Essential Office Supplies

There are things that everyone should stock in their desk or work area.  I know some people have shared office or desk space that is used by other people.  In those cases, pick and choose what is absolutely essential for you and stock mini versions of those items in a bag that you bring to work with you.

Here is an essential list of things that everyone should have at their desk:

• Tissues
• Hand sanitizer
• Bandages (you'd be surprised how many offices do not keep first aid kits at all or don't keep them stocked).
• Lotion
• Charger (preferably USB) for cell phone or other frequently used device (music player)
• Lip balm
• Nail clippers
• Small mirror (to make sure your lunch isn't still in your teeth)
• Floss (in case your lunch is in your teeth)
• Medications (pain medicine, gas reliever, anti-diarrhea medicine, antihistamine, and any other medications you might need)
• Detergent stick (for when you accidentally get a spot of lunch on your shirt)
• If you wear contacts - extra contact case and contact solution
• If you wear glasses - a microfiber cloth and small bottle of eyeglass cleaner)
• Very small collapsible umbrella (I have one that is 7.5" long, which is perfect to fit in a desk drawer or bag.  Once fully open, it's the size of a normal one-person umbrella.)
• Toiletries - Everyone is different, but you know what personal (think bathroom) items you need to have with you.  Just be sure to have a few in stock at your workspace and don't forget to replenish them when you run out!

These next items are optional but totally make your day better:

• Coathanger (if you have a place in your workspace to hang your jacket or coat)
• Favorite pictures to keep you company (be sure it's nothing embarrassing)
• Calendar (I find the daily calendars with a picture or cartoon a day to be great) 
• Ready-to-make drinks (i.e. flavored water enhancers, flavored tea bags, instant flavored coffee mixes, etc.)
• Pick-me-up snacks (the things that make you feel better when you're having a rotten day - a couple of bite-size pieces of chocolate, maybe?)
• Fan (if you find your workspace tends to be too hot)
• Heater (if you find your workspace tends to be too cold)
• Sweater (same as above)
• Lumbar support for a desk chair 

If you have access to a sink with dishsoap, these aren't bad to have either:

• Mug / drinkware (if you opt for plastic, be sure to get BPA-free)
• Real fork, spoon and butterknife (not that cheap plastic junk from the breakroom)

What other things do you keep at work to make your day better?