There’s more to basic office supplies than just pencil and paper. Keep reading for office basics: 7 basic office supplies every business need.
Did you know that when you add everything up, you’ll spend a total of 13 years and two months at your job?
Shutterstock Licensed Photo – By Abscent
That’s an insane amount of time when you think about it.
If you love your job, this may come as great news. But, if you hate your job, this may be the most depressing thing you’ve heard all day!
Whether you’re a fan of your job or not, there are still things you should do to try to make your workspace more pleasant. Of course, the right coworkers and a bump in your salary can help, but those things are easier said than done.
However, there is something you can do today that will make your office environment more enjoyable and less stressful: have the right office supplies on hand.
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Having the right office basics on hand can help to eliminate headaches and make your workday go a lot smoother.
There are thousands of options out there when it comes to office supplies. How do you know which supplies you need to keep your office running smoothly?
Check out this guide to learn the top basic office supplies every business needs.
1. Organizational Supplies
Did you know that we spend over one year of our lives looking for lost items?
That’s a lot of time wasted looking for stuff when you could be doing other things.
Therefore, you should start your office supply journey by buying items that can help you stay organized.
We recommend the following:
- Binder clips
- Stapler (electric if possible)
- File folders (both the regular kind and the hanging kind)
By purchasing these items, you’ll be well on your way to a more organized office.
2. Paper
Even though the world is becoming increasingly more digitized, paper is still very important for the modern office.
We’re not only talking about regular printing paper. You also want to stock up on notebooks, notepads, and sticky notes.
In addition to paper, you also want to make sure your printer has plenty of toner and ink so you’re not printing off blank pages. You should also invest in a printer coder. You can learn more here about choosing the right one.
3. Calendar/Planner
There are about a million apps on our phones these days to help us stay organized.
That doesn’t mean the old-fashioned hanging calendar or planner has become obsolete.
No matter what field you work in, your schedule is likely very busy. The busier you get, the more important your time management skills become.
Even if you have a calendar on your phone, having a physical calendar or planner in front of you can help you better keep track of your day. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than crossing off something on your ‘to do’ list in your planner.
4. Office Furniture
Choosing the right office furniture is about a lot more than improving the aesthetics of your space.
The right furniture can help improve your health, make you more productive, and make you feel more comfortable.
Office Chair
When it comes to choosing furniture, the first thing you want to do is choose the right chair. You’re going to spend a lot of time in your office chair, so you want to spend time choosing one that’s of high quality.
This is because sitting in a low-quality office chair can negatively affect your health in many ways. A bad chair can lead to:
- Stress (in both the body and the mind)
- Poor blood circulation
- Increased body fat
- Decreased concentration
- Increased fatigue
- Digestive issues
Other Furniture Pieces
In addition to an office chair, you’ll also want to invest in a functional desk and furniture pieces for your break room, such as a table or couch.
5. Stationery and Mailing Supplies
From time to time, you’re going to need to send mail from your office. You don’t want to be running to the store to pick up stamps every time you need t send mail.
Therefore, it’s best to have stationery and mailing supplies on hand in your office. You’ll want to stock up on:
- Stamps
- Envelopes (letter types and manila)
- Pen and paper
With these supplies, you’ll be able to send a letter at the drop of a hat.
6. Catering Supplies
Catering supplies is something you often don’t think about when talking about office supplies, but it’s essential nonetheless.
Employees need breaks to catch a breath from their workload and to socialize a bit with their coworkers. Studies show that taking a long break during the workday can help boost employee engagement.
To help your employees make the most of their break time, you should have the right catering supplies on hand. This includes:
- Cups
- Dishes
- Silverware
- Coffee machine
- Coffee and creamer
- Snacks
The more enjoyable you can make your employees’ break time, the more likely they are to work hard when they’re on the clock.
7. Supplies for Hanging Things
Are the walls of your office completely bare?
If this is the case, then it’s time to invest in some hanging supplies and spice up your walls.
Buy thumbtacks and push pins so you can hang up calendars, papers on bulletin boards, brainstorming notes, photos, and artwork.
This way, your walls can serve as a space to inspire you and keep you on track.
Office Basics: Are You Ready to Start Buying Office Supplies?
As you can see by this office basics guide, there are a lot of supplies you need to keep your office running smoothly.
If you have any questions about any of the supplies on this list, let us know in the comments below.
Check back in with our blog for more office tips and tricks.
