From Cluttered to Calm: 6 Ways to Organise Your Workspace

March 19, 2026•2 min read

If your desk feels cluttered, your desktop is full of random files, and your inbox is constantly demanding attention, you’re not alone.

For small business owners, your workspace can quickly become a mix of client work, admin, and everything in between. And when your space feels messy, it’s much harder to stay focused and productive.

The good news? You don’t need a full office makeover. A few simple systems can help you create a workspace that feels calm, clear, and easy to maintain.

1. Keep your desk clear and functional

Your desk is where the work happens, so keep it focused on what you actually use.

Limit what sits on your desk to the essentials and move everything else into drawers or storage. The less visual clutter you have, the easier it is to concentrate.

2. Organise your drawers (no junk zones)

Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of control.

Take the time to clear out anything you don’t need and use simple organisers to keep everything in its place. When your storage is organised, it’s much easier to stay organised and find what you need quickly.

3. Reset your workspace weekly

A quick weekly reset can make a huge difference.

Before I finish for the week, I spend 10–15 minutes clearing my desk, closing open tabs, and tidying up my digital files.

Coming back to a clean, organised workspace sets the tone for a more productive week.

4. Simplify your digital workspace

Your digital clutter matters just as much as your physical space.

Create a simple folder structure, clear out unused files, and keep your desktop tidy so you can find what you need quickly. Less digital clutter means less mental clutter.

5. Manage cables and tech clutter

Cords and devices can quickly take over your workspace.

Use cable ties or organisers to keep everything neat and out of the way. It’s a small change that instantly makes your desk feel more organised.

6. Use storage that supports how you work

The best storage solutions are the ones you’ll actually use.

Choose options that suit your workflow and make it easy to access what you need and put things away quickly. When your systems are simple, they’re much easier to stick to.

The takeaway

An organised workspace isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating an environment that supports your focus and productivity.

With a few simple systems and a regular reset, you can keep your workspace feeling calm, clear, and ready for whatever your business throws at you.

Marie Robertson-King

Marie Robertson-King is the Head Empress of organisation and systems at Empress of Order. She's spent most of her career in safety administration across construction, mining, aviation, and oil and gas. Along the way, she’s built experience in systems, reporting, processes, communications, and all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps things running properly. Now she brings that same level of structure and attention to detail into the small business world - helping her clients get organised, stay on track, and feel supported. She's obsessed with detail and loves organisation, order, and making life easier for her clients. She gets a real kick out of a well-executed spreadsheet or a beautifully set-up system, and she’s known for delivering work to a high standard, even under pressure. Marie lives in the Perth Hills with her husband and fur-baby, Jasper. She loves coffee in the morning and champagne in the evening!

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