Minimalist Work Space

It’s not that I don’t have flair or that I’m too lazy to decorate (although to be fair, there is likely some of that going on). I have found that a clear, clutter-free desk space makes it easier for me to focus and get my work done. I’ve had slightly cluttered desks in the past, and I’ve slowly cut back on what I keep on it’s surface or the wall above it.

Some of my coworkers comment that my desk is sparse – it looks like I just got there. One of my coworkers has gone so far as to start decorating my space himself. Two of the three pictures hung up are courtesy of him, and I have to say, he’s done a great job so far.

I feel more relaxed when I sit or stand at my desk and the space is clear of distractions. No papers strewn about. No notes stuck to everything. No trinkets to stare at or organize or dust or listen to them rattle.

It’s peaceful.

So far at every company I have worked for there has been at least one person whose desk makes me anxious to look at. One such office was full of 20 plus years of papers, food wrappers, books, and who knows what else. It drove me crazy just to walk past it.

I vowed to myself I would never be that person.

Every night before I leave work I clean my desk. It takes me less than a minute to put away my pen and notebook. While my computer shuts down I sort through anything else my desk has collected and recycle what I don’t need. I take my dishes to the kitchen from my afternoon snack or my tea.

When I return in the morning it’s serene and ready for the day.