Creating a well-organised, functional workspace doesn’t always require a trip to the office supply store. In fact, some of the most effective tools for productivity are already hiding in your kitchen drawers, bathroom cupboards or garage shelves. With a little creativity, you can repurpose common household items into clever office solutions—saving money, reducing waste, and adding a personalised touch to your workspace.
Whether you’re working from a dedicated room or a corner of the living area, combining DIY ingenuity with practical storage options like metal storage cabinets can help streamline your setup. Let’s explore some of the most useful ways to transform everyday items into functional office tools.
Mason Jars as Stylish Stationery Holders
That set of unused mason jars in your pantry? They’re perfect for holding pens, pencils, scissors, and highlighters. You can label them for easy access or even mount them on a piece of reclaimed timber to create a rustic, wall-mounted organiser. This not only declutters your desk but also gives your space a unique aesthetic.
Cutlery Trays for Drawer Organisation
Kitchen cutlery trays are excellent for sorting office supplies like paper clips, sticky notes, USB drives and cables. Slide one into your desk drawer and instantly bring order to the chaos. They’re especially useful when used in conjunction with lockable drawers or storage cabinets, offering a tidy and secure way to store smaller office items.
Shoe Boxes as Stackable Filing Systems
Don’t toss those shoe boxes just yet. With a little covering—think gift wrap or contact paper—they can become a neat and cohesive filing system. Label the front of each box for receipts, invoices, manuals or project folders. They’re also easy to stack and hide away in a cabinet when not in use.
Cork Boards from Old Picture Frames
Have an old frame gathering dust in storage? Remove the glass and backing, then insert a corkboard or foam sheet to create your own noticeboard. This is ideal for pinning up reminders, business cards, or mood board items, and it gives you a stylish way to keep your to-do list visible.
Toilet Roll Tubes as Cable Managers
If your charging cords and USB cables resemble a spaghetti disaster, toilet roll tubes can help. Decorate or label each tube and place them upright in a shoebox or drawer to keep cords neatly coiled and easily accessible. It’s a simple, zero-cost way to maintain order.
Muffin Trays for Small Supplies
A muffin tray isn’t just for baking—it’s a brilliant organiser for thumbtacks, paper clips, rubber bands, and pushpins. Keep it in a drawer or on a shelf near your desk, and you’ll never be digging through clutter again.
Clipboard Wall Displays
Clipboards mounted to the wall can serve as interchangeable document holders, calendars, or even inspiration boards. They’re especially handy in small spaces where surface area is limited, offering a vertical solution for keeping paperwork visible and accessible.
Ice Cube Trays for Tiny Tech Storage
Ice cube trays make surprisingly effective organisers for tiny tech components like SIM cards, microSD cards, batteries, or even small screws from your gadgets. Stack them in a drawer or slide them into your metal storage cabinets to keep everything safe and sorted.
Repurposing household items into office tools is a smart and sustainable way to upgrade your workspace
Not only does it breathe new life into forgotten objects, but it also supports an organised, budget-friendly, and environmentally conscious work environment. Pair these DIY ideas with quality essentials, and you’ll have a home office that’s both productive and uniquely yours.
