Recently, some friends of mine started a business and had to put together their office essentials. They didn't have an office manager, so many of the essential tools were forgotten. No tape, no post-its, no printer, and not even a trash can. Every day was a new lesson in how offices function for them. For those of us who work in administrative professions, being prepared with office essentials is one the of proponents leading to our success. At Cabinet, we are all about connecting administrative professionals to discuss successful practices and tips, so we figured sharing how we arrange our workstation would be helpful.

Let's face it, you don't want to be seen as the Office Depot, and you also want to spark joy in a sometimes, monotonous, stressful or otherwise less than ideal moment. Here are some tools I keep on my desk:

1. Post-its
2. A cute vintage looking milk jar with pens, highlighters and a ruler
3. Stapler
4. Tape
5. Tissues
6. A succulent plan
7. Postcards from vacations I have taken pinned to my bulletin
8. A wooden cat from Japan my co-founder gave me

In my cabinet drawers (excuse the pun), I keep the less necessary materials:

1. Stamps
2. White-Out
3. Scissors
4. Extra pens and highlighters
5. Signature stickies
6. Paper
7. Batteries
8. Paper clips
9. Rubber bands

I kept these things in their places so I didn't have to worry. It's funny how something small going missing can disrupt your day. Of course, my desk varies with the season. When tax season hits, I will always have stamps and signature stickies next to my printer. I need those constantly. I'm curious to know what rhythm you keep with your desk. Post a question on Cabinet and learn what kind of order to their desks other EA's and admins keep.