What to Keep in Your Desk Drawer: Essentials Only
A cluttered drawer is the enemy of productivity. Whether you work in a home office, shared workspace, or classroom, stocking your desk drawer with the right essentials can keep your day running smoothly. The key is to strike a balance between accessibility and simplicity—everything should serve a purpose and be easy to find. Here’s a curated list of must-have items for a streamlined, functional drawer setup.
- Writing Tools (and Refills)
Keep two to three pens you love using, plus a mechanical pencil and highlighter. Add refills if your tools are reusable. Brands like Pilot and Uni-ball offer smooth, reliable options. - Sticky Notes & Page Flags
Great for quick reminders, time-blocking, or tagging important documents. Post-it offers a variety of sizes and colors to suit your system. - Paperclips, Binder Clips, and Rubber Bands
They’re small, but essential for organizing papers without bulky folders. Keep these in a divided container to avoid drawer chaos. - Mini First Aid Kit
Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Compact kits are available from Welly or Target. - Screen Wipes and Microfiber Cloth
Your monitor, phone, and glasses will thank you. Keep a few pre-moistened wipes or a reusable cloth on hand. Whoosh! and Zeiss both make effective options. - Spare Charging Cables
Tangled cords on the desk look messy—store backup chargers in your drawer to stay powered throughout the day. Brands like Anker offer reliable multi-device options. - Stapler or Staple-Free Binder
A compact stapler or eco-friendly staple-free option like the Harinacs Stapleless Stapler can help with quick document fixes. - Personal Item or Snack
A small item—such as lip balm, hand lotion, or a granola bar—can offer comfort during a long workday. Just make sure it doesn’t expire or leak. - Flash Drive or External Storage
Even with cloud access, a USB drive is a smart backup. Brands like SanDisk and Samsung offer compact and fast options. - Tape, Scissors, and a Small Ruler
These tools are basic but often overlooked. Opt for mini versions to conserve space and ensure you’re always prepared for small fixes or measurements.
Bonus Tip: Use Drawer Dividers
Keep everything in its place with adjustable dividers or shallow trays. Look for options at The Container Store or budget finds at Walmart.
Where to Buy the Essentials
All these items can be found at:
To make your setup even more cost-effective, use cashback apps. With Fluz, you can earn cashback at Office Depot or save money at Walmart when you buy a gift card before checkout. You can also explore options from Rakuten and Ibotta.
With the right drawer setup, you’ll spend less time searching—and more time doing.
