Whether you work from home full-time or just have a small study nook for life admin, a clean and organised workspace can make it easier to focus and a more enjoyable space to be in. If you’re anything like us, your home office can quickly pile up with paperwork, tangled cables, coffee cups and general clutter. So let’s look at ways to fix that and get it under control!
A few clever organisation ideas and regular cleaning habits can make all the difference. From managing cables and paperwork to cleaning often-forgotten areas, keep reading for 12 home office cleaning and organisation tips to create a fresher, more functional workspace.
Related article: My home office reveal: Stylish home office ideas (even for renters)
Related article: How to choose your ideal ergonomic home office desk
1. Organise your cables
Tangled cords under the desk aren’t just an eyesore, they’re a dust magnet. And we’re betting there’s probably one or two cables hiding there that you don’t even use or know what they’re for… no, just us?
Start by unplugging and removing any cables you no longer need. Then use inexpensive cable clips or Velcro ties to bundle the remaining cords together and secure them along the back or underside of your desk. Not only will your workspace look tidier, it’ll be much easier to clean around and find the right cable when you need it.
Hack: If you have multiple cables that all look the same, label them by writing on a strip of washi tape and wrapping it around each cord. You’ll never have to play cable roulette again!
2. Keep a microfibre cloth within arm’s reach
Screens, keyboards and desk surfaces can collect dust surprisingly quickly. An easy way to keep on top of dust between deeper cleans is to keep a microfibre cloth in your desk drawer. When you notice dust building up, you can give surfaces a quick wipe rather than waiting until your next big clean.
Hack: Keep a small cleaning kit in your office with the products you regularly use. If everything is within easy reach, you’re far more likely to actually use it.
3. Don’t forget to clean your tech
When was the last time you cleaned your keyboard? Crumbs, dust and all kinds of mystery debris can quickly collect between and underneath the keys.
Before cleaning your keyboard, mouse, monitor or other tech, check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and use products that are safe for that particular device. A small electronics cleaning brush or handheld vacuum attachment can help get into those fiddly spaces that are difficult to reach with a cloth.
Hack: Turn your keyboard upside down and gently tap it to dislodge loose debris before reaching for any cleaning tools.
4. Sort your paper pile weekly, not yearly
While many of us work digitally these days, paperwork like receipts, bills and important letters can still quickly pile up.
Why not start a five-minute Friday ritual to sort paperwork into three categories: keep, file or digitise, and recycle. Staying on top of it regularly prevents that dreaded ‘sort it later’ pile from taking over your desk.
Hack: Create an inbox or tray for paperwork that needs actioning. It gives loose papers a temporary home without letting them disappear into a drawer and be forgotten.
5. Swap open shelving for closed storage
You know how much we love open shelving to create a home styling moment, but in an office it’s often not the best use of space. While in living areas you can display photos, books and beautiful home decor, home office filing boxes and printer paper don’t carry quite the same aesthetic appeal!
Consider closed, or mostly closed, storage instead. Cabinets, drawers and boxes allow you to hide the less attractive office essentials while keeping them organised and within easy reach.
Hack: If you already have open shelving, you don’t need to replace it. Use matching baskets, boxes or magazine files to conceal visual clutter while leaving a little space to display your favourite decor.
6. Disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly
Your mouse, keyboard, phone, desk handles and light switches are some of the most frequently touched surfaces in a home office — and often overlooked when cleaning.
Make them part of your regular cleaning routine, using a cleaning product that’s suitable for each surface. It’s a quick job that can easily be done while you’re wiping down the rest of your workspace.
Hack: Don’t forget your office door handle and the arms of your desk chair. They’re easy to overlook but probably get touched multiple times every day.
7. Add a bin you’ll actually use
This one might sound obvious, but if your bin is hidden away or awkwardly placed, you’re far more likely to let rubbish pile up on your desk. Position it somewhere genuinely convenient so you can quickly dispose of scraps, packaging and other everyday clutter.
If paperwork is a big source of clutter in your office, consider having a separate recycling bin or paper basket nearby too. Creating an easy system for rubbish and recycling means there’s one less excuse to let it accumulate.
Hack: Choose a small bin that fits neatly beside or underneath your desk. Smaller bins also encourage you to empty them regularly before forgotten coffee cups and snack wrappers start to smell!
8. Care for your indoor plants
We love indoor plants in every zone of the home, especially the home office. As well as bringing colour and life to your workspace, they’re another styling opportunity — so don’t let dusty, unhappy plants bring the space down.
Give them a little TLC by wiping down their leaves (neem oil and a microfibre cloth is our top tip), rotating them regularly for even growth and giving them just the right amount of water.
Hack: While you’re dusting your office, check the leaves and soil of your plants for signs of pests. Catching an issue early is much easier than dealing with an infestation!
We share even more plant care tips in this article.
9. Clean your chair, not just your desk
Your desk probably gets most of the attention when you’re cleaning your home office, but don’t forget about your chair. Fabric office chairs can collect dust, crumbs, pet hair and the occasional coffee splash, while armrests and chair bases can quickly become grubby too.
Vacuum fabric upholstery regularly and spot clean spills using a method that’s suitable for the material. For leather, faux leather or other finishes, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to avoid damaging the surface. Often mild dish soap and a microfibres cloth works well.
Hack: Get into the gaps between the seat and backrest with a narrow vacuum attachment — you may be surprised (or horrified!) by what you find.
10. Set up a ‘landing zone’ for loose items
If there’s one zone of the home where random items seem to land, it’s the home office. Chargers, things that need fixing, notebooks, paperwork… before you know it, your desk has become a holding zone for half the house!
Rather than letting these loose items take over, create a designated ‘landing zone’ using a tray, basket or drawer. It gives everything a temporary home until you have time to put it away, action it or decide where it actually belongs.
Hack: Don’t let your landing zone become another clutter trap. Make a habit of emptying it once a week and dealing with anything that’s accumulated.
11. Air the room out daily
This one is so simple yet can make such a difference. A stuffy home office isn’t particularly pleasant to work in and, according to Feng Shui principles, stagnant air can also represent stagnant energy.
When weather and outdoor conditions allow, breathe some fresh air into your office — quite literally — by opening a window for 10 minutes. As well as freshening up your workspace, in Feng Shui it’s believed to help circulate positive energy and welcome new opportunities. And who doesn’t want a little more of that?!
12. Schedule a proper deep clean each season
Even with regular upkeep, every home office can benefit from a proper deep clean every few months. Think carpets and rugs, upholstered office chairs, curtains or blinds, windows and all those awkward spots behind furniture that rarely get attention.
You can tackle these jobs yourself or call in a reliable cleaning company to help with the bigger jobs. This can be especially worthwhile if your home office gets a lot of use or you’re giving the whole house a seasonal clean.
While you’re at it, pull furniture away from the walls and clean skirting boards, power points and other areas that rarely make it onto the weekly cleaning list.
Inspired to give your home office a refresh? Find even more practical cleaning hacks and tips in our cleaning column.
