I’m so happy it’s Spring. It’s the season of blooming daffodils, pollen-induced sneezing fits, and that irresistible urge to scrub everything down to the bones. Here in Virginia, this time of year is affectionately called “The Pollening”. But while most people are out power-washing their decks and alphabetizing their spice racks, I’m staring down a different kind of chaos: my desks. Yes, I have two!
I hate to admit that even though I’m a librarian, my writing spaces are often more “creative tornado” than “inspiring haven.” Coffee-stained notebooks, half-melted candles, an alarming number of pens that may or may not work, planners that were supposed to start in January but haven’t even been opened yet… Does any of this sound familiar?
If it does, then it’s time to talk about really spring cleaning your work area—dust bunnies and all. This isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about reclaiming your space, reviving your creativity, and making your writing nook feel like a place you actually want to spend time in (instead of just collapsing into like a Victorian ghost, with all the accompanying drama and moans).
Spring Cleaning the Writer’s Space
1. Clear the Decks (Yes, All of It)
Start by removing everything from your desk or table. Including the stacks of sticky notes you’ve been ignoring since February. Wipe the surface down—dust, crumbs, glitter, existential dread—whatever has settled there. Why? Because clutter doesn’t just take up physical space; it takes up mental space too. If you’re feeling blocked or scattered, your environment might be part of the problem.
2. Purge the Paper Trail
Sort through your piles of notes, notebooks, planners, scribbles, and abandoned plot bunnies. Be ruthless. Do you really need that napkin with three lines of dialogue you no longer understand? Probably not. Keep what sparks something. Toss what doesn’t. Bonus points for creating a dedicated “Idea Graveyard” folder for the things you can’t quite let go of.
3. Tame the TBR Tower and Book Chaos
Books are essential. But if your office is starting to resemble the lost wing of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, it might be time to curate.
- Move/donate unread books you’re no longer excited about.
- Re-shelve research books that aren’t relevant to your current project.
- Display your favorites or inspirations where you can see them.
A well-loved book within arm’s reach can be more motivating than any productivity app.
4. Audit Your Supplies (and Your Mug Collection)
Test your pens. Toss the ones that are dry, leaky, or write like they’ve been possessed. Sharpen pencils. Refill sticky notes. Untangle cords. Do you really need 11 notebooks with only three pages used in each? What about all those planners you bought in October and are gathering dust beneath your unfolded laundry? Don’t feel guilty. Just audit, purge, donate… whatever feels right for you.
As for mugs… we’re writers. Mugs are part of our soul. But maybe you can limit them to two on the desk at a time. (One for coffee. One for pens. Trust me, it’s still cozy.)
5. Add Something Fresh
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to delight. Make your space feel a little magical, and make it yours. Here are a few ideas:
- A small plant.
- A new candle.
- Fairy lights.
- A quote that lights your fire.
- A postcard from a place your characters would visit.
- A business card from a local bookstore where you hope to sign your own books one day.
6. Define Your Zones
If you’re lucky enough to have a room, great. If your writing nook shares space with a dining table, a guest bed, or a rogue cat tree, no worries. Just define your space however you can. Maybe it’s with a tray that holds your tools, or moving a desk mat that marks your territory. A little boundary-setting can help shift your brain into writing mode.
7. Celebrate the Ritual
Spring cleaning your work area isn’t just about getting tidy—it’s a reset. A seasonal ritual. A way of saying to yourself, “I take my work seriously. I deserve a space that supports it.” Light a candle, put on a playlist, and make a cup of something warm. Maybe even have a stash of chocolate nearby. When it’s all done, take a moment to sit, breathe, and admire your freshly polished little world.
You did that. And now? You’re ready to write. And if you’re still battling the frog and the devil, here are a few ideas on how to handle that situation.
