By Koryn Sheppard
We are all probably familiar with the term “spring cleaning.” You may also be familiar with Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizing consultant known for advising those interested in decluttering: “The best way to choose what to keep and what to throw away is to take each item in one’s hand and ask: ‘Does this spark joy?’”
There is a strong connection between decluttering and mental health. Research has shown that cluttered environments can increase stress and interfere with focus. Increased stress can lead to a greater vulnerability to illness, causing more sick days rather than vacation days. For neurodivergent individuals or those experiencing the lasting effects of trauma, a decluttered work environment can be especially impactful.
The act of cleaning and decluttering itself can boost mood, increase physical movement, improve focus, and foster a sense of control. Engaging in simple, repetitive activities can have a calming, almost meditative effect, allowing your mind to disengage from higher-level executive thinking. (Think Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.) Additionally, returning items to their rightful places prevents wasted time spent searching for item “lost” in the chaos.
You can experience the effects of clutter on your mental health. Close your eyes and picture yourself walking into your office Monday Morning: your desk is covered in unfiled papers, folders clutter your chairs, your favorite pen is lost under a pile, sticky notes with random scribbles are stuck everywhere, your coffee mug holds stale coffee, and — is that the remains of your Friday lunch? It already feels overwhelming, and it’s only 8:30 am Monday morning.
Now, picture yourself entering a clean and organized office. Your desk is clear, files are neatly arranged, papers are properly stored, and your favorite pen sits in its holder. There’s no trace of Friday’s coffee or lunch. The space feels fresh, manageable, and inviting. You sit down with your cup of coffee, ready to take on the day.
Clutter also affects how others perceive you. While you might believe your disorganized workspace reflects hard work, colleagues, bosses, or clients may see it as a sign of poor organization or inefficiency. A tidy office projects competence and professionalism. A decluttered office reduces the risk of feeling judged or embarrassed.
Your workspace can even be a reflection of your mental state, so consider that your clutter may be a sign that you are feeling overwhelmed, disorganized, or unfocused in general. This may be an early warning sign of burnout, signaling the need for self-care and stress management.
A simple decluttering habit can serve as a transition ritual. Tidying up before leaving on Friday can signal to your brain that it’s time to relax and unwind, allowing you to leave work worries behind in the office. Alternatively, starting Monday with a decluttering session while sipping coffee can be a mindful way to ease into the workweek and start off feeling productive.
If you’re unsure where to start, here are some tips:
- Start small. Clean one drawer or your desktop. If it feels overwhelming, break it into manageable tasks.
- Make it a game by setting a timer and seeing how much you can accomplish in five minutes. This can also help reduce self-defeat for those who are worried they don’t have time. After all, it’s only five minutes.
- Question the necessity of items. If unsure, ask yourself, “If I didn’t have this, what would I use instead?”
- Keep a trash can nearby to easily dispose of unnecessary items.
- Use a designated box for items that need to return home or go elsewhere to ensure they make their way home or to where they belong.
- Consider using zip ties to manage cords.
- Buy some fun organizing accessories. I got myself a cute desktop “stuff” organizer and added extra shallow drawers to my desk to store items which cleared up a significant amount of surface area on my desk.
- Break up decluttering sessions over multiple days if a full clean-up isn’t feasible in one go.
- Assign everything a home to make it easier to return items where they belong.
- If you only need to retain something temporarily, create a “temporary” folder to house it until you can toss it or make a it permanent home. (You will need to audit this folder — weekly is best.)
- Set reminders or use a habit tracker to establish a routine. I started using a habit tracker and it’s been a game changer for me.
- Tie the task to a pleasant activity, such as enjoying a cup of coffee or listening to your hype song as you tidy up. Reward yourself with a piece of candy from the reception desk.
Once your workspace is decluttered, why not enhance it further? Consider these suggestions:
- Live plants: Plants improve air quality and evoke positive emotions, aligning with the concept of “biophilia,” our innate connection to nature.
- Personal photos: Pictures of loved ones, pets, or cherished vacations add warmth and serve as visual reminders of happy moments.
- Aromatherapy: Scents like lavender, vanilla, mint, and lemon can create a calming or invigorating atmosphere.
- Music: Uplifting or relaxing tunes played at a reasonable volume can boost your mood. There are even EMDR remixes of popular songs available.
- Lighting: If you are sensitive to harsh lighting, consider a stylish lamp with softer, adjustable lighting options.
Decluttering is more than just an organizational task — it’s a powerful tool for reducing stress, increasing focus, and creating a more enjoyable work environment. By making small, intentional changes, you can transform your space into a place that fosters both productivity and well-being.
The Wellness Subcommittee, as part of the Wellness Pledge, invites members to take the monthly “Spring into Wellness” Challenge. Participants are challenged to tidy their desk once per week or tidy their minds once per week by meditating for 10 minutes once per week — and there is a bonus for attending the monthly Mindful Meditation. Those who complete both a decluttered desk and decluttered mind weekly earn extra points.