When speaking to a group of people, I once created a folder called Old and then moved all my files in there. However, you can create a temporary desktop that shows as clean and empty. To do so, write the CreateDesktop key in the com.apple.finder defaults domain, with a setting of false, as follows: defaults write com.apple.finder CreateDesktop -bool false Then restart the Finder and it will show crisp and new: killall Finder Then once you’re done, delete the temporary desktop, by deleting the key, as follows: defaults delete com.apple.finder CreateDesktop Then restart the Finder to see your files again: killall Finder