Life is busy, and amidst the hustle and bustle, the desk drawer often becomes a dumping ground for miscellaneous items. As drawers fill up, they become a hotchpotch of things we think we need, things we actually need, and things we’ve entirely forgotten about.
You’d be surprised to learn that these overlooked items can be real treasures, often saving your time, money, and most importantly, your sanity. Based on real world trends, data, research, and practical experience, let’s unearth the hidden treasures lurking in your desk drawer.
1. The Forgotten Gift Cards
Remember that holiday gift card from your aunt or that thank-you gift from your colleague? Gift cards often end up in desk drawers, forgotten and unused. According to a 2017 CEB TowerGroup report, approximately $1 billion worth of gift cards go unredeemed each year.
Start by pulling out all the gift cards you’ve stashed away and make a list of them. Check their validity and amounts left on them. You can use them to purchase necessities or to treat yourself. Some websites also offer the option to trade your unwanted gift cards for those to your preferred stores, or even for cash.
2. The Unassuming Envelope
An unopened envelope might seem like junk, but it can be a hidden treasure. Be it a long-lost letter, an unpaid bill, or an uncashed check, it’s worth taking the time to go through them.
A survey by National Financial Educators Council revealed that financial illiteracy cost Americans an average of $1,634 in 2020. Misplaced bills or checks can lead to late fees, penalties, or even a hit on your credit score. Make it a habit to open and sort through your mail promptly to avoid any financial mishaps.
3. The Neglected Business Cards
Business cards are a common sight in desk drawers, often ignored and forgotten. However, they can be a valuable networking tool. Research indicates that for every 2,000 business cards distributed, a company’s sales increase by 2.5%.
Organize the collected business cards and categorize them based on the type of contact. Store them in a cardholder or digitalize them for easy access. These contacts can come in handy for future partnerships, collaborations, or even job opportunities.
4. The Lost USB Drives
USB drives are like the socks of the tech world – they always seem to go missing. Chances are, you have one or two lying in your desk drawer. These small devices are storage powerhouses and can be very useful for backup or transferring data.
Before using a long-lost USB drive, make sure to scan it with antivirus software to prevent any potential threats. And remember, it’s always a good idea to keep your important files backed up on a USB drive, just in case.
5. The Discarded Receipts
While it’s easy to disregard receipts, they can be more useful than you think. They are crucial for budgeting, tax deductions, warranty claims, and even fraud protection.
Start a system to manage your receipts – categorize them and keep a digital copy if possible. For business owners, keeping track of receipts can help claim tax deductions and save money.
6. The Unnoticed Stationery
Having the right stationery can make your work life much simpler and more organized. From sticky notes to highlighters, these small tools can greatly enhance your productivity.
Use sticky notes for quick reminders or to jot down ideas. Highlighters can be used to emphasize important points in documents. Keeping your stationery organized and within reach can save you time and make your work more efficient.
7. The Overlooked Chargers and Cables
With the plethora of devices we use daily, chargers and cables are a common sight in our drawers. Having spare ones can be a lifesaver when your device runs out of juice, or your cable stops working.
Keep your chargers and cables untangled and organized for easy access. Label them if needed to quickly identify the right one when in a rush.
8. The Unattended Medications
It’s common to keep some basic medications in the desk drawer for emergencies. These can be a boon in times of sudden headaches, allergies, or minor injuries.
Ensure that your medications are not expired and are stored properly. An organized mini first-aid kit in your drawer can be very helpful in case of minor medical emergencies.
9. The Spare Change
Coins and small change often end up at the bottom of the drawer. While it might not seem much, it can add up to a significant amount over time.
Collect your spare change and cash it in at your local bank or supermarket’s coin-counting machine. Every little bit adds up, and who knows, you might be sitting on a mini treasure chest!
10. The Ignored Personal Care Items
Personal care items like hand sanitizers, tissues, or a spare toothbrush can be lifesavers in certain situations. These are often overlooked but can greatly enhance your comfort at work.
Keep a small stash of essential personal care items in your drawer. A quick freshening up can not only make you feel better but also boost your productivity.
Remember, the key to maximizing the utility of your desk drawer is keeping it organized and routinely checking for these hidden treasures. So, go ahead and start your treasure hunt!