Every workplace has a moment when someone says, I wish I had brought that. A phone charger, a pair of dry socks, a hairbrush, a spare pen. A small stock of spare things kept at work takes the sting out of forgotten items and unexpected weather. It does not need much space, only a little planning and a tidy place to keep it. Here are some ideas to help you build a stash that is useful and does not turn into clutter.
What is worth keeping
Think about the things you have wished for most often. For many people the list includes a charger, a cardigan or jumper, an umbrella, a pair of comfortable shoes, a toothbrush and a few tissues. Add a small snack in case the day runs long, and a spare pen and notebook. If your job takes you outdoors, include something waterproof. Keep the list short, or the drawer will soon overflow.
Choose a sensible container. A small box, a tote bag or a drawer is enough, as long as everything has its own place. Use little pouches to keep like with like, for instance cables in one and toiletries in another. Label them if you share the space. If you do not have a fixed desk, a locker or a small bag that you can carry between places works just as well.
Look after the stock. Check it every so often, and replace anything you have used or that has gone stale. Take home anything that could spoil, such as food, and make sure nothing leaks or smells. A spare umbrella that is still damp from last week only causes trouble. Try to keep a short note of what is in the box, so that you always know what is missing.
Be considerate of others. Keep your stash out of shared walkways, and do not fill communal cupboards with your own belongings. If a colleague is in need, do not be shy of lending them something from your box; a small kindness is remembered for a long time. And remember that the aim is to make the day easier, not to move house into your desk drawer.
