Meh. Don't leave anything at work. Forgo the convenience and carry your things on your commute. Use a bag. If there's "too much stuff", that's a sign to pare back what you "need" at work.
I had my gym stuff in a gym locker. The reason I was able to commit to a gym routine was being able to get off my desk, get down the elevator, enter the gym and change in gym clothes in literally 5 minutes. I would never be willing to commute with all that gear. And I never got that gear back.
Still a net positive in my experience.
I know this is not a good year on the job market, but if you are traveling to work with a "go bag" and not leaving coffee mugs on your desk to prepare for being laid off maybe it is time to carry that go bag to some other buildings...
It feels a little weird to tell people not to personalize or make comfortable a place that they might spend 8 hours a day at, 5 days a week.
Many humans like to decorate their desks, keep personal stuff there. It's normal.
If they are keeping your personal possessions, isn't that theft?
Yes, I will bag my two tree-sized plants, 4 paintings, 1 old map, 2 posters, drawings of my kids, figurines and a few more things. Ah yes, the ball I sit on.
I spend in the office more time than at home so I want a nice environment.
God, if we're at the point where we're so paranoid about being laid off that we don't dare leave a single piece of personal property in the office then I think we're in a very dark place indeed. Can’t imagine the mental damage from considering losing your job every single day you wake up.