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Whether you’re a freelancer, remote employee, or small business owner, staying stocked with office essentials is non-negotiable. But just because these items are necessary doesn’t mean they need to eat into your bottom line.

With a few simple strategies—especially cashback apps—you can save consistently on your most-used supplies. Below is a curated monthly shopping list with smart ways to stack rewards and cashback, featuring top retailers that remote professionals trust.

Core Monthly Office Supply Essentials

Use this checklist to streamline your monthly workspace reset:

Category Item Examples
Paper Goods Printer paper, sticky notes, notebooks
Writing Tools Pens, highlighters, mechanical pencils
Planner Supplies Refill pages, tabs, stickers
Tech Essentials Printer ink, USB drives, batteries
Desk Organization Trays, file folders, cable organizers
Wellness Add-ons Blue light glasses, hand cream, tea
Creative Tools Journals, sketchpads, markers

Need specialized planners and layout tools? Check out the PrimeDesk Planner.

Where to Buy + Cashback Hacks by Category

  1. Paper, Pens, and Printer Supplies
  1. Planner Refills and Journals
  • Best Retailers: 
  • Cashback Strategy: 
    • Use Fluz gift cards 
    • Watch for back-to-school sales or quarterly specials 
    • Combine with coupon codes during holiday sales for double savings 
  1. Desk Storage + Organizers
  • Best Retailers: 
  • Cashback Strategy: 
    • Use a Fluz card for purchase 
    • Pair with Rakuten for online orders 
    • Browse coupon codes on Honey or store loyalty platforms 
  1. Monthly Budget Snapshot

Here’s what your typical monthly supply list might look like—with cashback included:

Item Category Retailer Price Cashback (Fluz + Rakuten) Final Cost
Printer Paper (3 pk) Staples $20 7% = $1.40 $18.60
Planner Inserts Amazon $15 5% = $0.75 $14.25
Desk Organizer Set RetailMinds $30 site sale (10%) $27.00
Pens + Notepad Pack Walmart $18 4% = $0.72 $17.28
Creative Notebook Book Boulevard $22 n/a $22.00
Total $105 Approx. $3.00–$5.00 ~$100.00

Pro Tips to Maximize Savings Long-Term

  • Set a recurring reminder to restock on the 1st or 15th each month 
  • Track purchases and cashback in your PrimeDesk Planner 
  • Use a dedicated payment method (like a rewards credit card) for office-only spending 
  • Join loyalty programs at Office Depot, Staples, or Walmart for bonus rewards 

Smart freelancers don’t just buy what they need—they plan how to buy it. With a set monthly shopping list and strategic use of cashback apps like Fluz and Rakuten, you can keep your workspace stocked without draining your wallet.

Start saving today with your first Fluz-powered purchase: Download the app here