Working from home is the dream—that is until the clutter, distractions, and chaos start to build up. We have all been there, a once beautifully put-together desk gets lost in papers, to-do lists, gadgets, stationery, and a few dirty coffee cups… You think to yourself, “Work is busy and stressful; there’s no time to organise and clean!”

This thought, my friend, is creating more harm than good. Studies have shown that a messy workplace increases distractions and anxiety, draining your energy and killing productivity. The good news? You have the power to organise and create a workspace that fuels your success and keeps you focused. By following a few simple steps, you can break free from the madness and mayhem, refresh your office, and organise your workspace into an inspiring, clutter-free sanctuary where you can thrive.

The Benefits of a Clean Space

A well-organised home office isn’t just about aesthetics—although that is one very satisfying component of it—it also impacts your mindset, productivity, and well-being. When we declutter and prioritise a clean workspace, we also:

• Reduce stress and anxiety by eliminating visual chaos and fostering a sense of control.
• Enhance focus and efficiency by creating a structured environment that minimises distractions and streamlines workflow.
• Boost creativity and motivation by providing a fresh, open space that invites new ideas and inspiration.
• Improve work-life balance by defining clear boundaries between work and personal life, making it easier to transition between “work mode” and “rest mode.”

By setting up your space with intention, you’ll create an environment that supports both your goals and well-being.

Practical Tips To Organise Your Space

1. Start with a Declutter Session

Clutter isn’t just physical—it creates mental chaos too. A declutter session is a small step toward creating a calm and functional workspace. Begin by clearing everything off your desk and organising items into keep, donate, or discard piles. Be ruthless! If something doesn’t serve a purpose or spark joy, let it go. It may feel overwhelming to begin with, so try these small, actionable steps:

• Set a 20-minute timer and tackle decluttering in small bursts. If you declutter a small space each day, you’ll feel the transformation in no time.
• Use storage baskets to organise files and keep essentials within reach.
• Follow the one-in, one-out rule—for every new item, remove an old one.

2. Define Your Workspace

Creating a designated workspace (even in a small home) signals your brain that it’s time to work. If you’re constantly moving and working all over your home, you’ll struggle to switch off “work mode.” As tempting as it may be to work from your bed or the comfort of your sofa, I recommend choosing a well-lit space, investing in a comfortable chair and sturdy desk to support your posture and productivity, and designating this space for work.

Try This:

• Use a room divider or bookshelf to create a visual boundary in shared spaces.
• Face your desk toward a window for natural light and an instant mood boost.
• Keep your office away from high-traffic areas to minimise distractions.

3. Optimise Your Desk Layout

A tidy desk leads to a clear mind. For this reason, I recommended to only keep the essentials on your desk: laptop, notebook, and a few go-to supplies. Organise these items with purpose, keeping the items you use most within arms reach. Store everything else neatly in a filing cabinet, bookshelf, or drawer to maintain a clutter-free surface.

Pro Tips:

• Use a “daily essentials” tray to organise your must-haves.
• Add a small drawer organiser for pens, clips, and sticky notes.
• Designate a paper zone to prevent piles from taking over.

4. Organise Using Smart Storage Solutions

Think vertical! To all my space- maximising girlies out there, working vertically is a great way to optimise your space without taking over an enormous portion of a room. Think shelves, bookshelves, drawer organisers, and storage boxes. Label everything so you can find what you need in seconds.

Easy Fixes:

• Install a pegboard above your desk for stylish, functional storage.
• Use clear, labeled bins to avoid the “where did I put that?” panic.
• Add a rolling cart for mobile storage that moves with you.

5. Organise Cables and Tech Gear

Messy cords are not just annoying—they create visual clutter and can make your space feel chaotic. I used to struggle with tangled chargers and wires all over my desk, and it drove me crazy! But with a few simple tweaks, my tech setup is now neat and streamlined.

Action Steps:

• Label cords with color-coded tags or Velcro ties for easy identification.
• Use a cable sleeve to bundle cords together neatly and avoid tangling.
• Mount a power strip under your desk to keep cords off the floor and out of sight.
• Invest in wireless devices like a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to reduce cable clutter.
• Keep a dedicated tech storage box for spare chargers, batteries, and accessories.

6. Prioritise Ergonomics

Ergonomics is one of the most overlooked factors in a safe, productive, and efficient workspace. Your workspace should support you, not strain you, so choosing furniture and accessories that promote comfort is imperative. When I first started working from home, I ignored this and ended up with neck pain from hunching over my laptop. Now, I swear by my adjustable chair and laptop stand!

Small Changes, Big Impact:

• Set a posture reminder every 30 minutes to stretch and reset.
• Use an adjustable laptop stand to align your screen with your eyes.
• Invest in a lumbar support pillow to protect your back.
• Try a standing desk or desk converter to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day.
• Keep a footrest under your desk to improve circulation.

7. Create a Productivity Hub

A dedicated space for planning and goal-setting keeps you on track. Whether it’s a vision board, planner, or whiteboard, having a system in place is key to staying organized and motivated.

Get Organised:

• Keep a daily planner or digital task manager for to-dos and deadlines.
• Use sticky notes for quick reminders and color-code them for clarity.
• Track progress on big goals with a habit tracker.
• Set up a weekly reflection routine to review wins and set new goals.
• Design a focus playlist for deep work sessions.

8. Infuse Your Space with Inspiration

Your workspace should spark creativity and motivation. Add personal touches that make you feel happy and inspired. Whether this be motivational prints or artwork that spark creativity and innovative thinking, displaying your vision board or goals for the year in a space you frequently look at or placing some small plants around your desk to bring lush greens and vibrant colours to the space.

Try incorporating elements for each of the senses:

• Sight- use soft, warm lighting to reduce eye strain and create ambiance.
• Touch- incorporate a comfortable chair with a fluffy blanket and/ or foot rest for warmth and comfort.
• Smell- lights your favourite candle, reed diffuser or incence to create a comfortable and inviting space.
• Taste- If, like me, you are motivated by goodies such as chocolate kisses or candy, keep a small treat jar nearby and reward yourself after completing a task or making significant progress.

9. Establish and Organise a Daily Reset Routine

A quick reset at the end of the day keeps your space clutter-free and ready for success tomorrow. The goes for both your office space and your home. By taking a few minutes to tidy up at the end of the day you are already putting yourself one step ahead for the next day. Treat it as a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Simple Habits to Start:

• Set a daily alarm to signal the end of your workday and time to pack up. This alarm serves as both a reminder to tidy up your space and also signals to your brain that it is time to switch off from work mode and enter into rest.
• Wipe down surfaces with disinfecting wipes or a wash cloth. This removes any grime and allows for a fresh start.
• Schedule a weekly deep clean to keep your space fresh and inviting.

10. Maintain Your Organised Space

Organisation isn’t a one-time task—it’s a lifestyle. One you feel on top of your space it is important to schedule regular maintenance session to maintain your productive workspace.

Keep It Up:

• Schedule a monthly workspace review to tweak your setup.
• Follow the “5-minute tidy” rule to keep things neat daily.
• Set a digital declutter day to clean up your inbox and files.
• Refresh your decor seasonally to keep your workspace feeling inspiring.
• Reevaluate your workflow and adjust your setup as your needs evolve.

When your environment is clean you feel happy, motivated and healthy
Lailah Gifty Akita

Final Thoughts…

Your home office should be a place where you feel empowered, focused, and ready to take on the world. By implementing these simple yet effective changes, you’ll create a workspace that supports your goals and fuels your success.