10 Home Office Organization Helpers Under $25
From laptop stands to magnetic wall pockets, these products keep your workspace orderly and clutter-free at little expense.
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Nearly 3% of America's labor force consider home their primary place of work. If fact, telecommuting increased by 79.7% from 2005 to 2012, according to workplace strategy firm Global Workplace Analytics.
Working from home often saves not only time, but also money. In one study, Global Workplace Analytics found that federal employees in Washington who telecommuted during official snow days saved the government approximately $32 million.
A Census Bureau survey cited in The New York Times earlier this year found that a typical telecommuter is a 49-year-old college graduate, who earns about $58,000 a year, and belongs to a company with more than 100 employees. Then there are contractors, freelancers, and others in the self-employed category.
Anyone who works from a home office experiences many distractions that don't exist in a corporate office setting. That's why organization is key to being productive.
Home remodeling and design media outlet HGTV's website offers several ways to organize a home office, including color-coding a filing system, creating a mail station, storing supplies in a container, and utilizing wall space. It's just as important to have a designated spot for electronic devices -- such as a charging station -- and cable management solutions for a clutter-free space.
You can spend plenty at stores marketing home office organization, including The Container Store, Ikea, Staples, and Office Depot, as well as custom home-office builders like Closets by Design. However, you don't need to drop hundreds of dollars on a custom workplace to keep things shipshape. Plenty of organization products can help reduce disorder, even if you're on the smallest budget. Check out these 10 organization assistants under $25.
The SmartGrip Pad is designed to prevent items from slipping, sliding, or falling on almost any surface. The product's material grips the surface it's on and the items that it holds. The SmartGrip Pad can be used on the side of a computer monitor to hold a cellphone, keys, sunglasses, or MP3 player.
The myKeyO five-in-one keyboard stand and organizer is made of colorful, flexible, and durable silicone, and is designed specifically for the Apple wireless keyboard (sold separately). The keyboard stand can hold a tablet, iPad, or smartphone, and provides an optimal "viewing angle" -- either portrait or landscape, according to myKeyO's maker. The product also comes with a credit card slot and a hidden desktop organizer.
Quirky Cordies is a desktop cable management system that organizes various computer cables, and weighs them down to prevent them from sliding off a desk when disconnected. Five rubber grips with four slots can hold power cords, USB cords, cellphone chargers, audio cables, headphones, and more. With Quirky Cordies, cables can also be stacked on top of each other within each loop.
This laptop stand from Rolodex not only holds a portable computer, but also helps dissipate heat through its cooling vents to prevent overheating. Additionally, its cable management feature keep wires organized. The stand can be adjusted from 12-degree to 35-degree angles for best viewing and keyboard positions.
The stainless steel Magnetic Wall Pocket Strip contains powerful magnets to store business cards or bills, while the pockets can hold mail, office supplies, and more. The strip, which comes with mounting hardware, keeps everything within easy reach on a wall.
Like the Magnetic Wall Pocket Strip, the Magnetic Wall Pocket keeps everything organized on the office wall, except it has a wider design ideal for file folders and documents. The pocket comes with magnets for posting to-do lists, reminders, and even hanging keys on the outside.
The Lab-solutely desk supply set is a unique alternative for storing paperclips, pushpins, and binder clips. The design features three glass test tubes and a vintage-inspired metal stand. You don't have to be a scientist to put this set to good use in your workspace.
The Expanding Acrylic Drawer Organizer provides an additional level of storage space. It fits over the top of most drawers and slides to allow access to the contents below.
The key to a neat desk is having a dedicated charging station that can accommodate multiple devices, like the Interion charging valet. It comes with a five-outlet power strip (hidden in the back) for charging different gadgets in one location, and has a roomy drawer for storing personal items. There are many cool-looking options for charging stations, such as the Quirky Converge, but nothing beats the price of this one from Interion.
Here's a smart product that keeps drinks off your desk: The DrinKlip attaches to any tabletop or shelf. In addition to holding a cup of coffee, it can house a phone or other small items. It's the perfect solution to a crammed space.
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