Having a messy desk is a serious handicap to your promotion in your company's hierarchy. It's also a serious handicap to your effectiveness.

I you can't clean up your desk because you are too busy (or too lazy - please tell the truth once in your life !), you must be aware that you are going towards a lot of misunderstanding from your colleagues. They will interpret your shambles as a reflection of what's going on in your brain. Nobody could have the clear mind of Mr Langan, but though in office, you should pretend so.

As I am pretty neglectful as a person myself (don't forget I am the latine profile type of guy), I had had to fight against my temper to find issues to what my co-mates "the big junkyard next door" (Remember I share an open-space with other freelancers, and they are still able to put up with me, how unbelievable it may seems).

I did find solutions to clean my mess quickly and on a long term basis. Yes, simple ways to get your office clean exists.

Whatever you job is, here are a few rules that will help to have a neat, clear and tidy workplace :

1. If you have had a file for more than 6 months : throw it !
You company is moving fast, trying to make audacious plans for the future. They have no need for a records department.

2. If you don't know what a file is about : throw it !
It surely doesn't belong to you.

3. If nobody knows you have that file : throw it !
Nobody's looking for it anyway, so why bother ?

4. If something you have on your desk doesn't not look pretty much like a file : throw it !
You have no reason for keeping gadgets, pencils, memos, letters or striptease clubs' discount card. If it's not properly filed, it's no use.

5. If you find food remains in a file : throw it !
It's a sign you have been working too much on it. You can't be efficient on this anymore.

6. If you know exactly what's in a file : throw it !
You have everything in mind, so why burden yourself with the paper ?

7. If something remains on your desk after all that : give it to someone else.
Just find a good reason why Brian or Steve should have a look a this !