If you want to run a successful business, you’re going to need the tools to get the job done. Here we go over 10 basic office supplies you can’t do without!

Have you finally decided to leave your dead-end job and start your own business?

Congratulations! Starting a new business is an exciting and stressful time in every business owner’s life. There are over 28 million small businesses in the United States. Each one may have started with just an idea and the hard work of a handful of people, but that’s not all they started with.

They also started with an office full of the appropriate basic office supplies. Making sure your office is properly equipped is a major key to your success. On top of that, it’ll save you a ton of unnecessary stress.

Not sure what basic office supplies you’ll need? Read on to find out!

1. Computer

This is an obvious first component of a well-equipped office. When selecting your electronic equipment, there are a few factors you should consider.

First, how many computers do you need? This is based on the number of staff you’ll have and/or the different parts of your business that need a separate computer. Once you have that in mind, set a budget. From there, look for computers that fit the demands of your business.

For example, you want a desktop for the office, but you travel a lot, so you need a laptop when you’re on the go. Calculate both of these needs into your computer budget.

2. Monitors

Monitors are not a surprising item to add to your office unless you’re planning on purchasing a laptop.

Consider this, though, you’ll no doubt be spending a significant amount of time on your laptop. Unless you’re propping up the laptop and setting up a separate keyboard, it’s simply not ergonomically correct for you to hunch over a laptop all day.

Monitors can be connected to your desktop, or laptop, and help you work pain-free. You can also add multiple monitors if you need to toggle multiple things on the screen. If you want to do this, you’ll need to make sure you have a good KVM switch to enable this to work.

3. Backup Hard Drive

If you’ve ever had your computer crash, then you know backing up your data on a backup hard drive is incredibly important.

There are two main types of backup hard drives you can purchase: a physical hard drive or a cloud-based backup. The perk of a cloud-based backup is that there’s no hardware that could fail. The perk of a physical hard drive is that your information feels more secure. Both work very well in terms of protecting your data.

You work hard to make your business a success, don’t lose that hard work due to technology failure.

4. Printer

You never know you need a printer until suddenly you have to print something! Printers have come a long way from the dot matrix days. If you’re looking for quick and reliable, opt for a laser jet. Thankfully, advances in technology have brought down the price of laser printers significantly.

5. Copier and Scanner

Copiers and scanners are both critical pieces of office equipment. Whether its copying receipts for your taxes or scanning documents your customers have sent in, it’s never a mistake to equip your office with a high-quality copier and scanner.

Thankfully, they often come as a single unit, saving you money and space!

6. Shredder

Shredders are incredibly important in an office setting, especially if you’re dealing with sensitive data.

If you’re handing paper records of people’s credit card numbers, social security numbers, or private information, then you need to make sure you have a way to securely dispose of it to prevent any future liability.

Shredders also work to protect you. Small businesses frequently receive offers for loans or credit cards. Throwing those offers out without properly destroying them leaves your business vulnerable to fraud.

7. File Cabinet

Ah, the old file cabinet. There’s no way around it, if you want to keep your files neat and organized, you have to have a file cabinet. It doubles as a way to securely store your physical files if you purchase one with a lock.

8. Desk Supplies

Ever need a pen and suddenly realize you have no idea where one is? This may seem obvious, but many people overlook it. Make sure your new office space has everything you’ll need in terms of basic desk supplies.

This includes things like pens, pencils, erasers, extra lead, rulers, tape, staplers, highlighters, permanent markers, and refills for when you run out!

9. Stationary and Mailing Supplies

Most communication these days is done electronically, whether through email or by telephone. Regardless, there will always be times when you need to send something out via mail, and you want to be prepared for those times.

Be sure to purchase stamps – Forever stamps, if possible so you don’t have to worry about changes in postage rates. If you think you’ll be doing a lot of mailers, it may be worthwhile to invest in a postage machine.

Lastly, take some time to consider your stationary. If you can swing letterhead paper and envelopes, now would be a good time to stock up. If you’re not ready to commit to a logo or letterhead, try a personalized rubber stamp! Check out Creative Rubber Stamps to learn more about your rubber stamp options.

10. Telephone(s)

Last, but certainly not least, you need to make sure that your office has a telephone, or more than one if you have multiple people working in your office.

Your cell phone works great when you’re starting out, but eventually, your business will get busier and you’ll want to separate your work calls from your personal calls. Beyond that, you want to be able to take a break when you leave work.

The best solution is to purchase a land line for your office. If you’re not feeling that, then get a dedicated cell phone line, but remember to turn it off every once in a while. You’ll quickly learn that a balance between work and personal life is extremely important!

Ready to Buy Your Basic Office Supplies Now?

An office equipped with the right basic office supplies sets your business up for success and saves you the trouble of having to scramble for them at the last minute. Now you’ll have time to focus on more important things like business strategies, marketing, and maximizing your staff.

Loved this advice? Check out the rest of our blog for more super helpful business tips!