Tools and Supplies for the Home Office
Here's a checklist of supplies for the well-organized home office or paperwork area. You may have other items to add.
- Desk or Writing Table
- A generous writing surface makes work easier. If you use a table, you'll need storage for supplies and files. You can make a functional desk with a sheet of plywood and two filing cabinets.
- Computer and Peripherals
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- Computer - desktop, laptop, and/or tablet
- Modem
- Printer
- Storage for printer paper.
- Power bar with surge protector; extension cord if needed.
- Storage for cables, chargers, headphones, other electronic odds and ends.
- Storage for disks
- Storage for manuals
- File Drawers
- Either drawers in your desk, or a separate cabinet. Boxes the right size can work, too. Consider whether you need legal- or letter-sized drawers.
- Telephone
- Consider a wall-mounted model to save desk space. Post emergency numbers (fire, police, poison control) right by the phone. Do the same for every phone in the house. Do it today.
- In Box
- For items you haven't looked at yet.
- Out Box
- For items to be mailed, or given to someone else.
- To File Box
- For items to be filed (not too much later, please).
- Waste Basket / Recycling Box / Paper Shredder
- A big wastebasket will work wonders for helping you stay organized!
- Writing Utensils
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- Pens, ballpoint, fountain or felt-tipped (various colors)
- Pencils and erasers
- Highlighters
- Thick marker for marking boxes
- Ruler
- Letter opener
- A container to hold the above, unless you'd rather keep them in your drawer.
- Address book or card file (and extra cards)
- Even if you keep addresses on your computer or portable electronic organizer, it's wise to keep hard copies of important contact information.
- Calendar or Appointment Book
- Paper or electronic. A large wall calendar works well for organizing a busy family.
- Set up a to-do list and a tickler file to remind yourself about appointments.
- Specialized Record-Keeping Books
- Account books, check registers, etc. as needed
- Stationery Supplies
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- Business-sized stationery and envelopes
- Mailing envelopes of various sizes
- Postcards
- Notecards
- Sticky notes
- Return address labels
- File folders and labels
- Stamps
- A dispenser roll is handy.
- Stapler
- Also a staple remover, extra staples.
- Labels
- For files, shelves, doors and more.
- Clock
- A wall clock will save desk space.
- Magnifying Glass
- For that pesky fine print.
- Correction Fluid
- Even if you're computerized, there may be times you'll need it.
- Tape
- Scissors
- Rubber Bands
- Paper Clips and Binder Clips
- Pencil Sharpener
- Binders
- Hole Punches
- Three-hole and single-hole.
- Shelves
- For books and binders.
Have a ROUTINE for handling papers. Develop a routine for handling papers and stick to it. This is critical for effective paper management, in either a home or business office.
Nearly every piece of paper in your life can be managed by putting the paper, or the information on it, into one of seven places:
- To Sort tray (Don't let it stay there too long!)
- Wastebasket or recycling box
- Calendar or appointment book
- To Do list
- Address / telephone file
- Action file
- Reference files
- Eliminate unnecessary paper.
- Avoid generating unnecessary paper.
- Establish a location for essential paper (OR the information on it)
- Create a method for easy retrieval
If you don't know you have it, or you can't find it, it is of NO value to you!
-- Article by Elisabeth Archambault, editor of this website