Tidy Desk, Tidy Mind: Fact or Myth?

In the hybrid and remote work age, our workspace and desks have become more than just a worktop. They’ve become our productivity hubs, creative zones, meeting rooms, and sometimes lunch spots. With multitasking, the age-old phrase “tidy desk, tidy mind” has resurfaced in conversations about work-life balance.

But is it true, or just a myth?

 

The Psychology of a Tidy Workspace

The connection between our environment and our mental state is well-documented. Studies from institutions like Princeton and UCLA have shown that physical clutter competes for your attention. It also reduces processing capacity, and increases cortisol levels. This is the hormone related to stress.

In short, a messy workspace doesn’t just look chaotic. It feels chaotic, too.

When your desk is tidy and organised, your brain isn’t constantly scanning and filtering visual noise. Instead, it’s able to concentrate more deeply, make clearer decisions, and even stay calmer throughout the day. A tidy desk can lower mental fatigue and support better time management. This is especially true when working from home, where boundaries are already blurred.

 

But What About “Organised Chaos”?

Of course, not everyone thrives in the same kind of environment. Creative professionals and idea-driven thinkers often talk about “organised chaos” - the idea that a slightly cluttered desk fuels spontaneity and ideation.

Here’s the key difference: it’s not about how much is on your desk, but how intentional it is. If every item has a place and a purpose, it’s organisation - even if it looks busy. When your workspace becomes a dumping ground for piles of paper, tangled cables, etc. that clutter begins to cost you in time, focus, and mental clarity.

 

How Durable Products Help Turn Chaos into Clarity

At Durable, we don’t believe productivity should come at the expense of comfort or style. With our collection of smart desk accessories your workspace can be designed to strike that perfect balance. This will help you create a space that works for you.

Monitor Mounts

Free up valuable surface space and improve your posture with adjustable monitor arms that let you set your screen at the perfect eye level. The ergonomic mounts from Durable help you say goodbye to neck pain, hello ergonomic productivity with our NEW ranges.

 

Pen Holders

Our Blue Angel-certified eco pen holders keep essentials tidy, visible, and right where you need them - no drawer-diving required. They also look great on any desk surface, and come in a range of colours to suit your style.

Desk Drawers

Our NEW colour-coded, labelled desk drawer systems give you a place for everything - from notebooks to charging cables - keeping your desk streamlined and distraction-free.

Cable Clips

Say goodbye to the jungle of wires behind your keyboard. Our adhesive cable clips keep cords neat and accessible. They easily attach to any smooth desk surface, to keep those important chargers close to hand, whilst making your setup look premium.

 

So - “Tidy Desk, Tidy Mind”?

We say: yes, with a twist. A tidy desk doesn’t mean empty. It means intentional. It means curated, organised, and tailored to how you work best.

Whether you're the minimalist type or someone who likes their tools at arm’s reach, our products help you take control of your workspace, so your desk can finally support the clarity, calm, and productivity your mind deserves.