You may think of your desk simply as a home for your laptop or, alternatively, a surface to clutter with photos and all sorts of other paraphernalia. Arm yourself with these 10 desk essentials and you will see results! You’ll work smarter and quicker, with everything you need easy access to close at hand. By minimising distractions and enhancing opportunities to motivate yourself, you will have a better work day – every day.

Clutter-free is the only way, allowing you to see exactly what is in front of you. So, whether you’re working from home or the office, a streamlined approach will ensure you can find things easily and deal with the curveballs of the day more calmly. Most importantly, you will save time, with no need to rummage through drawers or piles of papers you have been hoarding. Be inspired by the list below then be in touch to let me know your favourite must-haves.

NOTEPAD OR TO-DO LIST

Record brainstorming, important thoughts before they wander off, phone numbers or sums and your top 3 tasks for the day. I adore the gorgeous stationery designs from Melbourne publisher Green Pea.

ARTWORK OR A PHOTOGRAPH FOR A PERSONAL TOUCH

Ideally this should be mounted off your desk out of the way and should motivate and inspire you. For beautiful inexpensive artworks, be sure to check out Etsy or to display your photos uniquely try OnStone prints.

DESK ORGANISER

Fill it with a stapler and staples, small and large bulldog clips, working pens and highlighters.

REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE

Hydration is key. It’s amazing how much better your brain works when you regularly top yourself up with H2O. Biome have a huge range of eco friendly water bottles that are perfect for the job.

MIRROR

If you snack at your desk, a mirror can be super handy for quick food-in-teeth inspections before you have a conversation with a colleague. It’s useful for lippy application or hair inspection too without a trek down the hallway to the nearest bathroom.

HEADPHONES

As much as you might like your co-workers or the office playlist, there are some occasions you just want to be in the zone and not interrupted. Or you need a certain motivational tune turned up really loud just for you. Australian-created Nura headphones, launched in 2016, are on my wishlist. My motivational tune is by Flume!

FILE ORGANISER

There should be somewhere for incoming documentation to live, to keep it separate from that you’ve already dealt with. I love Zetta Florence in Fitzroy for pretty treasures.

PRE-PREPARED HEALTHY SNACKS

Beat that afternoon slump and stop you hijacking the morning tea leftovers or standing in front of the fridge making a bad hungry choice. I get all my nuts and assorted healthy paraphernalia in a mega monthly shop at The Source Bulk Foods.

TISSUES

Winter colds are standard. If you’re a frequent tissue user, it’s worth investing in something with a little kindness woven in, such as aloe vera. Sandpaper nose = no fun.

HAND CREAM

For the fantastic packaging as well as organic goodness, try the range from Byron Bay outfit Babe Australia.