Before setting up a new office or expanding your existing one, you’ll want to get a handle on how much it will cost to fully stock the space. The lists below serve as good starting points for everything you may need: from budgeting one-time expenses like furniture and equipment to recurring costs like paper and everyday supplies.
Most office supply companies carry a wide range of office essentials. In most cases, you can order online and get free delivery, which saves time and money and frees you up to take care of business.
Keep in mind that there’s no need to buy in bulk unless the discounts are really significant. Put one person in charge of ordering regularly from your preferred office supplier, and take advantage of next-day delivery at no extra charge.
Office Furniture and Decor
Furniture should be functional first and foremost—but also comfortable. Consider modular furniture that can be reconfigured as your office grows and your needs change.
Technology and Electronics
A multi-page scanner is one of the best investments you can make to keep your office organized. Less paper to file and maintain means less work, not to mention fewer filing cabinets needed.
Reception Area/Breakroom/Conference Room/Kitchen
What will you provide for the comfort, safety and well-being of your employees and guests?
Meetings, Planning Sessions and Presentations
What will you need to conduct meetings, planning sessions and presentations?
Everyday Supplies
Every employee needs his or her own desk supplies. Store extras in a designated office supply storage area—a closet, breakroom cabinet or filing cabinet. Create an inventory reorder checklist to hang in your supply closet. Train employees to check items that need to be reordered when they take the last one.
Paper and Filing Supplies
If you opt for a combination printer and copier, then only one type of paper and toner cartridge is needed. Most offices will purchase one carton at a time. Set up a paper recycling station in your shared printer and copier area.
Mailing Supplies
Set up an account with your preferred postal carrier so you can create labels with postage and take advantage of mailing discounts.
Bathroom
You’ll want to stock your bathroom with basic necessities.
Cleaning
Even if you have a cleaning service, accidents happen. Some everyday cleanup is needed to keep your office looking good—and to keep dirt and germs at bay.
Donna Smallin Kuper is a professional organizer, cleaning expert and writer for Quill.com. As The One-Minute Organizer, she helps people organize their homes and businesses.
When the economy isn’t doing as well as you’d like, you lose a client or…
Social media is one of the biggest topics in business. It seems like every day…
At MyCorporation, customer service is our biggest difference maker. Since we started the business, it’s…
It’s that time of year again! Haunted houses, ghosts, goblins, trick or treating, scary movies.…
Kids are back in school, parents are back at work full time, and you’re wondering…
If you’re a business owner, you’ve likely heard about BOI in the last two years…