Whether you’re working from home or in the office, making the most of your supplies can save time and money. From keeping your workspace organised to improving efficiency, a few simple hacks can help you get more out of everyday office essentials.
Here are some clever ways to maximise your office stationery and boost productivity.
1. Transform sticky notes into page tabs
Instead of buying expensive page tabs, cut sticky notes into thin strips and use them as bookmarks or dividers in notebooks and reports. They’re easy to remove, reposition, and colour-code, making document organisation effortless.
2. Use a rubber band to prevent ink smudging
Struggling with ink smudges when writing in a notebook? Wrap a rubber band around the bottom half of the pages to hold them down while writing. This simple trick keeps the paper flat and prevents your hand from dragging across fresh ink.
3. Binder clips as cable organisers
Tangled charger and headphone cables cluttering your desk? Attach binder clips to the edge of your desk and thread the cables through the metal loops. This keeps them neatly organised and within easy reach, reducing desk clutter.
4. Repurpose an old shoebox into a DIY organiser
Instead of buying an expensive desk organiser, repurpose an old shoebox. Use cardboard dividers to create sections for pens, sticky notes, and other small office supplies. Decorate it with wrapping paper or stickers for a personalised touch.
5. Use a highlighter to unseal envelopes without tearing
Need to reopen office envelopes without damaging them? Run a highlighter along the sealed edge and let it sit for a few seconds. The ink dissolves the glue, allowing you to open the envelope without tearing it — perfect for fixing mailing mistakes or reusing envelopes.
6. Extend the life of your pens
If a ballpoint pen stops writing, don’t toss it just yet. Roll the tip between your hands to warm up the ink, or scribble on a rubber surface to get it flowing again. Storing pens tip-down also helps prevent ink from drying out too quickly.
7. Tape dispenser hack for easy cutting
Struggling to find the end of your tape roll? Attach a paperclip or a small piece of folded tape to the end before storing it. This makes it easier to grab the tape next time—no more frustrating searches!
8. Use toilet paper rolls for cord management
Keep spare cables and cords tangle-free by rolling them up and placing them inside empty toilet paper rolls. Label each roll with a marker to quickly identify different cables. This hack keeps your workspace neat and makes cable storage much easier.
9. Turn a spare binder clip into a phone stand
Need a quick phone stand for video calls or watching tutorials? Flip a binder clip upside down, extend the metal arms, and rest your phone against it. This makeshift stand works surprisingly well and takes just seconds to set up.
10. Freeze sticky notes to remove residue
Sticky notes losing their grip? Before throwing them away, place them in the freezer for a few hours. The cold helps reactivate the adhesive, making them stick better when reused. This trick also works for removing stubborn sticky residue from surfaces — just rub a frozen sticky note over the area to lift it off.
11. Use nail polish to colour-code items
If you have multiple office keys or frequently mix up supplies, use coloured nail polish to label them. A quick dab on each key makes it easy to identify at a glance. This also works for personalising office tools like staplers and scissors.
12. Wrap rubber bands around your notebook for extra storage
Struggling to keep loose notes, business cards, or receipts from falling out of your notebook? Wrap a rubber band around the cover to create an instant pocket for securing small papers. This helps keep everything in one place without needing extra folders.
13. Repurpose old business cards as label tags
Instead of throwing away outdated business cards, cut them into small rectangles and use them as labels for files, storage boxes, or even bookmarks. They’re sturdy, easy to write on, and give a second life to unused materials.
14. Use a whiteboard marker on plastic surfaces for temporary notes
Need to jot something down temporarily? Whiteboard markers work on laminated surfaces, plastic folders, and even glass. This makes it easy to write reminders or notes without wasting paper — just wipe them off when you’re done.
15. DIY a mouse pad with a thick notebook over
Forgot your mouse pad? The thick, smooth cover of a notebook or an old hardcover book can work just as well in a pinch. This provides a stable surface for smooth mouse movement while keeping your desk functional.
Office supplies are more versatile than you might think. With a little creativity, you can extend their lifespan, improve organisation, and find new ways to streamline your workspace. These simple hacks not only save money but also make everyday tasks more efficient.
Next time you reach for a sticky note or binder clip, think outside the box — you might just discover a hack that makes your workday a little easier!
