Office Supplies Hacks: Clever Ways to Use Common Items
Office supplies are often underestimated in terms of their potential uses beyond their conventional purposes. While they are designed to assist in office tasks, these everyday items can also be repurposed creatively to solve common problems, boost productivity, and enhance organization. In this article, we’ll explore some ingenious office supplies hacks that demonstrate how common items can serve multiple functions, saving you time, money, and stress.
- Binder Clips for Cable Management Binder clips are more than just tools for holding documents together. They can be used to manage unruly cables on your desk. Simply clip them to the edge of your desk or the back of your computer stand and thread the cables through the metal loops. This keeps your cables organized, prevents tangling, and makes it easier to identify the right cable at a glance.
- Sticky Notes as Temporary Phone Stands Need a quick and makeshift phone stand? Fold a sticky note in half and position it at a slight angle on your desk. Rest your phone against the folded edge, and voila! You now have an impromptu phone stand for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes while cooking.
- Rubber Bands for Improved Grip Rubber bands can provide a better grip for opening stubborn jar lids. Just wrap a rubber band around the lid and twist – the added traction makes it easier to open even the most stubborn containers.
- Clothes Hangers as Tablet Stands Repurpose a standard wire clothes hanger as a tablet or e-reader stand. Carefully bend the hanger to create a “U” shape, then position it on your desk with the curved part facing upwards. Place your tablet or e-reader in the curve, and you’ve got an instant hands-free device stand.
- Magazine Holders for Kitchen Organization Magazine holders can be used in the kitchen to organize cutting boards, baking sheets, and even water bottles. By placing these items vertically in a magazine holder, you save space and gain easy access to your kitchen essentials.
- Old CDs/DVDs as Monitor Mirrors Turn outdated CDs or DVDs into a simple and effective monitor mirror. Attach the shiny side of the disc to the top of your monitor, facing you. This allows you to see behind you without having to turn around, making it easier to monitor your surroundings.
- Cereal Box Organizers Transform empty cereal boxes into functional desk organizers. Cut the box diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner, and then cover the box with decorative paper or fabric. You now have a stylish organizer for storing papers, notebooks, or office supplies.
- Clothespins for Cable Organization Attach clothespins to the edge of your desk to create a cable management solution. Clip the cables to the clothespins to prevent them from falling off your desk and keep them easily accessible.
- Keyboard Vacuum for Crumb Cleanup Those tiny crevices in your keyboard can be a haven for crumbs and dust. Use a mini keyboard vacuum or a cleaned-out squeeze ketchup bottle with a straw to suck up the debris and keep your keyboard clean.
- Zip Ties for Desk Clutter Zip ties can be employed to keep desk clutter under control. Bundle cables together using zip ties, keeping them neat and tidy. This not only makes your workspace look cleaner but also prevents tripping hazards.
The versatility of office supplies goes far beyond their intended uses. With a little creativity, you can repurpose common items to improve organization, solve everyday problems, and boost your productivity. The next time you’re facing a minor challenge in your office or home, take a look at your collection of office supplies – you might just find the perfect solution right at your fingertips.