I was ready to regain control of my desk/office cornereven if youd never know it at first glance.

Enter: the Core 4 cleaning method, currentlytrending on TikTok.

Officially at my wit’s end, I had to try it.

desk clean-up using the core 4 method

Ashley Chalmers / The Spruce

What is the Core 4 Method?

Clear Out

Kelly says the first step is to clear out the space in question.

Categorize

For step two, Kelly advises users of the Core 4 method to categorize everything.

core 4 method - messy desk - before

Ashley Chalmers / The Spruce

As I placed things back into the drawers, I got a bit more granular.

In my case, my storage options double as my desk and filing cabinet drawers.

Before doing this process, I tossed things back as needed.

core 4 method messy desk

Ashley Chalmers / The Spruce

I alsoreorganized the booksI like to have on hand.

I also have a stockpile of journals and planners.

One thing that I loved is that the rules are just strict enough.

core 4 method desk organizing - after

The Spruce / Ashley Chalmers

You simply look at what you have, make space, and replace what you plan to keep.

If only everything could be this simple.

organized desk space using the core 4 method

The Spruce / Ashley Chalmers