Does a Clean Desk Help Concentration?

After months of surviving a desk with flaking paint, missing screws and legs that fell over if I looked at them funny, I finally brought a brand new one. It’s white, it has shelves, and it’s perfect for my writing. Of course then I had to put it together, and it turns out that DIY is not as easy people make it out to be (that or I’m just terrible at it, which seems more likely). But while I was struggling to assemble it, I started to think about the importance of well-organised desk.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed that a clean desk has a positive influence on my writing and my concentration. Something about a cluttered desk covered in cups and papers distracts me and makes it difficult to get into the writing zone. Sadly, this is the normal state of my desk, which is probably why some days I find it hard to edit even 200 words.

A few weeks ago, I took a trip away and stayed in a hotel room which had the perfect writing set up. There was a little desk by a window with virtually nothing on it apart from a lamp. The whole area was clean and tidy, and, despite the fact that I was away from home, I worked better than I had in days, editing more in one evening than I had in a week.And I attribute at least part of it to the workspace I was in.

I firmly believe that having a clean desk makes a big impact on how well I work. Today I’m sitting at my new, freshly organised desk writing this blog post and I feel focused. I know if I need something, it is in arms reach. I don’t have to worry about the carefully balanced mountain of post-it notes, or the five dirty coffee cups waiting to be washed. I have a peaceful environment, which gives me a peaceful mind. I can focus and be creative.

So if you’re like me, and you have a messy desk, or you’re having a bad writing day, take some time off. Clean your workspace. Organise your post-it notes and wash those cup. Not only will you get your writing space in order, but you might just be creating a space that will help your creative mind be at its best. And on the difficult days, our creative minds need all the help they can get.

Do you work better with a clean desk? Or doesn’t it make a difference to you? What would be in your dream workspace?

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