Emily Flores
Working remotely feels great—until your office starts looking like a thrift store exploded. That broken chair? Still here. Five-year-old tax book? Somehow made the cut. It’s time to declutter what’s dragging you down. Ready to break up with your office junk? Let’s ghost it.
Outdated Electronics
That dead printer from 2013 isn’t doing your workflow any favors. Technology that no longer functions or is incompatible with modern systems only adds weight to your workspace. According to Earth911, e-waste makes up over 70% of toxic waste. Declutter responsibly through a certified electronics recycling program.
Excessive Paperwork
Stacks of paper often signal procrastination disguised as preparedness. Ever needed a user manual for a phone you no longer own? Probably not. Scan what matters, and shred the rest. Going paperless reduces clutter and cuts stress, with studies linking digital organization to better mental clarity and faster task completion.
Unused Office Supplies
How many pens does one desk really need—50? Many of the office supplies in most homes go untouched for over a year. So, only keep what you use on a weekly basis. Extras can benefit schools, shelters, or local drives instead of cluttering your drawers. Plus, that extra space you get when you move these items can be useful.
Obsolete Cables And Chargers
No one remembers what half of those cords go to, yet they persist like digital fossils. Power bricks, outdated USB cables, and mystery cords fill bins across America. Match them to devices or toss them via e-waste drop-offs. Unlabeled wires rarely deserve premium drawer space in a modern office.
Ineffective Storage Solutions
When your storage looks neat but feels frustrating, the problem often lies in how it functions. A container that doesn’t fit your daily flow quickly turns into clutter in disguise. The best systems aren’t just tidy—they anticipate your needs and remove friction from everyday tasks.
Broken Or Uncomfortable Furniture
You sit on it daily—shouldn’t it support your spine instead of ruining it? Pro organizers recommend removing rickety chairs and wobbly desks immediately. Happierway has also highlighted the increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, among remote workers due to poor workstation setups and ergonomic practices. Upgrade thoughtfully; your body and productivity will benefit.
Redundant Decorations
Too many knick-knacks turn your desk into a distraction zone. One framed quote may inspire; ten make you squint to find your keyboard. Visual clutter overwhelms the brain’s filtering system, decreasing focus. Pare down. Choose meaningful decor that supports your mood without stealing mental energy or work momentum.
Expired Calendars And Planners
Yesterday’s plans don’t belong in today’s workspace. Old calendars, marked-up wall planners, and defunct notebooks trick your brain into thinking they still serve a role. Ditch them and sync up digitally. Fresh scheduling tools reflect current priorities and help eliminate missed deadlines from calendar confusion.
Unnecessary Reference Materials
Books and manuals from past roles or obsolete software often linger long past their usefulness. When was the last time you needed that 2009 tax code handbook? Resources that no longer serve your work should be donated or recycled. Relevant tools make a sharper professional—irrelevant ones just gather dust.
Personal Items Unrelated To Work
An elliptical machine beside your desk isn’t multitasking—it’s mood clutter. Non-work items, such as weights, pet toys, or puzzles, blur the mental boundaries between work and rest. Establish clear zones. Psychology findings by Frontiers suggest that physical space can influence cognitive and emotional processes. This is especially for remote professionals balancing dual-purpose rooms.