As someone who is constantly working to keep on clutter, I have to say that office supplies and kitchen gadgets are my Clutter Free Kryptonite.
So giving other decluttering warriors a list of office supplies to get is a bit like publishing the Girl Scout Cookie menu at a Weight Watcher’s meeting.
But, as you know, I’m not about living an austere minimalist life. I’m all about having the tools you need to get the stuff done in life that you are designed to do. So with that in mind, here is my list of must haves for your home office (but do yourself a favor and stay out of the accessory aisle at Office Max. That just leads to regret and despair the next day.)
- Colored Stapler
I got this idea from Cheri Gregory, a long-time teacher who has a red stapler in her classroom, so whenever a student is looking for the stapler, all Cheri has to do is say “Look for the red!”
I of course, do not have a red stapler (because as a redhead, I’ve had a life-long aversion to red and pink…) so my stapler is aqua blue and it makes me happy every time I see it. And office
supplies that make you happy, are a must.
- Wireless Headset for Phone
“How cute…” you think to yourself. “She still uses a real phone – just like Carol on the Brady Bunch…” Yes- I still use a real, wired into the wall, phone. (I do radio interviews, and they insist on having a land line.) But, I also have a wireless headset so that I can walk around, clean my desk, take notes on my computer, do laundry, and pretty much, keep being awesome while I’m talking on that phone.
- Coffee Warmer
My coffee warmer is responsible for most of my great ideas. I love this low-tech gadget because it keeps me supplied in warm coffee, without having to go up and down to the microwave ever fifteen minutes. (And you know that every time you get up from your thinking place, the potential of losing a brilliant idea triples.)
- Amazon Echo
This is like having a personal assistant at your desk. I love my Echo (her name is Alexa,) because she is just sitting there, waiting for me to tell her what to do (that’s the dream, right?)
The list of what I use Alexa for keeps growing:
• Creating shopping lists (“Hey Alexa, add cat food to my shopping list.”)
• Adding items to my to-do list (“Hey Alexa, add go to dry-cleaners to my to-do list.”)
• Playing music
• Checking the weather
• Setting a timer for 15 minutes to focus my time
• Setting a reminder
• Reordering things on Amazon
If you’re not familiar with the Echo, check it out on Amazon!
- Wall Calendar
Yes- I have a perfectly good calendar on my computer. Why would I need one on my wall? It’s all about saying no.When I have a visual reminder of what my month – and next month – already look like time-wise, it helps me to not over-commit my time and energy. Plus, it’s a great reminder to pray for my upcoming work and projects.
Because of my color-coding, I can quickly see when I’m working too much, when I’m not spending enough tie with Roger, and more. It helps me insure that my life is in balance every single day of my busy month.
So what are your office must haves? Tell me in the comments below so I can test-drive a few and report back in a later blog post.
Color coded bright file folders in a step sorter. I can easily locate and put stuff where it goes. I already did the colored stapler (stands on end so it doesn’t get buried) and tape dispenser. Big bright handled scissors help, too. My clutter malfunction is a result of my ADD and I need all the suggestions you all have. Appreciate the help!
Scratch paper
Sticky notes
Snacks
Maybe in that order, maybe flipped.
I can never be sure.
My office must haves include:
1. extra lighting; I have small clip lamps in various spots in my workspace.
2. clip pencils
3. my planner, it’s not on the wall but I rely the written process as part of my commitment to do things.
4. my desk tripod for impromptu videos for social media, sometimes it’s easier to show a client how to do something over telling them.
5. a timer, so I don’t get lost down the rabbit hole (social media).
Kim, I love all those things you mentioned! You’re on top of things!
Yes, yes… the timer is a wonderful idea. I used to use one for my kids when they would jump online… I never made the obvious leap to use it for myself. 😉
Now’s the time!! 🙂
Barb, I’m ordering a mouse pad/note pad right now!!!
1. Decorated file folders. They make me smile when I’m filing. Not a lot of things can do that.
2. Gel pens. Writing notes and To Do Lists is SO much more fun with gel pens.
3. Colorful paper clips.
4. Wall calendar. You’re right, Kathi–the tech can’t beat what seeing the month like that does for you.
5. A mouse pad that’s also a notepad. Once I discovered that, I’ve never got back to a normal mouse pad.
Yes! I have a floral colored stapler, because the things at our workstations can be a pleasure to look at instead of industrial looking. I also have pretty folders in two small wire step file holders. I put church documents into the cherry blossom file folders, while my personal business papers go into flower and bird file folders… Because I enjoy how they look, they’re more likely to be accessed and used. (Anything to cut down on the paper clutter…)
I love it!! You know exactly how to make work and organization fun!
I am with you, a color coded wall calendar is a must! I also use the coziness app which I also have color coded but I like to be able to see it all at once and for my non techno husband he too can always see what is going on.
That’s awesome!