Before this year, plenty of us had a home office, but a homeschool? Not so much. Sure, plenty of homes have spaces for taking care of nightly homework or for stretching out to tackle a bigger project, but very few were equipped to handle a full, daily load of e-learning.

Here we compiled 10 of our favorite essentials for your space, keeping in mind the tricky balancing act of e-learning combined with more and more parents working out of the home.

How can we maintain some semblance of control, while honing a flexibility that lets us roll with changes as they come? These just might do the trick.

DELIGHT IN YOUR DESKTOP

1. Small USB-Powered Desktop Fan

Like hunger growling in bellies, heat can bubble up brains and scorch productivity plans. Keep the airflow (and the ideas) flowing with this small desk. Since it’s USB-powered, if they’re working with a laptop, they’re staying cool.

Buy the Small USB Desk Fan, Black ($12.99)

2. Desktop Paper Organizer

We know e-learning means mostly laptops and electronics but stacks of paper can escalate quickly. And folders can often be black holes, especially for little ones. This mountable organizer has three tiers for clearly categorizing papers and keeping them there when you need ‘em.

Buy the 3-Tier Mesh Desk Paper Organizer, Silver ($24.99)

3. Desk Supplies Organizer

Pen cups are fine. But they’re nothing compared to this desktop organizer. With large slots for papers and notebooks, and cute cubbies for cords and cables, it’ll keep your desk clutter-free.

Buy the Small Desk Supplies Organizer ($22.99)

MAXIMIZE SPACE WITH VERTICAL STORAGE

4. Magnetic Wall Organization System

While flexibility for your spaces is important, it’s also a good idea to have a destination for the majority of the day’s learning. And wherever that space might be, the Perch wall storage system is a good way to call it out and make the most of it. From corkboards, to cubbies, to dry-erase boards, Perch can customize your space your way.

Learn more and shop the whole Perch system

5.  Wall Mounted Paper or File Organizer

Nothing can hamper a workspace like a creeping mound of papers. Enter the humble paper organizer, updated with a modern mesh metal finish. It’ll sort out a study space by holding files, folders, printouts of worksheets, or inspirational memes from their favorite movies.

Buy the Mesh Hanging Desk Paper Organizer, Black ($17.99)

FOR FLEXING SPACES

6. Laptop Lap Desk

Make a workstation anywhere. Chair, couch, car—ergonomics experts even say that sitting flat on the ground with your back against a wall can promote a fine posture (we haven't tried that one just yet).

Buy the Cushioned Laptop Lap Desk ($26.99)

7. Rolling Activity Cart

Make your little ones feel like they're in the classroom! This cart is very popular with teachers and it’s easy to see why. With sturdy caster wheels, three deep tiers to hold baskets, and storage pouches on both ends, this rolling cart is nothing less than an education battlestation. 

Buy the Rolling Teacher's Activity Cart ($94.99)

8. Rolling Storage & Office Cart

Large project to spread out over the kitchen table? A quiet video call with a small reading group? No matter the assignment, this storage cart rolls with it. Divvy up the drawers by subject or student and keep what you need where you need it.

Buy the 10-Drawer Rolling Cart ($59.99)

9. Woven Storage Baskets

A change of scenery can work wonders. And these handy baskets can haul the headphones, chargers, notebooks, pens, and other essentials for when a solid day of learning deserves to end outside in the last rays of sunshine.

Buy the Two Woven Storage Baskets ($20.99)

FOR THE SNACKERS

10. Double Cereal & Snack Dispenser

It’s a well established fact that focus is impossible when hangry. Don’t let a grumbling belly snap a study streak. A well-timed break for a twist or two of granola, trail mix, nuts, cereal, or some other nibbly bits from this dual dispenser will keep hanger at bay and the creative juices flowing.

Buy the Double Cereal Dispenser with Portion Control, White ($35.99)