The Most Important Tool for Clearing Clutter

As I mentioned in a recent blog, embracing a small space mindset starts with clearing clutter on and around your desk. The strategies that I’m going to share will work regardless of the size of your workspace and start with the most important tool for clearing clutter…your calendar!

I especially encourage you to streamline larger spaces and think of them as small ones going forward. The goal is to limit the stuff in your space to only the essentials which are used daily. Remember that clutter is distracting, and it can take up to 25 minutes to return to the task you were working on before you got distracted. 

Schedule Time to Tackle the Clutter

Making the decluttering tasks a priority is a must especially if you’re wasting a lot time dealing with the distractions and looking for stuff.  Here’s how to best utilize your calendar:

1. Set a deadline in your calendar for getting the clutter cleared. The goal should be to get this done as soon as possible. If you drag this out, your motivation may wane so this task may not be completed.  

2. Block time on your calendar during your prime time. It could be in the morning or afternoon… whenever your energy level is high. This is especially important if you tend to procrastinate when it comes to organizing tasks. 

3. Schedule time on your calendar at recurring intervals. This way the decluttering time becomes part of your routine for at least the short term.

4. Make sure the chunks of time that you block work within your overall schedule so you’ll be inclined to honor these appointments. The slots can be as short as 10 minutes. The objective is to be focused on the clutter for the duration.

Using this most important tool for clearing clutter effectively will make all the difference. Get started so you’ll start to see results. If you have any questions, let’s talk.