So, how does clutter can affect your sense of being productive? To put it in simple words, when our space is a mess, so are we. According to a study conducted by Princeton Neuroscience Institute, clutter has a way of diverting our attention away from a task at hand. It can also have a great effect on our mental health, even on the professional and personal aspects of our lives. Thus, we need to keep our workspace clutter-free.

Now, let’s assume that you already have a space dedicated to your home office or if not, you can read "5 Tips in Creating a Workspace in Your Small Apartment." Once a home office has been set up, it’s your responsibility to keep it pleasing to the eyes and organised -- a place that will elevate work quality, boost efficiency, and improve one’s health.

Here, we’ve listed the top five tips on how to declutter your home office effectively. Read on and you might find these tips very helpful to the current set up that you are in.

1. One area at a time

Decluttering can be an overwhelming task. Just by merely thinking where to start, it can really be daunting already. Decluttering doesn’t need to be rushed for as long as you keep your eye on the goal. Taking one step at a time should be fine. You can start decluttering in one area. One area at a time, just so you can complete one task in one day. You can choose your filing cabinet as your starting point. Sort out the documents that are already outdated or no longer important and leave those that are important and updated. Make sure that you will be setting up a time frame. Don't spend too much time in one particular area. Else, you won't be able to move on to the next.

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2. Get rid of non-office items

You can allot your next decluttering schedule on scanning your drawers, cabinets, or any surfaces that have things that should not be in your work area. These things might belong to other spaces of the house such as the living room, garage, or kitchen. The only things that must be left in your home office are the essentials and the most frequently used items for work.

3. Provide storage options

If you tend to put things everywhere, probably you need to provide storage options dedicated to each item or file. You can provide a small organiser for your paperclips, post-its, staple wire, etc. Your pens and markers can be put in cute mugs or containers that can be easily seen on your desk to avoid putting them anywhere. There is a lot of storage solutions available nowadays that can keep your workspace more organised.

4. Go digital!

Since we are now in an era where everything can be digital and high-tech, it's a great time to change some traditions like paper documents. Bills, invoices, and other miscellaneous sheets of paper can now go digital. Even banks or utilities are offering paperless bills to help save the environment and for easy access.

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5. Rent a storage unit

Now, let’s admit that there are documents that we opt to keep. For reference and record sake. So if you have important piles of documents you can't let go of but won't be using sooner, you can keep them safe in a storage facility near you. Also, those extra items that might not be needed in your workspace, or if you want to clear up more space in your home to dedicate to your home office, you can rent a storage unit to accommodate all those items.

We, at easyStorage, offer the lowest storage fee in London. Our pricing starts at £18.50 only with no hidden charges! Unlike any traditional storage companies, we can collect and return your things for free! Putting your extra items in a storage facility will be as easy as one click away. You may book a unit with us through our website at easystorage.com or send us an email at info@easystorage.com. You may also opt to talk with one of our representatives through our chat support or hotline.

6. Clean as you go

As soon as your work is done, make it a habit to clean as you go. You never know the difference a clean desk can do when you come back the next morning. This can promote a good habit of cleanliness as well.

7. Keep it a habit

Let’s admit the fact that we cannot get rid of every clutter, we just have to learn how to manage them. If would be helpful if you develop a habit of moving forward such as cleaning the desk once you are done for the day and always return things to where they belong to keep your workspace orderly and organised. If in case, you weren’t able to do what is planned, always make it a point to schedule another decluttering mission.

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Decluttering and productivity come hand in hand, thus, it’s important to ensure you maintain a clutter-free and well-organised workspace to allow yourself to fully maximise your time and effort at work. Always keep in mind how focused at work you can be if you will not see unnecessary clutter in your home office. Always remember, "Out of sight, out of mind.”

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