Sometimes a product comes around that makes your life so much easier that you can’t imagine how you ever got by without it. So often these are inexpensive items that we’ve overlooked. In a society where we are constantly told that the bigger and more expensive an item is the better it is, our attention seems to gravitate to the next big thing. Over to the side, out of the spotlight of the new and shiny, sit the tried and true products that save us time and money every day, or simply help to provide convenience or safety. These aren’t flashy or sexy by any stretch, however these items become irreplaceable once we experience their benefits. You probably use half of these already, and we feel that it’s past time that they get their due recognition. Here are 10 such items that we’ve identified as 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Needed:

• Box Cutters – Like we said, these are simple items. Anyone who has ever opened packages on a consistent basis has enjoyed the convenience of a good old Box Cutter. Although our keys or a pen will eventually do the trick, nothing can replace the safety and efficiency of a great box knife. For under $1 you can’t afford NOT to have some of these around your warehouse or shipping department.
• Stretch Film Dispensers – If your operations do not warrant a large stretch wrap machine, you are probably using the core of your stretch film as a handle to wrap your shipments. This popular method of dispensing stretch film can be both painful and fatiguing for your hands. For under $15 you can purchase a Hand Saver Stretch Film Dispenser to make wrapping pallets and irregular-shaped objects much easier and sustainable. Simply place these into each end of a roll of stretch film and enjoy a more comfortable hand position as well as the ability to add tension to the film for a tighter wrap with very little effort.
• Back Brace – For people who depend on the strength and durability of their bodies to earn a living, a quality Back Brace can be the difference between getting the job done and sitting on the sidelines. As advertised, this item is not new or high tech, however they are particularly indispensable for those who suffer from chronic back pain and cannot avoid physically aggravating activities. Back braces can assist in accelerating healing and recovery from injury by reducing the amount of stress experienced during every-day occupational responsibilities as well as providing support to avoid injury in the first place.
• Cup Dispensers – If you are fortunate enough to have a breakroom or kitchen in your building, you’ve probably seen the leaning tower of cups that many companies put out on the counter. Not only does this consume precious counter space, but it also increases the amount of handling each cup experiences, and the odds that someone else has touched your cup. A simple Cup Dispenser can put your cups in an easily accessible space out of the way while providing you with a fresh, uncontaminated cup for your next coffee fix.
• Coffee Pot/Urn Cleaner – Let’s stay in your breakroom or kitchen for a moment. When’s the last time you took a good look at the condition of the community coffee pot or urn? These items usually fall under the blanket of “community maintained” items and are often neglected. This normally results in a decanter that has so much coffee build up that it can affect the taste (and purity) of your hot beverages. Yes, dish soap will do the trick, however a quality Coffee Pot/Urn Cleaner is designed specifically to erase the staining and build up that coffee causes while providing a sparkling coffee pot that you can feel good about using.
• Lens Cleaning Station – Many work environments are hazardous areas where appropriate safety gear must be worn at all times. For those workplaces that require eye protection, Lens Cleaning Stations provide a simple solution for glasses that become too soiled to see out of. Filthy lenses are often the reason that workers remove their eye-wear, placing themselves at risk for a work related injury.
• Floor Dams – This item is geared more for a specific task, but can be just as irreplaceable as any of the products mentioned. Involved floor care, such as stripping or top-scrubbing floor finish, can often create potentially hazardous conditions. The ability to contain water and chemicals to predetermined areas is very important in avoiding possible injuries as well as limiting the amount of work involved in a given task. Floor Dams provide a barrier in most door jams that allows you to keep liquids where you need them and prevents them from spreading into other areas.
• “Closed for Cleaning” Signs – The previous item mentioned containing cleaning fluids to prevent creating a dangerous environment. This item helps you to contain people from entering these potentially hazardous areas. A hanging sign that discourages foot traffic and advertises that the area is under maintenance can go a long way in providing a safer workplace.
• Upright Vacuum Magnets – Equipment repair costs can quickly erode your operating budget. A simple and inexpensive preventative measure is to attach magnetic bars to the front of your upright vacuum cleaners. By preventing small metal objects such as staples, paper clips and screws from going through your vacuums you are avoiding damaged belts and filter bags, saving you time and money.
• Absorbent Powder – The odds are that people in your workplace will become ill for some reason or another throughout their time at work. Especially in places where younger people are present such as schools and churches, an illness or injury can be the cause of surprise clean-up jobs. Removing bodily fluids quickly and effectively is vital to maintaining healthy work environments. Absorbent Powders have been used for decades to contain vomit and urine spills, making them much more manageable and safe to remove.

These are only a handful of the many unsung hero products that allow us to be better at our jobs. As mentioned above, you probably already rely on many of these products on a daily basis. The purpose of this piece was to bring some of these products to your attention if you’re currently not enjoying their benefits in your building. A very small investment in some of these products can equate to greatly increased efficiency and safety in your workplace.