An Essential Business Supplies List to Set Up Your Office

Setting up your new office space or updating your existing location is exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little overwhelming. Between managing a budget, choosing the right furniture, and making sure your team has what they need, it’s easy to overlook some of the office essentials. 

4AllPromos has been in business for over two decades, and we’ve had to do this once or twice. Let our experience be a resource for outfitting your office with everything from the basics like branded pens and notebooks to budgeting bigger items like necessary office equipment and ergonomic furniture. Whether you’re launching your first startup or moving into a new workspace, our office supplies checklist (opens in a new window) is an easy way to make sure you’re fully equipped and ready for success. 

The Must-Have Business Supplies for Every Office

Business supplies are the backbone of any well-functioning office. You might not think much about things like printer paper, file folders, or even a label maker, but trust us, having a solid foundation of basic office supplies gives your team the tools they need to function properly. The right office essentials keep everyone organized, help workflows run smoothly, and when you include branding on your business supplies, it creates a polished, professional space for employees and visiting clients.

Office Basics for Daily Operations

What office supplies should every office have? When you’re stocking up your supply closet, these standard office supplies are necessary and helpful for daily tasks:

• Writing Utensils - Pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters, and markers
• Stationery - Notepads, legal pads, and sticky notes
• Document Organization - Ring binders, file folders, and dividers
• Printing Supplies - Printer paper, toner, and printer ink cartridges
• Fastening Supplies - Paper clips, binder clips, push pins, and rubber bands
• Desk Tools - Staplers, hole punches, scissors, and tape dispensers
• Hygiene Essentials - Cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, and restroom supplies

Office Equipment List

In addition to desk supplies, certain office equipment is crucial for productivity. It’s important to add these items to your budget when you’re planning your workspace. 

• Office Imaging & Printing - Printers, copiers, and scanners
• Electronic Storage - Hard drives, flash drives, and, in certain cases, servers. 
• Office Furniture - Office desks, dividers, and office chairs
• Office Maintenance - Label makers, shredders, trash and recycling bins, and surge protectors

Other Helpful Office Items

When you’re planning your office supplies list, there are some items that are absolutely necessary for the workday and others that are useful, but not as pertinent if you’re working within an initial budget. Helpful business supplies include:

• Meeting Room Must-Haves - Whiteboards, dry-erase markers, and bulletin boards 
• Organization Help - File cabinets, shelving, and desk organizers

Breakroom Necessities

A stocked breakroom improves employee satisfaction, increases retention, and promotes wellness. If a breakroom is in your budget, plan to have these items on hand:

• A coffee machine and water cooler
• Paper towels, wet wipes, and disinfectant
• Snacks
• Branded stain remover pens (these are a fan favorite in our experience!)

Branded Office Supplies Put Together a Professional Look

When stocking your new office, it might be tempting to go with generic supplies to save a little money. But branded office supplies offer benefits that go beyond basic functionality. Custom logo business supplies boost your brand visibility. 

Every pen, notebook, or file folder reinforces your company’s identity and leaves a professional impression on both employees and visitors. The small details can make a big difference in how your business is perceived.

Branded supplies also create a sense of company pride and belonging. When your team uses customized items like water bottles, tote bags, or coffee mugs, it creates a more cohesive environment and reminds employees that they’re part of something bigger. Plus, these items double as subtle promotional products. The cost of customization is small compared to the value of creating an office that feels intentional, professional, and aligned with your brand.

Try Office Perks to Keep Employees Happy

Beyond the necessary office supplies, adding office perks makes your workplace more enjoyable and boosts office morale.  Simple additions have been shown to increase productivity (opens in a new window), while fun extras like relaxation spaces or wellness kits show that you care about their well-being. Happy employees are more likely to stick around and make it easier to attract top talent at career fairs. Offering these perks is a win-win for your business.

Ideas to keep employees comfortable and productive might look like:

• Standing desks and ergonomic chairs
• High-quality headphones or earbuds
• Stress-relief toys and wellness kits
• Digital business cards

Don’t Forget Home Office Supplies for Remote Employees

When you have remote employees, supporting them with the right home office supplies is just as important as outfitting your main office. A thoughtfully equipped home workspace keeps your team productive, connected, and feeling like part of the company, even from miles away. 

Providing essential work items like monitors and desk accessories builds a comfortable and professional setup. Plus, a few branded company swag extras like custom logo wireless chargers, custom apparel, or insulated tumblers can strengthen company culture and remind your remote team that they’re an integral part of your business.

Giving remote employees the right home office supplies ensures they have everything they need to stay productive and connected. 

Basic Home Office Supplies List for Remote Employees

• Desk organizers
• Mouse & mouse pad
• Planner
• Notepads & Post-it notes
• Pens & highlighters
• High-speed router
• Surge protectors

Home Office Equipment & Perks

• Laptop or desktop computer
• Extra monitors
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Webcam security covers
• A stipend for a desk and/or desk chair

Tips for Planning and Budgeting Your Office Supplies

When you’re setting up a new office, expenses add up fast. A little planning can help you stay on budget without sacrificing the essentials. Here’s how to make sure you’ve got everything you need without breaking the bank.

1. Start with a prioritized list.

Focus on the must-have office supplies first. What can your office not function without? Think printer paper, pens, notepads, and file folders. Once the basics are covered, you can budget for bigger items like office furniture, label makers, and breakroom goodies.

2. Set a realistic budget and track expenses.

Plan out your spending before you start shopping. Use our office supplies checklist (opens in a new window) to avoid impulse purchases and keep track of what you’re buying. It’s easy to lose sight of the budget when you’re stocking up, but tracking as you go will help keep you on course.

4. Keep track of inventory.

Once your office is up and running, set up a simple system to monitor your inventory. Regularly check supplies to avoid running out unexpectedly. This also helps prevent over-ordering, saving you storage space and from unnecessary spending.

3. Buy in bulk when it makes sense.

For items you’ll go through quickly, bulk buying can save you time and money. Plus, you’ll avoid the panic of running out when you need your business supplies most.

4. Get your team’s input.

Your employees know what they need to do their jobs well. Involving them in the planning process can help you avoid unnecessary purchases and identify what will make the office more functional for everyone.

From Essentials to Extras, Create an Office That Works

With a little strategy and our handy office supplies list, planning your business needs is more manageable! Staying organized and sticking to a budget means you’ll set your new office up for success from day one.

A well-supplied office is better for productivity and morale. It starts with a solid office supplies checklist (opens in a new window) and, after the essential business supplies, breakroom perks, and branded items. The right choices can make a big difference for your business and your employees.

Remember that opting for branded business supplies creates a professional, cohesive look in your office as they reinforce your brand identity. 4AllPromos is here to add your logo to custom office supplies to make your workspace appealing to both employees and visitors.

Sources:
Hafner, M., van Stolk, C., Saunders, C., Krapels, J., & Baruch, B. (2015). Health, wellbeing and productivity in the workplace: A Britain's Healthiest Company summary report. RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1084.html (opens in a new window) 

Gallup and Workhuman. (2023). The human-centered workplace: Building organizational cultures that thrive. Gallup. https://www.gallup.com/analytics/472658/workplace-recognition-research.aspx (opens in a new window)