Have you ever seen a professional stage manager's kit? Picture the largest tackle box you can think of and add to your office supplies a firts aid kit, tape measurer, and a set of tools. It is pretty impressive.
The Fishing Tackle Box Turned Office Supply Cabinet
Recently, I was feeling just plain frustrated with my office supply situation. Since we are still unpacking from our move across the country as well as our recent extended backpacking trip, and moving out the stuff from the property we purchased, things are a bit scattered, to say the least. We are also in much less space than we had in Arizona. One of the concessions we made to be debt free . . . we’ll expand later.
There was an old rusted fishing tackle box on the front porch that we’d been meaning to empty and get out of our way during this week’s run to the dump.
I sent the contents on their way, but decided to scrub out the box and spray paint it with some left over paint from another project. It’s now a sharp looking black office supply case that holds our post-it notes, pens, highlighters, grease pencils, staples, paper clips, business envelopes, etc. (See above pic.)
It takes up much less space on our desk / library table, and is easily grabbed when we have to head out in the car for a few days. This project is great for both the road warrior and work at home person.It's like having a grab and take supply cabinet when you have to travel to a meeting or for a home / office consult. Or, if you just want to hit the beach or park while you work, it's great for that too.
While it's nice and conveniently cheap that we had an old fishing tackle box kicking around, picking one up at the hardware or sporting goods store is still a very affordable way to go. Have any other unusual work solutions? Pop me a line!
Real life photos by Myscha
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No Megan, I've never seen one. Sounds darned impressive, as you said. Putting the first aid kit and other tools and things in one large box and having that be your base of operations from a vehicle sounds like a one stop shop on the road and a great way to stay organized.
As I'm semi-nomadic and have been for most of my adult life, finding ways to "get it done" on the road or during life transitions is always something I'm interested in. I think I'm going to go do an internet search on this type of item right now. This sounds like a tackle box on 'roids . . .
Thanks for the idea post!
While I got the idea just from tripping over the item on the porch, I really wish I had just had the idea before we drove across the country to move here. It would have saved me a few emergency stops at office supply stores where I had to over spend because the items I needed weren't on sale. All my stocked up items were with the movers . . . grrr . . .
Using that type of box for sewing notions is a great idea. I've used something similar for beading supplies before, but I had to include lots of sealable mini containers.
I do book fairs and like to use clear plastic makeup cases for office supplies. that way i can see everything inside.
Slamming solution! That's really taking it to the next level. Great idea. I'm a big fan of clear storage containers for clothing and off season items. While I'm loving the case I have here for office stuff at home, I think I'm going to look for a clear one for the second kit I now want to do for the vehicle. Thanks for posting the suggestion. Very clever!
I've used this idea for years. AT&T recommended it when I first started working in yellow pages years ago as an easy way to "take your office on the road." Now I do a lot of training and it's an easy way to tote my hole punch, stapler, staple puller, paper clips, etc. wherever I go. I'll probably always have one of these with me, or nearby!
Sounds like you're having great success with the idea. They really are convenient, aren't they?
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