Establishing a new office or even simply ordering new equipment can be quite daunting. With so many products that one can choose from, it is quite simple to forget about the basics. It is estimated that organizations spend about $200 on each worker yearly on office products, but they have not considered some essential elements of a conducive working environment.
Are you clear on which supplies you actually require? What is it? Just pens, paper, and a stapler? But wait, before you know it, the list expands. From the types of filing systems and chairs to choosing the outer design, what actually affects productivity and comfort may be easily overlooked.
But don’t worry! Our office supplies list will guide you through everything you need to set up an organized, comfortable, and productive workspace, whether you're starting fresh or updating your current office.
Core Office Supplies for Every Workspace
Here are the basic supplies you'll need for a productive workspace:
- Writing Essentials
- Pens (ballpoint, gel, or fountain)
- Pencils (regular and mechanical)
- Highlighters (various colors)
- Markers (permanent and dry-erase)
- Erasers (pencil and ink)
- Notebooks, Notepads, and Sticky Notes
- Notebooks (lined, blank, and grid)
- Notepads (memo, legal, and scratch pads)
- Sticky Notes (various sizes and colors)
- Index Cards
- Folders (for loose papers or documents)
- Desk Organizer Supplies
- Paperclips (standard and jumbo)
- Staplers (desktop and handheld)
- Rubber Bands (various sizes)
- Binder Clips
- Scissors
- Tape Dispenser and Tape (clear and masking)
- Post-it Flags
- Computer Accessories
- Mouse (wired and wireless)
- Keyboard (ergonomic or standard)
- Mouse Pad (with wrist support)
- Computer Screen Cleaner
- USB Hub
- Laptop Stand
Essential Organizational Tools
Here are some key organizational tools to help keep your office in order:
- Filing Supplies
- File Folders (manila, hanging, and accordion)
- Binders (1-inch, 2-inch, or 3-inch)
- Filing Cabinets (lockable or mobile)
- File Dividers
- Document Trays
- Magazine Holders
- Archive Boxes
- Calendars and Planners
- Desk Calendar (daily or monthly)
- Wall Calendar (large or small)
- Planner (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- To-Do Lists
- Wall Planner (for larger spaces)
- Planner Stickers (for customization)
- Labeling Tools
- Label Makers (manual or electronic)
- Label Sheets (for printing)
- Preprinted Labels (address, file, etc.)
- Color-Coded Labels
- Marker Pens (for hand-labeling)
Supplies for Maintaining a Comfortable and Clean Workspace
To maintain a comfortable and clean workspace, consider adding ergonomic items, cleaning supplies, and personal comfort tools:
- Ergonomic Supplies
- Adjustable Chair (with lumbar support)
- Footrest
- Keyboard Stand
- Mouse Pad with Wrist Rest
- Sit-Stand Desk Converter
- Monitor Stand (to reduce neck strain)
- Anti-Fatigue Mat (for standing desks)
- Cleaning and Sanitation Supplies
- Disinfecting Wipes (for keyboards and surfaces)
- Air Fresheners (sprays or diffusers)
- Trash Bags (small and large)
- Dusting Cloths
- Hand Sanitizer
- Screen Cleaner
- Cleaning Spray (multi-purpose)
- Personal Comfort Items
- Desk Lamp (adjustable and LED)
- Fan (desk or tower)
- Plant (indoor or desk plant)
- Aromatherapy Diffuser
- Comfortable Chair Cushion
- Blanket or Throw (for cooler days)
- Headphones or Earplugs (for focus)
Tech and Communication Supplies
Here are the tech essentials you'll need for smooth communication and work:
- Basic Tech Gadgets
- Laptop
- Desktop Computer
- Printer (laser or inkjet)
- External Hard Drive
- USB Flash Drives
- Bluetooth Speakers
- Surge Protector
- Video Conference Essentials
- Webcam (HD or 4K)
- Microphone (USB or Bluetooth)
- Headset (wired or wireless)
- Ring Light (for proper lighting)
- Webcam Cover (for privacy)
- Whiteboard or Dry Erase Board (for virtual meetings)
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Power Backup and Chargers
- Surge Protector (with USB ports)
- Power Bank (portable charger)
- Extra Laptop Chargers
- Charging Cables (for various devices)
- Extension Cords
- Battery Backup (UPS)
- Charging Dock (for multiple devices)
Tips for Organizing and Managing Office Supplies
Here are some simplified tips for organizing and managing office supplies:
- Categorize supplies: Group items like paper, pens, and cleaning products in separate areas.
- Track inventory: Keep a list of supplies and monitor what you have and what you need.
- Use FIFO: Use older items first to avoid waste and damage.
- Review needs regularly: Check your supplies every few months to avoid overstocking or running out.
- Create a central storage area: Keep all supplies in one accessible location.
- Go digital: Use digital tools to reduce paper and other office supplies.
- Label everything: Use shelf and bin labels so that items are identified properly and easily retrievable.
- Buy in bulk: Purchase everyday items in quantity to minimize costs and time spent on ordering.
- Dispose of unneeded items: Donate and discard any supplies that are no longer usable, expired, or not needed at all.
- Set up reordering: Order supplies before it is time to use them because you cannot wait until you are out of the item.
How to Select Quality Office Supplies
The decision on which office supplies to use matters a lot in any office environment. Here’s how to select quality items:
- Durability: Select strong material items. Purchasing quality pens, staplers, and furniture actually reaps back your money since they will last a long time.
- Comfort: Purchase equipment such as comfortable chairs and keyboards that are suitable for an ergonomic design.
- Functionality: Choose supplies that meet your requirements. For instance, when printing is important, choose a competent printer.
- Budget-Friendly: Search for offers that give good quality at reasonable prices, as well as seek bulk purchasing that would be cheaper than buying individual items in larger quantities.
Benefits of Keeping an Updated Office Supplies List
Having an updated office supplies list can provide several benefits, such as:
- Efficient Restocking: Knowing what you have in stock and what’s running low helps you reorder supplies on time, preventing disruptions in work.
- Cost Control: An updated list allows you to monitor your spending and avoid unnecessary purchases, helping you stay within budget.
- Time-Saving: With a clear list of what you have and need, you can spend less time searching for supplies and more time being productive.
- Organization: Keeping your list current ensures that all supplies are stored in the right place and are easily accessible.
Conclusion
Keeping and arranging office supplies is very important and should also be given priority for more efficient work production. It is helpful to organize a functional work area, establish an inventory management system, and reduce the confusion of excess material. Choosing good items and maintaining such a list will help you control things and minimize the chances of having to worry about something you have forgotten.
If you’re interested in purchasing office supplies, visit Garafour today.
FAQs
When should I update the list of the office supplies that I need?
The office supplies list is best updated once a month so that you know what is running low and what needs to be ordered.
What are some tips for organizing digital office tools?
Like physical supplies, digital tools should be organized into folders and categories. Important files should be backed up regularly and stored in cloud storage for easy access.
What can I do to avoid wasting office supplies?
Reduce paper and cardboard use by using notebooks and ordering office supplies in large quantities to reduce the number of small packages that are used.
Is it possible to spend less on my office supplies without having to reduce the quality?
Yes! Search for discounted products, purchase in large quantities, and look for the products that are versatile in need. Thus, you can use them in multiple ways, which is advantageous in the long-run.