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How I Manage My Freelance Business: Tools That Actually Work
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items This isn’t a list of “must-haves.” It’s a list of things that have genuinely made freelance life a little easier—tools I reach for most days, not just the ones that look good in a flat lay. Some help me stay organized. Some help me show up profession...
Sections
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Self-Care for Freelancers
Freelance Office Setup Essentials
Freelancer IT Department
It Needs to Be Pretty
Fun Stuff to Break Up the Day
Self-Care for Freelancers
When you work for yourself, your body and brain are your whole business. These are the things I use to stretch, recharge, and stay (mostly) sane between deadlines, without leaving the house.
This book is for freelancers who want to treat their work like a real business—without losing their sanity in the process. It’s clear, practical, and written by someone who’s been in the trenches. I kept it close when I was figuring out how to charge...
The Freelancer's Business Brain: Starter Kit
This footrest helps on the long days when sitting at a desk starts to wear me down. The height adjusts easily, and the tilt gives just enough movement to keep my legs from feeling stiff. It’s not flashy, but it makes a noticeable difference in how I ...
Kantek Adjustable Under-Desk Footrest
I added this to my office chair when I started feeling the hours in my lower back. It’s firm enough to give actual support but soft enough that I don’t notice it after a while—which is kind of the point. It stays in place, doesn’t flatten out, and ma...
Memory Foam Lumbar Support Pillow - Black
I purchased this to move more during the workday without having to block out time for a workout. It fits under a standing desk, runs quietly enough for calls, and the incline adds a little extra challenge when I want it. Setup was easy, and the remot...
3-in-1 Portable Under Desk Treadmill
I didn’t think a footrest would make much of a difference—but this one absolutely has.
I work from home full-time and spend most of my day at a desk. By mid-afternoon, I used to notice my lower back and hips getting sore, even with a decent chair. T...
ComfiLife Memory Foam Foot Rest Under Desk
I bought this cushion mainly for my home office chair, but ended up taking it on a long road trip. Now I’m a full convert.
Usually after a few hours in the car, my legs go numb and tingly, and my lower back gets stiff. With this cushion, none of tha...
ComfiLife Gel & Memory Foam Seat Cushion
Freelance Office Setup Essentials
Here’s what I actually work on, sit in, and stare at all day. No dreamy Pinterest setups—just the real gear that helped me create a calm, functional, and comfortable workspace.
This mouse pad made my desk setup more comfortable without overcomplicating anything. The wrist support takes the edge off long work sessions, and the little cat design is weirdly calming. It doesn’t move around, doesn’t peel at the edges, and does w...
Ergonomic Mouse Pad with Wrist Support - Cat
I needed somewhere to stash files, store supplies, and keep the printer off my desk—and this covered all three. The drawers are smooth, the shelf holds more than you'd think, and the wheels make it easy to move without a fight. It’s not fancy, but it...
Mobile File Cabinet - Rolling Printer Stand
This olive tree brings in a calm, lived-in feel without needing sunlight or watering. Olives have long been a symbol of peace, and something about this tall, soft-green version adds just that to a corner of the room. It looks real enough to fool peop...
Nearly Natural 82” Artificial Olive Tree
When my office doubled as the family room, this divider gave me just enough separation to focus. It’s lightweight but sturdy, folds up easily, and made a big difference in keeping things quiet when I needed to work. It doesn’t take up much space and ...
Bamboo 4-Panel Folding Room Divider - Black
Perfect for all the cardigans I live in. This standing rack doesn’t take up much space, but it holds a surprising amount—coats, bags, scarves, and whatever I peel off after a long day. The white finish keeps it looking clean, and the hooks are sturdy...
Simple Houseware 12-Hook Coat and Hat Rack
This was the first desk I started with when I launched my freelance business. The surface gave me plenty of room to work, and the built-in drawers made it easier to keep papers from piling up. It’s solid, functional, and got me through that uncertain...
55-Inch Modern Writing Desk with 2 Drawers
I use this on my office desk to protect the surface from scratches, coffee rings, and pen marks. It’s thick enough to stay put, smooth enough to write on, and still lets the desk finish show through. Wipes clean easily and doesn’t slide around—quietl...
Clear PVC Table Cover Protector 30x96 Inch
This replaced the endless cycle of buying canned air. It’s strong, easy to use, and gets dust out of keyboards, vents, and all the spots I usually ignore until they’re gross. I use it weekly now, and it’s paid for itself already. Way more practical (...
Ultra Electric Air Duster - Reusable Blower
I didn’t get this chair for gaming—I got it for long editing days—and it’s held up better than any “office” chair I’ve tried. The cushion’s supportive without being stiff, the footrest is great during late-night stretches, and the fabric keeps it fro...
Dowinx Ergonomic Office Chair - Pink
I needed a shredder that could handle more than one page at a time and didn’t jam at the first paperclip—and this one delivered. It takes on junk mail, old bills, even credit cards without a fuss. The bin’s a good size for a home office, and the clea...
10-Sheet Cross-Cut Heavy Duty Shredder
This stand made my desk setup way more comfortable. It lifts the screen to a better height, clears space underneath, and doesn’t wobble while I type. The aluminum is solid but not bulky, and it works with every laptop I’ve tried. Simple fix that make...
SOUNDANCE Aluminum Laptop Stand - Silver
This mat keeps my chair from sinking into the carpet and saves the floor from getting torn up. It’s sturdy, doesn’t slide around, and the size gives enough space to move without catching on the edge. Not fancy, just functional—exactly what I needed f...
