Need a boost at work (especially before this upcoming Labor Day weekend)? Get new office supplies. Seriously. This might be for restocking your must haves or a ‘just trying a new pencil or pen’ moment, but it is good to get that order taken care of so that when you return from the fun, long holiday weekend you'll have fresh, new tools to brighten your workspace and welcome you back. Who doesn’t love that?

 

Here are some quick thoughts to keep in mind:

 

1 - Don’t overbuy. They will always make more. Get what you need and use what you (or your company on your behalf) buy. If you’re trying a pen or pencil for the first time - buy the single pack (not the 6 pack or box), and order multipacks after you determine that you like the item.

 

2 - Relax and don’t hoard. They will always make more - for real. Nobody likes working with a hoarder. Even if you have a very specific ink color or Post-it Note color that you REALLY prefer - then order one multipack and when you begin to use the second to last item of that pack/box/package - THEN you reorder. Just keep it simple.

 

3 - Share. If someone asks you about a specific office supply that you are using, be nice and share.

 

4 - Don’t buy things that will make your workspace UGLY. This includes any mesh desktop organizers. Of any color. Ever. They are overpriced and depressing for any environment. If you need a letter tray or desktop storage - go for something that speaks to your favorite color or material. There are tons of better container and storage options that are worth the money and will help you enjoy your work environment - not dread it. Even if your company will not shop from certain stores or reimburse you for this particular expense, it’s still worth the investment of your own money to make your workspace nice.

 

5 - Use items that are true to you. If you like color, use colorful items. If you prefer a greige palette, there are plenty of options that will fit that tone. Just keep it authentic to your personal taste.

 

You spend a LOT of time working - you need tools that will help you look and feel your best, so you can achieve your best productivity. This is a great week to be thinking about which office supplies you want to work with next week. It’s an affordable motivator to help you look forward to returning to your office after a long weekend.

 

(The less tactical and affordable motivators include new clothing, new shoes, new work tote/bag, new hair color/style and a fresh fall mani/pedi. Yes, these are all appearance based, but they also will help kick your post-holiday mindset into “let’s do this” gear. And you’re really going to need something next week because the next holiday season is a looooong way away. Just saying.)