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Office Supplies Buying Guide

So you have your own office space (congrats!).  Maybe you are even lucky enough to have already furnished it and purchased the latest in office electronics (computers, printers, and the like).  But wait!  Your office shopping is nowhere near complete.  Setting up an office is more than just a desk,  a phone,  and some pens ; there are a variety of other important supplies that you will need to keep on-hand.  And be sure to replenish your stock frequently, or you could end up being the one that has to run out of the office for more fax paper  in the middle of an important message.

General Guidelines

  • Compile a general list of the supplies you need.  Whenever an item on the list is running low, replenish supplies.  Generally, a monthly order should do.
  • Every couple of months, review your office expenses.  When you understand how your supplies are fitting into the budget, it makes it easier to tailor your orders.  When possible, order in bulk.  It will always go to good use!

What You Will Need

Get Organized!

With all of the files, the data, and the constant need for quick access, only the highest level of organization can help reduce employee stress. 

  • File cabinets are an essential to any office.  Stock them up with binders, file folders,  or hanging folders  containing all of your info; and for even further organization, try using tab dividers.  You can even personalize them with an index label maker. 
  • Junk mail and old documents can go straight to the shredder.   There's no need to build up clutter!
  • Have a wall calendar or dry erase planning board  near your desk, and also keep a personal planner.  The last thing you want is to double-book any meetings.

Desk Necessities

Push pins or thumbtacks will hold down all of those random Post-its  that you have stuck all over your cork board, but there are better ways to keep your desk neat and organized.  All you need are the right supplies in the right places.   

  • If you are finding the desk to be crowded, pick up a good solid binder.   Get the hole puncher out and start punching away at all of the documents that you wish to keep filed.  If it's necessary to staple  certain pieces of paper together, a lightweight stapler  will do the trick. 
  • When it comes to note-taking,  your options are aplenty.  You can either keep legal pads  or notebooks  nearby, though some people prefer to add loose leaf paper to a binder, as it can continually be refilled.
  • Because you are so eco-friendly, we know that you are not even thinking about wasting any paper.  Just fix that one little typo with some correction fluid or cover-up tape.   Problem solved! 
  • Keep miscellaneous items together.  A container or caddy will store all of your essentials in one convenient place.  Place items like glue, scissors, and tape  within the box and leave it in a spot that is easy to get to, yet out of the way.  Anything that you don't intend to use on a regular basis can be placed in a storage box  and left within a closet. 
  • When it comes to writing supplies, you will want to have them front and center.  There are a variety of desk storage containers that can be placed on your desk top for all of those fine point pens, automatic pencils,  and Sharpie markers  that you will need throughout the day.   

Mailings

To mail an item, look for standard letter paper and know that using a letterhead is always the most professional option.

  • Place your letter inside a classic envelope,  or a clasp envelope  for heavier documents, and don't forget to put your label  in the upper left hand corner.
  • For heavy-duty mailings, be sure to use bubble wrap or packing peanuts within a larger mailing box or envelope.
  • If you find that your project is just slightly too wide for an envelope, try to scale it back using a trimmer. 

Gadgets and Gizmos

With certainty we can say that these items are the heart of the business.  

  • Always have plenty of black and color ink toner/cartridges.  You can buy them in bulk or at a discounted price through many vendors, and it is always wise to stock up.  With all of the printing that your office does, or will do, having a surplus of ink can never be a bad thing. 
  • Have batteries  and back-up cables.  You never know when an important piece of equipment might die on you. 
  • Have a calculator easily accessible, and have a back-up just in case you can't find your trusty little one. 

Take a Break

You can't possibly sit in front of that screen all day; eventually, you will need some kind of food break or water cooler interaction.

  • Stock up on all the essentials that are necessary for some morning coffee.  This includes a coffee maker, filters, and the beans/grounds.  And for those who like their brew light and sweet, be sure to keep some cream and sugar.
  • Employees who bring lunch to work are going to need a refrigerator to store it in and a microwave for reheating.  If you are working in a home office, you may want to pick up mini versions to keep close by the desk.  This will actually help you avoid distractions around the house! 

Related Guides

Paper

Office Machines

Home Office Essentials

Office Furniture
 

External Links

  • About.com:  How to organize your office and improve its design.
  • eHow.com:  An article on how to make an efficient office supply list.  

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
DE: Schreibwaren

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