It might seem like we are stating the obvious here…but messy desks are a serious problem for people in two ways. The first is the time spent looking for things. A survey showed that the average person spends three hours each week just trying to locate something on their desk or in their files. The second problem is the distractions caused by objects nearby, too often interrupting our concentration on one task and causing us to change our priorities.
Try and work with 2 or 3 files before you, to help keep your focus sharply on what needs done.  Do you really need all those photos, calendars, office bits and bobs, post-its and business cards on the surface of your desk? Pop them into a drawer or file away to give yourself a clear space to work, with less distractions.
What next? Take a look at your work space.  Proper physical arrangement of your office eliminates distractions and interruptions. Some suggestions; turn your desk so that you minimise distractions when people walk by, and also keep people from dropping in to chat. Another technique is to move your in-tray out of sight so you won’t be tempted to stop and open incoming mail.
These suggestions are relatively minor and simple, but small steps that are easy to implement can have an immediate and positive impact on your productivity.