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As the year ends and a new one begins it's the perfect time to clean and clear out your work space.

You may well be one of those people who has their desk kept clean and clear of clutter to military precision all year, however, if you are anything like me your desk may resemble a disaster zone. To paint a picture simply imagine stacks of paper growing all around you, mugs over flowing with pens, cards, postcards, trinkets and company paraphernalia covering every available inch!

As I spend a lot of time at my desk, in some ways the clutter makes my desk feel homely and welcoming, as it’s all mine. However, I have set a pre-New Year task to have the stacks of paper and any unnecessary ‘stuff’ off my desk in time for January. I have been told time and time again that a clear desk equals a clear mind. I’ve resigned myself to testing this theory this year. Also, when I look at my stacks of paper it does concern me as to why it is still sitting on my desk, rather than stored securely via hard copy or online.

It is important here to note that I do work in recruitment, so the use of paper is hard to avoid. When interviewing a candidate you need a copy of their CV in front of you to take notes (well I do, I presume others are the same – if there is a way of taking interview notes not on paper please let me know! Individual iPads are probably not readily available!). But there is no need to hold onto paper once it’s online, hence my overhaul clear out!

If you feel like starting the New Year afresh and want to try to break old habits I think a work space clean and clear out is a great place to start. Also, your colleagues next door will probably appreciate it too. Sort through your paper, what can be shredded, what needs to be scanned and throw away what has no business being on your desk in the first place. Clear off the ‘junk’ and ask yourself, “Do I really need this to do my job properly?” Probably not. Get some desk organisers for important documents and then think about storing less frequently used items tidily beneath your desk.

Happy cleaning and clearing – I for one am looking forward to a clutter free desk next year – not to mention a clearer head!