Deciding to work from home brings a lot of freedom, but can also bring some supply issues. Your business account now has to front the cost of supplies you’ll need, which can take out of your take-home pay. Since your home is now serving another purpose it’s important to invest in supplies that really matter and don’t take up a ton of space. I’m a minimalist by nature and clutter really affects my thought process. When I make a purchase for something I need to do my job well I make sure I have a place to put it, that it doesn’t impede on my family’s well-being, and can be used for multiple purposes.
Here is a list of my favorite products that I use for my home office:
PendaFlex Heavy Duty Expanding File
This expanding file folder is used for my bookkeeping clients as they send me paper copies. I love how it has monthly organizers already built in and can be collapsed to fit in a small space. I gather paper copies all year, and then return the entire folder to them at the end of the year to give to their CPA. It is a cost I use my one-time bookkeeping retainer fee for because it is a product used solely for the individual client, and doesn’t impede too much on my personal home space.
I use these bubble mailers for everything! I came upon them through mailing our children’s book (click here for the link) and couldn’t get enough. They are waterproof, large and lightweight (the perfect combination for mailing important documents)!
This was a splurge I made for my own cord-related sanity. I was so tired of constantly unplugging and replugging in different USB adapters, cords, computer chargers etc. that when I found this splitter that has all the commonly used cords I couldn’t resist! I have since put one in the high-traffic areas of my home and especially next to my desk, so I can just quickly and efficiently plug in all the electronics and chargers I need to use.
Extra Capacity Hanging File Folders
I love having a quick and efficient filing system. Since I use my large filing cabinet for both business and personal use I had to make sure I had the correct type of file folders to accommodate both. It really irks me when file folders are busting at the seams and I can’t find anything anyways (what’s the point)? When I found these large base bottomed file folders (in legal and letter size) I jumped on them! I love that receipts and chunky packets fit nicely and don’t bulge up past the label.
It has taken me forever to find pens that I absolutely love and use for everything (can I get an amen)? The pen-struggle is real, but I have finally found the pen that saves the day every time! It has a fine, smooth ball point and doesn’t smear at all because it is made by Sharpie. It feels nice in my hand and comes in all sorts of colors but I love the white.
I started using spiral bound notebooks solely a few years ago. I got so tired of pushing down notebooks that had a perfect bound binding. I love to write with the cover flipped over, so I use these spiral bound notebooks to take all my client notes and notes on Quickbooks, and other business related finds. I can easily tab out important sections and flip right to them when needed.
As I said earlier, I am very visually minded and don’t like clutter because it takes up my brain space. I found this beautiful Russell + Hazel binder a few years ago and love how it is clean and simple on the front, and works perfectly to quickly flip to important documents.
I hadn’t used a rechargeable mouse since college but once I found this one I was hooked! Sometimes the trackpad on my computer just doesn’t work as quickly as I need it to and the mouse provides an old-school solution to quick computer work.
Okay is anyone else a Home Edit fan out there? I love their idea of using clear, plastic storage to contain everything. In my desk and drawers at home I use these drawer organizers and love how they keep everything divided and I can easily see everything I need because they are clear. They make my drawers look beautiful every time and provide a system that is hard to ruin because once you see how beautiful it is you want to put stuff back in the right place every.single.time.
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