Home office essentials checklist

Print this checklist and gather these items -- suggested by REAL SIMPLE. REAL LIFE. design expert Gia Russo -- to make your office space work for you.

Furniture

  • Desk

  • Comfortable chair

  • Desk lamp

  • File cabinet

  • Bookcase and/or floating shelving

  • Storage cabinet for supplies

  • Table or small cabinet for printer and fax

See Real Simple's Tips on Restarting Your Career.

Tech Equipment

  • Wireless internet connector

  • Laptop computer for easy portability

  • Mouse and mouse pad

  • Wireless printer

  • Surge protector

  • Telephone

  • Scanner

  • Paper shredder

  • Fax, preferably with built-in photocopier

  • iPod

  • iPod dock

  • Backup hard drive

  • Charging station for portable devices

See Real Simple's Checklist for Organizing an Office Party.

Supplies

  • Hanging file folders

  • File folders

  • Stationery

  • Postage stamps

  • Business cards

  • Printer cartridges

  • Printer and fax paper

  • CDs

  • Desk clock

  • Pens

  • Pencils

  • Highlighters

  • Stapler

  • Transparent tape

  • Note pads

  • Wall or desk calendar

  • Bulletin board

  • Pushpins

  • Scissors

  • Baskets or bins for incoming and outgoing paperwork

  • Mail sorter

  • Calculator

  • Wastebasket

  • Recycling bin

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