Women at work and their tips, challenges, advice, complaints, and experiences

About two weeks ago I tackled the first portion of a challenge to organize a home office in the making: the desk.  Today, in honor of Thursday Thirteen list day, I thought I'd offer you a list of organizing products that are easy on the eyes, easy on the budget, and darn handy in the home office.  In all actuality those of you who work outside of the home could probably use some of these items, created by Real Simple, to spruce up and organize your office as well. 

The big key here is not necessarily these products, themselves.  After all, you may not care for the color scheme they've used.  The lesson here is that office products and organizational helpers do not have to be ugly and industrial, nor do they have to be expensive.  Hit Target, Wal-Mart, or Staples and see what you can find.  More and more companies are designing attractive supplies in an effort to market to women with an eye for utility and style.  I'm sure this list will get you started, at the very least.

That said, here are the items I would buy if I were spending your money *chuckle*:

1. Mail organizer:  Things will get sent out much faster if you have everything at hand.  If your office will serve as a spot to handly family business and finances, not just work issues, I suggest getting two.  Why?  One for stamps and supplies that are tax-deductible or purchased by your employer.  Keeps everything easier to figure out come time to restock.
2. File Organizer:  If you're dealing with shelving rather than a spot to put a full-fledged file cabinet, or you simply don't have enough files to justify a cabinet, this will fit the bill.  (Side note: I like their list of what to keep and for how long - handy!)
3. Expanding File: Another tool that you may want to pick up two of - one for business, one for family.  I actually use one similar to this for organizing articles that relate to our home education efforts.  Expanding files are fantastic if you're on the go a lot - as is this next pick:
4. Portable File Tote: One look and you will probably be able to see why I like this!  In case you can't, let me just tell you that it is easier to carry heavy files in something like this than to split 'em up into multiple expanding files and trying to find a bag that will tote them.
5. Mini Office Caddy: Store paper clips and the like in a box with a lid.  Love it!
6. Card Wheel: Way cuter than a hurkin' Rolodex.  And safer than storing phone numbers in your cell in case you lose it!
7. Inbox: Frankly I've been known to use an entire tower of these puppies.  Your inbox system can take on a life of its own, so remember the cardinal rule: you should be setting up a system that isn't so intricate that you will ignore it!  I've found that if I need more than four inbox slots, I'm overorganizing and it's time to recycle or file everything in sight.
8. Message Center: A good calendar is essential for those who work from home.  You need to be able to really track deadlines, ship dates, and the like.  The magnetic pocket on this one would be so helpful!
9. Pen & Pencil Organizer: No more digging through a drawer or desk piles to find a writing utensil when you're on the phone with a client.  Just remember two vital things: don't jam the thing full of pens and pencils, and test your pens from time to time to get rid of (or refill) the ones out of ink.
10. To-Do/To-Buy Notepad: Sure, you could write your lists on the back of an envelope or whatever's at hand, but hey, everybody's gotta splurge on something fun from time to time.  Besides, this will stick great on that magnetic paint portion of the wall we discussed in the first post!
11. Padfolio: This one's especially helpful if you leave the home office to do lunch with clients or colleagues.  Jot your notes in the office and take 'em with you to your meeting.  Also handy if you telecommute part-time and have to head in to work other times of the week.
12. Easy-to-Update Address Book: This one's pretty obvious - if it's an easy system, it's a system you'll use. 
13. Correspondence Cards: If you're just starting out as a home-based business owner, business cards are the most important stationary investment you can make.  Until you feel it's time to invest in a company letterhead (or if you don't do a lot of business writing), a simple, classic set of cards like these will fit the bill.

Don't forget to save all of your receipts for supplies like this; your tax preparer will want to look 'em over come tax time to see what you can deduct.  If you're not your own boss, you'll need your receipts for any reimbursement requests you file with your employer.

(For more Thursday Thirteen lists, click here.)