Deflecto EconoMat 46"x60" Chair Mat - Black
I use this as a dedicated writing desk, and it does exactly what I need—no drawers, no distractions, just a solid surface that stays put. The size is just right for a laptop, notebook, and a cup of coffee (or two). It was easy to set up and hasn’t wo...
Foxemart 47-Inch Writing Desk, Rustic Brown
This file cabinet holds way more than I expected and doesn’t tip forward when the drawers are full—huge win. The charcoal finish blends in without looking too “office-y,” and the wide drawers fit everything from client folders to random life paperwor...
DEVAISE 2 Drawer Lateral File Cabinet
I use this when I need to move around but still get things done. The height adjusts easily, the wheels roll smooth, and the surface fits my laptop, notebook, and coffee without crowding. It’s small enough for tight spaces but sturdy enough to feel so...
Adjustable Height Mobile Sit-Stand Desk
I use this as a small side table next to my writing desk—just enough room for a stack of books, a notepad, and a few supplies. It’s lightweight, easy to put together, and doesn’t take up much space. Nothing fancy, but it does what I need it to withou...
Furinno 3-Tier End Table, Americano/Black
This is the kind of bookshelf that makes a room feel settled. It’s tall, sturdy, and holds way more than it looks like it should—books, bins, framed photos, all of it. The vintage black finish gives it a little character without being too dark or hea...
5-Shelf Vintage Black Bookcase for Home
Freelancer IT Department
This is my version of an IT department: backups, chargers, cables, and techy things that keep everything working and (hopefully) never crashing. Not fancy, but essential.
This charging station cut the cord clutter on my desk by half. It powers my laptop, phone, and a couple of other gadgets at once without overheating or hogging space. The layout’s smart, the build feels solid, and the 100W output actually delivers. I...
7-in-1 USB-C Charging Station - 100W Power
I’ve used a lot of power strips, but this one’s been the most reliable. The rotating plug is surprisingly helpful when you're dealing with tight wall space, and the 6-foot cord actually reaches where I need it. It handles all my essential devices wit...
Belkin 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip
I stuck these on the back edge of my desk and immediately stopped chasing cords behind furniture. They keep charging cables and wires where I need them—no tangles, no slipping. The adhesive holds strong but doesn’t wreck surfaces. Small fix, big impr...
CHEFBEE 8-Pack Adhesive Cable Clips - Black
It Needs to Be Pretty
Sometimes I need things to be functional and nice to look at. These are the pretty, calming, or just aesthetically satisfying tools that help me enjoy my space a little more.
It’s just a trash can, but it doesn’t look like one. The oil-rubbed bronze finish makes it feel a little more put-together than the usual plastic bin, and the size is perfect for a small office or corner space. No lid, no fuss—just does what it’s sup...
Bath Bliss 5L Round Open Top Wastebasket
This is one of the few mechanical pencils that actually feels like a real pen. The cap clicks on solidly, the barrel has a nice weight to it, and the lead holds up for both quick notes and longer writing. I keep one at my desk and another in my bag—i...
Pentel Sharp Kerry 0.7mm Mechanical Pencil
I use this to keep the piles from taking over. The trays hold papers I actually need to see, the drawer hides the stuff I don’t, and the pen holders are one less excuse for a messy desk. It’s simple, compact, and does what I need without taking up to...
Gianotter 4-Tier Paper Letter Tray Organizer
I use this when I want soft light without cords getting in the way. It’s bright enough for late-night reading, dimmable for calmer evenings, and easy to move from room to room. Charges fast, holds power, and looks clean wherever it lands. Handy to ha...
Cordless LED Table Lamp - Rechargeable Light
These corner shelves are a simple way to make use of space that usually gets ignored. I use mine for a few small plants and some office odds and ends—they hold up well and look clean on the wall. Easy to install, and they help a room feel more finish...
3-Pack Floating Corner Wall Shelves - Black
This couch does a little bit of everything. It’s where I meet with The Husband when he pops in to chat, where guests crash for the night, and where I often end up reading or writing when I need a change of scenery. The adjustable back makes it easy t...
Convertible Sofa Bed - Faux Leather Couch
I use this quilted laptop sleeve when I’m working from coffee shops or packing up for travel, and it’s been perfect. The padding feels super secure without being bulky, and I love that it comes with a little matching case for cords or accessories. Th...
Quilted Laptop Sleeve 15-16 Inch Pink
I bought this for my home office setup, and it makes me smile every time I sit down to work. The little black cat and plants design is adorable, and the wrist support is way more comfortable than I expected. It has this soft, squishy feel that really...
Green Ergonomic Mouse Pad with Wrist Support
Fun Stuff to Break Up the Day
Tiny rewards, weird little distractions, and things that make me laugh during a long workday. None of them are necessary—but all of them help.
Technically it doesn't help me run my business—but come Friday afternoon, blasting crumbs out of my keyboard with this thing feels like therapy. I keep near my desk for clearing stuff out of my keyboard and dust off my monitor without dragging out a ...
Tiny Dust Blower for Keyboards & Screens
It’s a small mug with a lot of personality—perfect if you love plants, cats, or just need a gentle reminder not to take your desk too seriously. I keep it on hand for mid-morning coffee and the occasional mood boost. Lightweight, sturdy, and surprisi...
Fatbaby 11oz Cat & Plant Lover Mug
THE BEST COFFEE WARMER!!! This keeps my coffee warm without turning it into sludge. The temperature control actually works, the auto shut-off keeps me from worrying, and the mug’s the right size for slow sipping between emails. It’s one of those litt...
Smart Heated Coffee Mug Warmer & Mug Set