Decluttering

How to Create a Minimalist Desk Setup

Declutter, organize, and style a minimalist office and desk

June 24, 2024

Raise your hand if you are over having a cluttered desk and searching for that post-it that contains info you need… um, now. Great! Now let’s work on creating a minimalist desk setup and organizing your office space so you can focus on your fun weekend plans (oh yeah, and find that post-it).

Embracing a minimalist desk setup can have benefits beyond just a tidy space. A clean desk can lead to increased focus, reduced stress, and improved productivity. It can also make your workspace more enjoyable to use.

Whether you’re working from home, running a business, or just need a place to manage your daily tasks, a minimalist desk can make all the difference. Here’s a detailed guide to help you achieve a clean, organized, and happy workspace.

1. Start with the Right Desk

Choosing the right desk is the foundation of a minimalist setup. Look for a desk with clean lines and a simple design. A desk with built-in storage or drawers is ideal as it allows you to keep essential items nearby but out of sight, maintaining a clean surface.

2. Declutter Your Workspace

A clutter-free desk starts with decluttering. Remove everything from your desk and only put back what you use daily. This might include your computer, a planner, a pen, and maybe a lamp. Everything else can be stored away.

Steps to Declutter

  • Sort items into categories: daily use, occasional use, and rarely used.
  • Only keep daily use items on your desk.
  • Store occasional use items in drawers or nearby shelves or cabinets.
  • Donate items you rarely use.

3. Tidy Up Loose Wires

Messy cords are a common desk nemesis. Switching to wireless accessories like a keyboard and mouse can significantly reduce cord clutter. For necessary wires, use cable organizers or clips to keep them out of sight. Label your cords so you can easily identify them.

4. Keep Essentials Within Reach

A minimalist desk doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice functionality. Keep essential items within reach but out of sight by utilizing desk drawers and organizers. Drawer organizers will make it easy to find what you need.

5. Add Something That Makes You Smile

While minimalism focuses on reducing clutter, it’s important to personalize your space. A single plant, a framed photo, or a piece of art can boost your mood and productivity without adding unnecessary clutter. You can rotate personal items to keep your workspace feeling fresh.

Regular Maintenance is Key in Maintaining Your Space

Maintaining a minimalist desk setup requires setting up some routines. Set an alarm for a few minutes each day to tidy your desk and put things back in their designated places. Schedule a weekly or monthly deep clean as needed. 

Below is a sample maintenance routine

  • End each day by clearing your desk and organizing items.
  • Schedule a weekly check to remove any accumulated clutter.
  • Implement a “one in, one out” policy for office supplies.
  • Reassess your setup quarterly to ensure it is still functioning well for you.

I hope that you are starting to create an awesome minimalist desk setup plan! In case you need some inspiration, here are some changes my real-life clients have made…

Stephanie, Franklin, TN 

Stephanie, who works from home, transformed her home office with a DIY plan and now loves her space. 

We chose a sleek white desk with two drawers and a wireless keyboard and mouse. Everything she doesn’t use daily is stored in a French antique armoire her mom purchased in Paris. She also grabs fresh flowers from the farmer’s market each week to display on her desk in a crystal vase her grandma gave her. As part of her morning routine, she lights a candle and bluetooths some music to her office as she starts her day. 

Her productivity has skyrocketed since making these changes and she actually looks forward to starting her workday as the office contains some of her favorite things. 

Jessica, Destin, FL

Jessica is a busy mom that needed a functional yet clutter-free workspace. Her DIY Organizing Plan also included a Styling Plan as her room had not been updated since she bought her home 15 years ago. 

After measuring her space, we decided on a compact desk with multiple drawers and a lamp with a built-in USB port. New drawer organizers keep her office supplies neat. A framed family photo from a favorite beach trip adds a personal touch without crowding her desk. We also chose a lighter paint color, a new chair, and new curtains which made the space much lighter and brighter. Never doubt the power of paint to change the way a space feels! 

She now feels much more energetic when she is working in her office. Because she was able to declutter, donate, and streamline so many things, she had room for a kid’s art table. Now, her children can “work” while she does.


Creating a minimalist desk setup is about more than just reducing clutter… It’s about creating a workspace that helps you stay focused but also feels like it was made for you. By choosing the right desk, decluttering, and adding personal touches, you can transform your office space into a place that you love. 

Don’t forget to set up routines to maintain your space. Start small, make gradual changes, and enjoy your new and improved office space.

If you need decluttering, organizing, or styling help, we can work together to come up with a DIY solution for your spaces.

01 | Press feature 

We were named a local expert on ApartmentGuide. Read the full article here: 15 Minimalist Desk Setup Ideas That Will Inspire You to Get Organized. 

ApartmentGuide is a subsidiary of Redfin.com 

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