Originally posted on https://www.uncagedergonomics.com/blog/can-a-clutterfree-workspace-boost-creativity-and-productivity/

How much stuff do you have at home? This may come up as a surprise, but the average household contains over 300,000 items! All that stuff does a lot more than just take up space — it also affects your mood and mental health.

The same goes for your office space. A cluttered desk can hurt your productivity and mental focus.

While some studies show that a messy desk drives creativity and innovation, it also makes you less productive. Think about how much time you waste every day searching for files, lost information, and misplaced documents.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

It’s never too late to create a clutter-free workspace that boosts performance and creativity. Read on to find out more!

The Clutter Epidemic: Is Too Much Stuff Draining Your Energy?

In a 2015 survey, more than half of the respondents reported feeling overwhelmed by clutter. Roughly 80 percent had no idea what to do about it.

Psychologists believe that people gather stuff as a coping mechanism. It’s their way of dealing with stress and filling emotional voids. Unfortunately, a cluttered home or office only makes things worse.

Clutter keeps you distracted and increases stress. It also results in lost productivity and unnecessary expenses.

The average person spends about 10 minutes per day searching for lost items, such as paperwork, keys, or cell phones — that’s about 2.5 days each year and 150 days over a lifespan.

Clutter Increases Stress and Anxiety

A messy desk not only kills your productivity but also triggers anxiety and stress. According to a recent study published by Cornell University, cluttered spaces may trigger coping strategies like binging eating and mindless snacking.

Other studies show a direct link between cluttered environments, stress, and depression. Disorganized homes and offices can take a toll on your mental health, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish. Your mood will suffer too.

All these factors can affect your productivity in the workplace. You may experience fatigue and low energy, have trouble staying focused, and feel overwhelmed.

Create a Clutter-Free Workspace

The good news is that you can declutter your workspace in a few simple steps.

Most offices are relatively small, so it shouldn’t take you too long to get rid of the stuff you longer need or use. A clutter-free workspace can make you a better employee, boost your performance, and reduce mental stress.

Take it one step at a time. Choose a small area, such as a stack of papers or a desk drawer, and throw away the extra stuff. Sort out your documents, put everything in boxes, and toss what’s trash.

Place a box for incoming mail on your desk. Seek ways to hide those extra cables, routers, and small items that take up space. Digitalize what you can, from documents to photos and notebooks.

Gather similar objects and assign them a box. For example, your documents can go in one box and your office supplies, such as pens and paper clips, in another box. Remember to label everything.

Get Rid of Clutter Once and for All

These are just a few of the steps you can take to create a clutter-free workspace. Don’t put too much thought into it — just do it. Your productivity will skyrocket!

Need help? That’s why we’re here. Check out these modern office furniture layout trends for inspiration!