Ditch Buying Desk Accessories Because These Work Hacks Require Items Easily Found At Home Or Office

A 28-year-old woman refused to buy more desk accessories after her workspace started looking like a junk drawer with better lighting. She had the basics, sure, but every “must-have” gadget felt like it belonged in someone else’s home, not hers.

Then it hit her all at once, her phone speakers were basically useless, her earphones were constantly tangled, and her charging cords kept migrating across the floor like they had places to be. The complicated part was simple: she still needed things to work, fast, without spending a cent.

So she raided her kitchen and office stash, and the hacks turned her everyday items into a whole new setup.

Get two cups and a toilet paper tube.

HuffPost

Now you have speakers for your phone!

HuffPost

Actually, even a cup would work as a speaker.

HuffPost

A simple way to clean your earphone jack: get a paperclip and some tape.

HuffPost

Roll the tape around the paperclip.

HuffPost

Insert the cleaner you've just made.

HuffPost

And that's how you remove the gunk.

HuffPost

A tripod for your phone only needs two binder clips and a calling card.

HuffPost

Binder clips are also ideal for your wired earphones.

HuffPost

And the best part? You can place it wherever it's most convenient.

HuffPost

Are your cables looking like entangled snakes?

HuffPost

Binder clips can keep them organized.

HuffPost

Here's how you can do it.

HuffPost

A paper clip can be turned into a phone stand.

HuffPost

For starters, unbend the clip.

HuffPost

Straighten it as best as you can.

HuffPost

Here's how it should look.

HuffPost

And if you are dealing with lunch theft and your sticky-fingered coworker, read this worker’s debate about stopping shared food.

With the end of your desk, bend the clip in the middle.

HuffPost

Bend each end upward.

HuffPost

And it's good to go.

HuffPost

Toilet paper tubes can be used for organizing your wires.

HuffPost

Got any old knock-type pens? Use the string to reinforce your charger cord.

HuffPost

Snap a photo of a ruler at its proper size. Now, you can use your phone as a ruler.

HuffPost

MacBook screens have built-in magnets where you can attach your earbuds.

HuffPost

A sticky note can help you clean your keyboard.

HuffPost

An egg carton can be used as a stand for overheating laptops.

HuffPost

Your iPad becomes a mini TV with 3M hooks.

HuffPost

This involves some DIY, but a chopping board can be turned into a tablet holder.

HuffPost

Use your nail polish to personalize charging cables.

HuffPost

If you're into journaling, you probably have washi tape. Use it to customize your items.

HuffPost

You can use the tape on a variety of office items.

HuffPost

A keyboard can be personalized with washi tape too.

HuffPost

Cover up those phone cracks and scratches...

HuffPost

...with washi tape!

HuffPost

Those bread ties still have some use: label your cords with them.

HuffPost

Or use your washi tape for your cords.

HuffPost

Your cords will look cute with those washi tapes.

HuffPost

The moment she grabbed two cups and a toilet paper tube, her phone went from “why is the audio so quiet” to “okay, I get it.”

After the paperclip-and-tape earphone jack cleanup saved her from the mystery crackling noise, she started looking at office clutter like it was secretly useful.

When she used binder clips for a phone tripod and cable control, those entangled snakes of wires finally stopped taking over her desk.

By the time the washi tape showed up, even her cracked phone screen, boring cords, and keyboard got a makeover that looked way too intentional for something made from scraps.

With a bit of resourcefulness and a sprinkle of creativity, you can easily turn typical office and home items into something functional. Who needs phone stands and tripods when all you need are binders and paper clips?

We hope these simple tutorials help you save a few bucks! And remember: don't throw away those small items at home because they might still have some use.

Her desk didn’t just get organized, it got fun, and nobody missed the store-bought accessories.

Want more workplace drama? See what happened when one employee confronted a coworker over stolen snacks.