You may have heard the saying, “A cluttered desk is the sign of genius.” No doubt, there are people who are most comfortable working in chaos. But for most of us, a messy space is a big hindrance to our productivity.

With time in short supply and tasks piling up, we’re more apt to tackle the “important” work than take the time to clean. However, investing some time in keeping things organized can pay off in the long run. Some studies have shown that people lose up to an hour a day due to disorganization, both at home and in the workplace.

We all know the frustration of trying to find an item you’ve misplaced, but something as simple as having your phone set up in the wrong spot on your desk can cost you valuable time. Let’s look at five simple ways to clean up your workspace and improve set-up for optimal flow and productivity.

1. Declutter

It doesn’t matter if it’s your bedroom or desk, usually the first step in a good cleaning session is decluttering. If you don’t need it, get rid of it. Recycle it, throw it out, shred it … whatever needs to be done. The three-bin system – keep, toss, donate – works well for this task. Decluttering extends beyond your desktop, so don’t hesitate to go through book shelves or eliminate any unneeded furniture to open up your space.

2. Clean

Now that you’ve gotten rid of the extra stuff, give it a good clean. If you have a cleaning service, ask them to put in a little extra elbow grease the next time they come in, or get out the supplies and dive in yourself. Vacuuming, dusting and the basics are great, but don’t forget to clean your keyboard and telephone too – they harbor a ton of germs. Special electronics wipes or cleaners are recommended for accessories like these to ensure nothing gets ruined.

3. Use Folders Wisely

Sensible filing isn’t always common sense. We automatically sort paperwork into projects when it sometimes makes more sense to think outside the box. Lifehack.com has a great suggestion of creating a meeting and waiting on response (WOR) folders. The meeting folder could contain a number of documents, including paperwork pertaining to upcoming meetings, presentations to be delivered, and items that need to be delegated to other team members. The WOR folder is dedicated to tasks that require action from others, including reviews or responses. This folder is a great way to keep tabs on projects and ensure you’re following up to keep things on track.

4. Be Mindful of Placement

Experts say something as simple as setting the paperclips in the wrong spot on your desk can slow you down. Supplies you use frequently – even the telephone – should be placed on your dominant side where they are easily accessed. The simple act of turning away from what you’re working on to grab a clip can distract your brain from the task at hand and force you to refocus, costing you time. If you don’t use it daily, don’t keep it on your desk. Stash it in a drawer and free up some space.

5. Experiment and Reassess

You may have to experiment with your layout several times before you’re comfortable with the flow. Rearrange, give yourself a few weeks to try it out, and readjust if needed. As well, it’s easy to let things pile up, so schedule in regular cleaning and decluttering time to stay on top of it. Just a few minutes a week can keep things organized, saving you time and frustration.