It’s easier to maintain
One of the major benefits of cleaning your home office is that it makes it easier to maintain. When your desk is clean, you’ll be more likely to keep it that way. Once you’ve done all the hard work of getting rid of stuff you don’t use, keep the momentum going by decluttering as you go. Little and often helps prevent mess (and stress) from building up.
Makes you more productive
Clutter can impact anxiety levels and the ability to focus, making you less efficient in the long run. It can even trigger coping and avoidance strategies. Keeping a tidy space can help make you more productive, boost creativity and keep stress levels under control. Keep your workspaces clear and tidy of dirty plates, excess notes and keep-sakes to maximise your productivity.
Improves concentration
A tidy, uncluttered desk can help you get better concentration levels. Trying to work in a messy room can impact your capability of focusing and produce quality work. A tidy desk can help ensure you can easily concentrate on your working tasks so you are ready to have a successful day.
A cluttered lifestyle can impact you more than you think. By taking the time to incorporate decluttering techniques into your daily life, you can help reduce and release any mental pressure that’s been created over lockdown. It will also set you up to be in a good position as restrictions ease by helping you feel more productive and healthier.