7 Secret Office Supplies Everyone Should Own

There are many office supplies that are ubiquitous. Those include sticky notes, staples, and scissors. In my productivity work with executives there are useful office supplies that they don't own that would make their life smoother. They're presented below. If you're a professional that works out of your home, these items should be in your office and never leave. Similarly, you shouldn't need to go find and use the family tools. If you must, use the label maker to label your gadgets and tools and put others in your household on notice that yours are not to leave your office.

If you already own these things bear with us (and kudos to you). I am suggesting these items because my clients didn't know about them so there must be many others that don't also. 

3M Scotch Cord OrganizersThese straps are a twist on the hook and look fasteners popularized by Velcro. The best feature of these organizers is that they stick to themselves. The front of the tape is the hook, the back of the tape is the loop. So, you need only one piece to create a connection. The rolls are scored every 8" for easy use (no scissors needed). Use them for cords as you put them into your computer carrying case, to hold the flapping end of a belt when your New Year resolution turns into lost pounds, and to replace rubber bands in many applications.

 

Sharpie Retractable Markers The key is retractable. This means no lost or switched caps. These markers are good for many things from labeling boxes for storage to making a point on a report.

 

Optima™ PowerEase™ Reduced Effort Stapler

Yes, we all have staplers, hopefully. But this is a power tool! Patented Reduced Force design reduces operating force by up to 70% compared to standard staplers. The staple is pushed through the papers with a loud snap yet little effort. Hand held versions of this stapler are available also.

 

Pilot G-2 .05 Pen. Ok, I know this is more about personal preference but everyone who uses my pens comments, "I really like the way that this feels & writes." The gel ink is even and smooth. A great pen surely helps the creative process and puts forth a good image. One of the key features, like the sharpie retractable above, is that there is no cap. The click puts the ink out and pulls it in. And, a green feature of this pen is that they are refillable. I almost always use black ink. And don't overlook the comfort grip!

Bic Wite-Out. The modern version of the little pot of white paint like wite-out. These travel well (there is a click version) and one version is refillable (another green product). There is a configuration for everyone – the big wheel, the portable pen-like version, and the mini travel size. These lay down a line of wite-out that you can write on immediately.

 

Staples or Office-Max Plastic Storage Box. These are the perfect size storage box because even stuffed with papers they are not too heavy to carry. The dimensions and design of the box allows for regular files to hang one direction and legal to hang the other. The plastic is molded with rails to accommodate hanging folders. We use them everywhere from office storage to memory boxes in people's attic.

Label Maker. The secret of the label maker is in the application. My favorite is labeling both ends of cables around my computer. Then when I need to unplug or trace one, it's a snap. Of course readable file folders, putting your name and number on memory sticks, and marking which kid owns what 'thing' are other great uses.

Comments

[Chris Bloczynski]

Cool article! I have an affinity for the retractable highlighters by Avery... I do quite a bit of book reading, and one can always tell how far I've made it into a book by finding the last bright-yellow highlighted paragraph, with my thoughts and notes written in the margins in pen. I mess books up, but I sure do love the indispensables at my desk.