It goes without saying that your work area is the place where you would like to get your work done, right? So the first reason - and most important, IMHO - to keep it clear and organized is to be able to get your work done. This reason is really the foundation of the five remaining reasons to keep your desk clear:

#2.) It's nice to be able to find things. When your desk or work area is cluttered, you can't find anything. You'll lose every little thing including the thing you ‘just had in your hand'. This can be the single most frustrating thing. But by keeping your desk area clear you will consciously put things back in their place as you use them and thereby know where you put it.

#3.) There are no embarrassingly quick cleanups when a client or friends walks into your office if your work area is organized. You can be proud to have an uncluttered desk. This doesn't mean cleaning the stuff you are currently working on, but yesterday's coffee cup needs to be removed.

#4.) It helps you keep your projects neat, clean and organized when you keep your desk and work area clear. If you don't leave half your file on your desk and the other half by the phone, you won't have to worry about missing part of it and not knowing it until you need it. (I hate to admit, I've been there.)

#5.) You need to be a good example to your kids. Yes, this is for my work-at-home-parents readers. Kids learn by example. Just think how far ahead of the learning curve your kids will be when they get to their first job and they already understand the importance of a clear desk.

#6.) It will save you time. You may think that cleaning off your desk or work area is time-consuming, but really it will save you time everyday. See reason #2 it start - you won't waste time looking for what you need. You won't have to reach over or around stuff that shouldn't be there to get to stuff you need and so on…

So, go for it. Clear off your desk and work area with everything but the ONE thing you are currently working on. You'll be glad you did.