This is a hot-button issue for me. I have a really lovely adjoining "den" to our master bedroom that I use solely as my office (we are fortunate to have another spare room for my husband's home office/ guest room).
For me, I prefer only my laptop, note pad, pen and cell phone to occupy the desk. However, I find myself cleaning back to this point at least twice a week as my son (AKA: t
he destructor) runs around like a crazy/dancing/giggling kiddo! The destruction does not even occur during business hours, it occurs when both my husband and I are getting dressed in the morning or checking/responding to email after dinner (there is no door to the den).
I am one of those people that needs complete silence and order to work. In fact, I remember hanging out in the most secluded part of the library at college for all of my studying.
For a recommendation? I recommend clearing off your desk and preparing notes for the next day; prior to signing off for the day. I think I might try that again....