A Calm Desk in Five Steps: My Minimal Setup

I landed on, and the order I’d recommend if you want to do the same.
The five steps

    Clear the surface completely. Take everything off, not just the obvious clutter. An empty desk is the only honest starting point.
    Sort the pile into three groups. Belongs here, belongs elsewhere, belongs in the bin. No fourth “maybe” pile allowed.
    Return only what earns its place. If you didn’t touch it last week and won’t this week, it lives in a drawer, not on top.
    Give every survivor a fixed spot. Pen left of the keyboard, notebook to the right, cables tucked