A cluttered home office can make it hard to focus and get work done. When your space is crowded with unnecessary items, it can affect your productivity and add to your stress. By clearing out what you don’t need, you’ll create a more organized, functional, and peaceful workspace. Here are items you should consider decluttering to create a more organized home office.
Old Papers
Stacks of old papers and documents can take up valuable space. Go through them and shred anything that’s no longer relevant, like old bills or outdated receipts. Important documents should be stored in labeled folders or scanned for digital backups. This will help clear your desk and make it easier to find what you need.
Broken Office Supplies
Holding onto broken pens, staplers, or other office tools just adds clutter. If it’s broken and you’re not planning to fix it, let it go. Replacing broken supplies with functional ones will keep your workspace more efficient. Plus, you’ll free up drawer space for items you actually use.
Excess Notebooks
Many of us collect notebooks, even though we often don’t use them all. If you have several half-used or blank notebooks lying around, consider donating them or recycling the ones you no longer need. Keeping only a few notebooks that serve a clear purpose will help streamline your workspace.
Outdated Technology
Old phones, chargers, and gadgets that you no longer use take up space and create clutter. Recycle or donate old electronics that are still functional. For items that no longer work, find a local electronics recycling program. Clearing these items out makes room for the technology you use daily.
Unused Office Furniture
Extra furniture can make your office feel cramped and disorganized. If you have chairs, filing cabinets, or shelves that are not being used, it’s time to declutter. Selling or donating these items will free up valuable space and make your office feel more open and comfortable.
Excess Cables and Cords
Tangled cords and extra cables are not only unsightly but also unnecessary. Sort through your cables and keep only the ones you need. Label each one to avoid confusion in the future. Store them in a drawer or box to keep them neatly organized and out of sight.
Duplicate Office Supplies
We often hold onto duplicates of things like scissors, tape, and pens “just in case.” But having too many of the same item leads to unnecessary clutter. Keep one or two of each essential item and donate or recycle the extras. This will give you more desk space and make your office more functional.
Old Calendars and Planners
Keeping outdated planners and calendars serves no practical purpose. Recycle or toss any from previous years. A fresh planner or digital calendar is all you need to stay on top of your current tasks and schedule.
Reference Books You Never Use
Many home offices are filled with books that rarely get touched. If you’re holding onto outdated reference books, manuals, or guides, consider donating them. Keeping only the ones you actively use will clear space on your shelves and make your office feel less cluttered.
Extra Desk Décor
While décor can personalize your space, too much of it can be distracting. If your desk is covered in picture frames, plants, or knick-knacks, it may be time to simplify. Keep just a few meaningful or motivating items to create a calm, focused workspace.
Magazines and Catalogs
Old magazines and catalogs pile up quickly, making your space look disorganized. If you haven’t looked at them in months, it’s time to recycle them. For articles or inspiration you want to keep, scan them and store them digitally. This will free up space and reduce visual clutter.
Unused Files and Folders
An overabundance of empty or unused folders takes up drawer space. Go through your filing system and get rid of any folders that are not in use. Consider switching to digital storage for documents to reduce the need for physical folders.
Stale Snacks
Keeping snacks in your office is convenient, but expired or unwanted food can make your space feel cluttered. Check your drawers for stale snacks and toss anything that’s past its prime. Keep only fresh, healthy options to keep your energy up during work hours.
Excess Stationery
While it’s nice to have stationery on hand, too much of it can overwhelm your workspace. If you have an abundance of sticky notes, notepads, or envelopes, consider cutting back. Donate or recycle any excess and keep just what you need for daily tasks.
Personal Items
Personal items like gym bags, clothes, or unrelated hobby supplies can clutter your home office. Designate a separate space for these belongings outside of your workspace. This helps maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life, making your office more functional.
Unused Printer Paper
Stacks of printer paper can clutter your office, especially if you rarely use them. Sort through and keep only what you need for current projects or documents. You can store extra paper in a drawer or cabinet to free up surface space, giving your desk a cleaner look.
Old Business Cards
Many people hold onto business cards that pile up over time, but most of them go unused. Go through your collection and keep only the contacts that are still relevant. For the rest, consider digitizing them using an app or simply discard them to reduce clutter on your desk or in drawers.
Old Office Decorations
Trends and tastes change, and old office décor can quickly become outdated. If your wall art, framed prints, or desk accessories no longer inspire you, it may be time to refresh your space. Declutter old decorations and replace them with simple, motivating pieces that enhance your productivity.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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