In The Art of Decluttering, Part I, the discussion centered on letting things go instead of saving everything “just in case” it may be needed one day.
Part II is inspired by the KonMari method. One of its central ideas is to keep items that are useful or meaningful and give everything a designated space—a home, if you will.
This sounds simple, but real decluttering takes time, patience, and a willingness to touch and evaluate everything. At the end of this article, I will share a 15-minute workplace reset you can try today. First, let’s talk about how to approach a larger decluttering project.
First, Breathe
A cluttered office can feel overwhelming. You may look around, see everything that needs attention, and have no idea where to begin.
First, breathe.
You do not have to complete the entire office in one day. Give yourself some grace, create a realistic plan, and take breaks when you need them. Decluttering should make your environment feel better—not create more stress.
Start With the Low-Hanging Fruit
Paper is often a good place to begin in an office.
Ask yourself:
- Does this document have to be retained?
- Is it available electronically?
- Is it an extra copy?
- Is the information outdated?
- Does it contain confidential information that requires secure disposal?
Before throwing away business records, always review your organization’s record-retention policy and confirm that the documents are not subject to a legal hold or other requirement.
Many organizations are moving toward paperless operations. Older records can sometimes be scanned and stored electronically. Companies are also available to provide large-scale scanning and document-management services.
The goal is not to discard important information. It is to keep what is required and remove unnecessary duplication.
Sort by Category
Instead of moving randomly around the office, group similar items together. This allows you to see how much you have and make better decisions.
Office categories may include:
- Paper files
- Old reports
- Books and reference materials
- Training and educational materials
- Office supplies
- Technology and cords
- Furniture
- Decorations
- Personal items
- Keepsakes
Work through one category at a time. Finish it before moving to the next one whenever possible.
Ask Simple Questions
As you review each item, ask:
- Do I use this?
- Am I required to keep it?
- Is it still accurate or useful?
- Does it support the work being done in this space?
- Would someone else benefit from it?
- Does it have personal or historical meaning?
- If I am keeping it, where will it live?
One lesson that made me laugh was this: If you are not sure what an item is or how to use it, you probably do not need to keep it.
That may not apply to every situation, but it is a helpful reminder that objects should have a purpose.
Give Everything a Home
One of the best lessons I learned—especially while using this method at home—is to label everything you reasonably can.
Labels make it easier to find supplies, return items to the correct place, and see when something is running low. They also help everyone understand how the space is supposed to function.
Labels can be used for:
- File drawers
- Storage cabinets
- Shelves
- Supply bins
- Technology accessories
- Shared equipment
- Archived records
- Items waiting for repair or disposal
A designated place only works when people can identify it and use it consistently.
Take Your Time
Decluttering can become overwhelming very quickly when you try to do everything at once. Take breaks and set small goals.
You may decide to work for 30 minutes each day, complete one drawer at a time, or focus on one category each week. The right schedule is the one you can maintain.
The goal is not perfection. The goal is to create a space that supports the way you work.
Try This 15-Minute Workplace Reset
You do not need an entire day to begin. Set a timer for 15 minutes and complete the following reset:
Minutes 1–3: Clear the obvious clutter
Remove trash, empty cups, food containers, outdated notes, and items that clearly belong somewhere else.
Minutes 4–6: Gather loose papers
Place papers into three groups: action needed, file or scan, and secure disposal.
Minutes 7–9: Return items to their homes
Put supplies, books, equipment, and personal items back in their designated spaces.
Minutes 10–12: Clear your digital workspace
Close unnecessary browser tabs, delete unneeded downloads, and move important files into clearly named folders.
Minutes 13–15: Prepare for what comes next
Identify your three most important tasks, place needed materials within reach, and leave your workspace ready for the next workday.
A 15-minute reset will not declutter an entire office, but it creates momentum. When repeated regularly, small resets can prevent clutter from building up again.
An organized workspace does more than look better. It helps people find what they need, use space more effectively, and focus on the work that matters.
Start small, be patient with yourself, and create a home for the things you decide to keep.
