Supplies for Your First Office Space

When you are starting a business, it is easy to overlook the small details. But it is sometimes these seemingly small things that make life around the office manageable. There is nothing worse than scrambling for a stapler or spending extra hours at the post office because you forgot some simple piece of office supply. It is time to step away from the big picture and consider what it takes to make your first office space functional and comfortable.

Furniture

Depending on your budget, you can outfit your office with high-end furniture or keep it economical but functional. You also need to take into consideration the function of the space you are filling. Is your office a location where your employees congregate and work at computers all day? Will you have clients in the office? Are there common areas? If clients will be on the premises frequently, aesthetics might be more important.  If you want a nice-looking space that is within budget, plan ahead so your spending pays off.

•       Desk – This is the most basic piece of furniture. There are many styles and variations out there. You might consider going with the new trend of stand-up desks.

•       Chairs – If you and your employees will be sitting most of the day, it might be worth investing a little more money in a good set of office chairs. Ergonomic chairs provide more comfort which will make everyone more productive.

•       Storage – It is important to keep your workspace tidy. If your office lacks storage space, you will need to come up with attractive storage solutions. A place to hang coats and store files. You might need a place to keep bulk office supplies accessible.

•       Waste Management – Don’t forget trash cans. You will need more than you think. If there is a break room, you will need a sturdy, kitchen-style garbage can. Places where paper is used regularly, like the copy machine, will need a waste basket. Each desk should have a small trash can as well. You might even want to create a culture of recycling.

•       Decoration – Make the office a place that is nice to come to. An organized office makes work time much less stressful. Some nice artwork on the walls can really spice a place up. Don’t let office décor be merely an afterthought. Make the space less sterile with some relaxing colors on the wall along with some decorative modern rugs.  Your surrounds make a big difference on your mental state.

Office Supplies

This category seems so simple and straight forward. A well-stocked supply closet can go a long way. Having the right tool for the job is crucial, even if that tool is as simple as a stapler or a pair of scissors.

•       Paper Goods – It is nice to reduce the amount of paper around the office. Going paperless is a dream of many companies, but sometimes you just need a pen and paper to get the thoughts flowing. Some paper supplies that might come in handy include business cards, post-its, calendars, copy paper and notebooks or legal pads.

•       Mail Supplies – You don’t want to have to visit the store of post office every time you need to mail a letter or ship supplies. Make sure you have envelopes and stamps available. If you mail enough packages, you might consider a scale and stamp printer. Label makers are especially convenient if you ship a lot of goods. Places like Label City sell label writers of all sorts. Printed labels are much more professional and easier to read than hand penned ones.

•       Writing Supplies – It is imperative that you have plenty of pens and pencils around. Permanent markers and highlighter also come in handy. You would be surprised how often various writing tools are required around the office until you can’t find the right tool for the job. If you have whiteboards, make sure you keep a good supply of markers.

•       Miscellaneous – Thumbtacks, staplers, staples, staple remover, hole punch, rulers paper clips and rubber bands are a few of the miscellaneous supplies you should have around. Make a checklist before visiting an office supply store or ordering online, so you don’t overlook anything.

Starting a new business is an exciting endeavor. As you are laying out your new office space, don’t forget the little details. They make a big difference.