Is Your Office Holding You Back? Declutter for Success

You’ve heard of a digital detox but what about an office detox? A few years ago, declutter queen Marie Kondo made it fashionable to only hold onto objects that “spark joy.”

So, what’s holding you back from decluttering and reorganizing your office? A clean workspace can positively affect your mental well-being and increase productivity. On the other hand, a physically and digitally cluttered office might be silently sabotaging your productivity and mental clarity. 

Don’t believe us? If the only thing stopping you from contacting an unpacking and organizing service is doubt, read further.

Brainpower Slayer

Clutter doesn’t just take up space; it takes up brainpower. According to Verywell Mind, physical clutter competes for your attention, reduces performance, and increases stress levels. 

That explains why even small messes like that pile of unopened mail or tangled charging cords can leave you mentally exhausted before the day has even begun.

A tidy workspace, whether in a home office or a conventional one, fosters control and clarity. Cleaning and organizing your environment can even trigger the release of feel-good chemicals like dopamine, helping to lift your mood and calm your mind.

A cluttered office often leads to time wasted searching for items, files, or even basic supplies. One study cited by Convene found that workers spend an average of 4.3 hours each week just looking for things they’ve misplaced. That’s more than half a workday lost!

Step 1: Clear the Physical Space

If you're unsure where to start, hire professional organizers. Clutterless Home Solutions suggests hiring a company with a tailored approach to each client’s unique needs.

Organization tools can also come in handy. ZDNet contributor Jason Cipriani shares how a Bluetooth label printer helped him organize his workstation and eliminate the chaos of digging through drawers.

Labeling drawers, cables, folders, and shelves creates a simple, easy-to-maintain system. No more mystery cords; no more lost thumb drives - just a clearly labeled and functional space.

Step 2: Make it Personal

You don’t have to turn your office into a sterile, impersonal cube. Personal touches like photos, art, or a small plant can improve morale and creativity. 

But balance is key. Ask yourself: does this item serve a purpose or bring me joy? If the answer is no, it's probably time to let it go.

Try clearing off your desk entirely, and only placing back the essentials. You’d be amazed at how much more spacious and calming your office will feel.

Step 3: Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Digital clutter quietly drains your productivity. Even if your desk is spotless, a messy desktop, overloaded inbox, and hundreds of disorganized files can leave you frazzled. 

And it’s more common than you might think. A survey mentioned by CountryLiving found that 40% of workers admit digital clutter affects their concentration.

Think of your computer as your desk. If you wouldn’t dump everything in one drawer in real life, don’t do it on your hard drive. Create folders for projects, archive old work, and routinely clear your downloads folder.

Let’s not forget your inbox. Unsubscribe from newsletters you don’t read. Sort your emails with labels and folders, and schedule a weekly digital cleanup.

Step 4: Organize Your Workflow

Once your physical and digital spaces are organized, it’s time to clean up your mental workspace. One major culprit of mental clutter? Multitasking.

It might feel like you’re getting more done, but the opposite is true. Research shows multitasking lowers efficiency and raises error rates.

Single-tasking allows you to focus on one thing at a time. Tools like the Pomodoro Technique or a simple to-do list are ideal for structuring your day. 

Decluttering isn't a one-time task; it's a habit. That's why it’s beneficial to build daily or weekly rituals that help keep your workspace in check. 

Ready, Steady, Declutter!

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, nobody’s demanding that you overhaul everything in one day. 

Start small. Clean out one drawer. Label one set of cords. Organize one folder on your desktop. Bring in the professionals if you need help so the process can be a smooth transition. Your office will feel like a new space, stress-free, calm, and relaxed.

Look at decluttering like compound interest: a little daily progress builds up over time. And the payoff is big - a workspace that supports your success instead of holding you back.

The best thing you can do for yourself is let go of the mess, clutter, and just about anything blocking your blessings, literally.

By next week this time, your new client will be signing on the dotted line.