14 Tips on how to achieve a minimal desk/workspace set up.
1. Intention
Everything on your desk must serve a purpose, if it doesn’t then remove It. Typically on my desk, I would have the following items only:
Desk lamp
Monitor
Wireless charger
Plant or Candle
Desk Clock
Note pad and pen
Magazine or book
Cup of coffee
2. Keep a consistent colour theme.
Visual clutter is a big part of messy desks or workspaces. One of the most elementary principles to address here is colour. Define your workspace colour tone, the colours that evoke the feeling you seek in your workspace. For many, it’s white or neutral tones. Once you have defined them, try to ensure that everything on your desk is that colour only. Really push yourself here, but if you get stuck, it’s ok to go with a complementary colour. For example, a grey coloured fine liner or black ruler would still compliment a dominantly white workspace.
3. Remove visual clutter or distractions
Remove all visual clutter for your workspace, this might be posters, stick it notes, photos etc. from your wall or to random items (like bills) on your tabletop that you are not using or have simply forgotten about. Don’t remove sentimental items say photos of your loved ones; I am simply encouraging you to practice restraint. One photo is fine or perhaps set the photo up as a desktop background instead.
4. Remove unnecessary tools.
When was the last time you used a stapler or hole punch? Rethink about the occasional tools that you use which take up real estate on your desk and put them away if you really don’t require them every day.
5. Organised Filing
Have an organised filing cabinet near your desk, I keep all my documents organised in clear folders and they are either alphabetically ordered or have some logical system of filing for easy reference. Always try to keep paperwork off your desk unless they are being used for the immediate task at hand, once again the goal here is to focus on reducing visual clutter.
6. Go wireless
A simple tip, If you have any keyboard and mouse peripherals, ensure they are matching colours and are wireless, this keeps the desk real estate clutter free and more aesthetically pleasing.
7. Greenery
Don’t be afraid to add a little greenery to your space, I am a strong believer in biophilic design in your workspace and home. If you are not good at looking after plants try something low maintenance such as Dracaena or even dried plants. I would recommend a clear glass vase or one that complements the colour tone of your workspace.
8. Clear your desktop
Here we are talking about the digital desktop on your laptop or computer. A clean and clear desktop without folders and icons will do wonders for productivity and in achieving a minimal workspace. The process of filtering through your documents and files will also be advantageous for a minimalist mindset. There is software out there that will also help you hide folders and icons from your computer effortlessly; you can then focus on picking out a wallpaper (perhaps a motivation quote or an animated clock works well).
9. Consider a desk clock
Desk clocks are great for productivity and keeping track of the time you spend on the tasks on hand for the day. They can also add some personality or character to the desk, choose a clock that is neutral in colour, small in size and importantly is easy to read. Other options include flip clock desktop wallpaper, or simply your mobile phone on a nice stand.
10. Invest in a good desk and chair
The importance of a good chair and desk cannot be underestimated. A sit/stand desk is great for productivity and it ensures that you can change up your working style for better ergonomics, sitting all day long and straining your neck is terrible for posture, so also investing in a good desk chair if you don’t have a sit/stand desk is favourable. I swear by Herman Miller chairs; although they are on the higher end of the chair market, think of it as an investment to your health and to your comfort; they are built to last and have a long warranty for peace of mind.
11. Clear the floor
We focused a lot on the items on the desk itself, but don’t neglect the floor. Ensure your workspace is clutter-free including space under your desk, organise your cables, remove any files or boxes. The only items on the floor should be your desk and chair…. maybe a smaller filing drawer and a nice warm rug for your feet.
12. Always reset your desk after the day
One of the best tips I can give is to reset your desk at the end of the day, that essentially means tidying up the desk, removing all paperwork and the tools that were used to perform your tasks of the day. Get the table ready so that when you see it neat and tidy, you can’t wait to get back into it.
13. Add one 'Feature Item' on the desk
Many of us including myself love minimalism, but sometimes we take it too far with the "less is more" approach that the workspace starts to miss a soft human touch. , I encourage all workspace too have one little 'Feature Item', this could be a meaningful photograph, a neon light, a plant, a candle, a diecast model of your favourite car, or any sentimental object to you, this item will add personality and character to the workspace, after all your. the workspace must be comfortable. After alla rules are supposed to be broken right?
14. Clear Desk = Clear Mind
I strongly believe in this, the importance of a neat and organised desk is directly related to the level of focus and productivity you can achieve there. Do your mind a favour.
Summary
Have a clear workflow
Keep things simple
Less is more
Remove clutter
Clear your desktop
Reset your desk
The core rule of minimalism is simplicity and that’s what should reflect in your workspace
