Office Supply Checklist

From pens and paper to correction fluid, trash cans, and more, there's a lot to remember when it comes to ordering supplies for your office. And sometimes you don't even know you need something until it's too late. The following list will help give you an idea of all the items you need for a basic business office, and can also serve as a helpful tool when it comes time to reorder.

General Office Supplies:

• Binders & accessories for keeping your paperwork neat and safe; also important for storage and archiving
• Boards & easels for sharing important information during meetings
• Calendars & planners for logging important dates and deadlines
• Envelopes & forms: business envelopes; mailers and tubes; bubble wrap; interoffice mail envelopes
• Filing supplies: manila file folders; hanging files; expandable files; sorters
• Labels for shipping and mailing; for filing; for indentifying inventory; and more
• Mailroom, shipping, & moving supplies: packing tape and dispensers; shipping boxes; postal scales and meters; stamps and pads
• Paper for various types of printers and fax machines; stationery, colored, and wide format
• Post-it® Notes: big, small, lined, and unlined — the choices these days are limitless
• Storage & organizers: cardboard portable file caddies and storage boxes; rolling carts; file cabinets; CD organizers
• Writing & correction: pens and pencils; highlighters; permanent and dry erase markers; correction fluid
• Paper and binder clips; dispensers; magnets; rubber bands; pushpins; paper punchers; rulers; clipboards; scissors; staplers

Cleaning & Break Room:

• Paper towels and napkins; toilet paper; feminine products; facial tissue
• All purpose cleaners; brooms and dustpans; floor, glass, and carpet cleaners; sponges; a vacuum; soap and hand cleaners
• Coffee makers; cups; lids; stirrers; creamer; sugar
• Trash bags and cans; light bulbs; air freshener
• First aid kit (including a three-day disaster kit with an ample supply of fresh water, blankets, dust masks, flashlights, tool kit, etc.)

Technology and Electronics:

• Batteries and surge protectors to protect against blackouts and electrical blips
• Computer accessories such as cords and adapters; traveling cases; screen filters; keyboard drawers; ergonomic footrests; mouse pads; monitor and machine stands; speakers and headsets
• Computers & PDAs: PCs or notebooks for the office and handhelds when you're on the go
• Copiers & fax machines
• Digital cameras & scanners for creative projects or even inventory control
• GPS & satellite radio: useful when disaster strikes
• Ink & toner cartridges
• Office machines & calculators: from standard calculators to multimedia projectors
• Peripherals & memory: additional hard drives; flash drives for transporting files; routers; blank recordable CDs
• Printers: laser printer for printing documents; inkjet for color, photos, and more
• Shredders for protecting against identity theft and sensitive company information
• Software: from antivirus and internet security to accounting and finance, digital media, and more
• Telephone & communication for networking the entire office; audio and video conferencing; headsets; answering machines

Office Furniture:

• Storage cabinets for a clutter-free, organized work environment
• Bookcases and shelving for arranging books, binders, and anything else that needs to be displayed for quick reference and retrieval
• Chair mats & floor mats to protect floors and carpets from wear
• Chairs: the foundation of a productive, comfortable workspace
• Desks & file cabinets
• Lamps & lighting: incandescent; fluorescent; halogen; full spectrum — the right choice for the right environment reduces glare and prevents headaches
• Office decor & plants: inexpensive wall art, plants, and mirrors can give your work environment a welcoming touch
• Panel systems/accessories: to set up office cubicles