Tips for Keeping Your Desk Clean

Your desk is a busy place. It’s easy to work, work, work and be on the go, go, go – then turn around and see your desk space is the victim that paid the price for your accomplishments. Clutter, disorganization, and chaos can easily go hand in hand with a successful workday, but they aren’t the best way to feel on top of things and keep your focus where it should be, instead of digging through the insanity to do simple tasks. In addition, it’s easy for germs and bacteria to build up on certain parts of your desk when not cleaned regularly, and that can contribute to illness or allergies. Instead of being a slave to the mess, here are a few tips for keeping your desk clean.

Organized chaos

It may seem like an oxymoron, but sometimes it’s the best we can do if we’re being realistic. As much as we may wish our desk looked ‘Marie Kondo approved’ at all times, that isn’t always the most conducive to being productive for our actual businesses, which is the point of having the desk in the first place. Instead of trying to keep everything perfect – or succumbing to the chaos – find a compromise in the middle. If you find you’re always surrounded by cluttered documents, keep a ‘to file’ box accessible where you can put loose papers that you don’t have time to deal with yet. If you find your space covered in labels, paperclips, and other job necessities – get a desk valet to keep all the tiny pieces of clutter organized and ready to be grabbed in a moment’s notice.

Build infrastructure

If you’re noticing the same organizational or cleanliness issues arise time and time again, it’s probably time to implement systems to address them. If you’re always in a fight with a particular cord that gets in your way, secure that cord with tape or zip ties to end the madness. If you find yourself searching for the same tools time and time again, find them a convenient permanent home where you can reach them easily but also put them back just as easily. In essence, any time you have a repeat issue, find a way to resolve it with a long-term solution so you don’t find yourself dealing with Groundhog Day frustrations.

Wipe down your desk regularly

This is something most of us are guilty of not doing on a regular basis, but we really should. Desk surfaces are notorious for gathering dust, and our keyboard and computer mouse are touched a thousand times a day by hands that may not be the cleanest. Plus, most of us are sure to enjoy a snack or two while working, which means crumbs and drips that can also breed bacteria. To combat this, wipe down your desk at least once a week with a sanitizing product, and then try to do a deep clean once a month. At this time, take every item off your desk and clean the surfaces thoroughly, and also wipe down the items as you put them back. This will keep your desk cleaner, and you healthier.