Essential Small Business Office Supplies

Essential Small Business Office Supplies

One of the most daunting things about venturing off to start your own business is the thought of all the office supplies you’ll have to get and how many jobs you’ll need to tick off just to get your office up and running.

When it’s your own business that you need to build from the ground up you literally need to think of everything from paper clips to desks, and the entire task can be daunting.

Office supplies.

Rather than pushing the whole task aside or paying form someone costly to stock the office for you, we’ve compiled a handy list that will help you figure out the must-have office supplies for your business. Once you’ve made your way through this list you’ll no longer wonder what office supplies do I need as you’ll have everything required to make your business run smoothly.

Office Furniture Must-Haves

The modern office looks quite different to those of the past, and there’s the chance to go for a minimalist approach nowadays if you prefer it. Depending on your office space there will likely be some requirements for what you can actually have, but these are the items of furniture you shouldn’t be without.

  • Desk - Desks today are quite versatile and come in many different shapes and for many different purposes. There are standing desks, round desks, traditional office desks and more.
  • Chair - Your chair should be ergonomically correct and give you the support needed to keep you comfortable and with good posture all day.
  • Filing system - Although many businesses use an online filing system, it’s best to keep paper records as well. A filing system can be as small or large as you need it to be.
  • Storage - Cabinets and shelves may be required for storage of stock, promotional materials, and any other miscellaneous items you might have.
  • Meeting room furniture - If you plan on having a meeting room it will need to be stocked with the adequate furniture. Chairs, a boardroom table, and whiteboard are the most basic items you’ll need. 
  • Décor - A little bit of personality can be added with some simple décor including indoor plants or artwork that adds some color to the room.

Computers And Hardware

The electronics and hardware that your office requires will depend on the type of business you run and how many staff you have. Here are some essential items to consider when ticking off the computer side of things.

  • Printer/scanner/fax - Many companies now use emails and internet for their file sharing, however, it’s important to have a printer, scanner, and fax to keep yourself covered.
  • PC/Laptop - One laptop or PC should be made available for each staff member and each should have a connection to the local internet and shared drives if present.
  • Phone system - Some businesses today rely solely on their cell phones but it might be best for your business to also have a direct phone as well.
  • Wireless router - You’ll need a setup to get your internet running if you’re planning on organizing this yourself. A wireless router should be all the technology you need to get your internet going, though.

Desk Supplies

The world of stationery is one of the biggest costs for a business, and where most of your money will go each month on restocking.

Office desk.

Here is the desk supplies list for the basic stationary you might need for your small business.

  • Printer paper
  • Notepads
  • Envelopes
  • Pens and pencils
  • Whiteboard markers
  • Whiteout and erasers
  • Post-its and sticky notes
  • Sticky tape
  • Scissors
  • Rulers
  • Stapler and staples
  • Push pins
  • Paperclips and bull clips
  • Highlighters

This list can be adjusted as you need, with some businesses needing a completely different scope of stationery depending on what they do each day. These few items should cover the basics, though, and will suit most types of business and industries.

Office Utilities

Besides the physical items on your office supplies list, there are other things you’ll need to get organized before you move into your space. These are the most common utilities you’ll have to set up before you can open for business, but be sure to check with the letting agent about any other specifics that might be worth mentioning.

  • Telecommunications
  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Sewage
  • Trash service

Depending on the type of work you do and where your office is situated, it may not be necessary to organize for all of these utilities. Make it a point to check off each one on this list so you can be certain you have everything in place for when it’s time to start trading.

Miscellaneous Office Supplies

For all the other items you can’t fit on an office supplies list, here are some common things that you might find in a workplace.

  • Trash can and bags
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Coffee machine/kettle
  • Fridge and microwave
  • Toilet tissue
  • Hand wash
  • Coffee, tea, and milk
  • Water cooler or bottled water

An Organized Office Is An Efficient Office

There’s no better feeling than having a completely stocked office that allows you to work efficiently, so take the time to make your way through the list and ensure that you have everything you need.

When you first start out, costs may be a little high, but with some careful planning and an eye for a deal, you’ll be able to keep your ongoing costs low when restocking your supplies.

Organised office supplies.

There are plenty of ways you can save money when shopping for office supplies, whether you want to consider second-hand furniture to get you started or have things from home that are no longer being used.

The costs of setting up your office can be daunting at first but there are no rules stating you need to have the newest and best of everything just to have an efficient workplace.