Basic Necessities For Your New Home Office

I’m glad you took the giant leap to build your own office.

A home office works wonders with the correct lighting, minimal distractions, and the best organization ideas.

However, you can never start any of these UNTIL you start with the most basic of items.

My basic office supply list will help you get the correct equipment for your new office.

I will then let you decide what you may or may not need in this article.

Desk Supplies

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It’s easier to start with the basics. So it’s best to obtain the items for in and around your office desk. Your desk is essentially your ‘workbench,’ and it is not recommended to keep this out of your home office (lol).

An office desk is not the most important piece of equipment, but it does play a huge role in your organization methods and how it fits your current office space.

The color and design are also good ideas to take into consideration when purchasing a desk. Make sure it flows with the colors throughout your entire home office and doesn’t look completely out of place.

Let’s get right into the desk supplies:

• Pens and Pencils
• Erasers
• Highlighters
• Permanent Markers
• Stapler and Staples
• Pencil Sharpener
• Calculator
• Hole puncher
• Rubber bands
• Glue sticks
• Tape dispenser + rolls of tape
• Binder clips
• Paper clips
• Stamp pads
• Ink for the stamp pads
• Trash can
• Printer

Paper And Stationary

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Sometimes you will need additional paper to write on for your work colleague or boss, or you need an envelope to send that all-important letter to a close friend.

Even sticky notes will be handy to place on your wall – great for a quick reminder.

That’s when the small list below will come in handy.

Your paper items might not seem much help to you now since you have a laptop or computer to write all your work on.

However, as you expand your office or home business, that’s when these additional items will be of good use.

And if you’re like me, all these apps and not taking type stuff don’t do it for me. I still use sticky notes and composition notebooks every single day, and they are right up there with my whiteboard as far as use and effectiveness are concerned.

Let’s get right into the paper and stationary:

• Stamps
• Sticky notes
• Printer paper
• Envelopes
• Return address labels
• Thank you notes
• Notepads
• Notebooks
• Colored paper
• Printer paper
• Printer ink and toner

Filing Supplies

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I really like filing supplies.

They make organizing your important documents and extra paperwork a breeze.

You might not HAVE to use all of the items outlined below straight away – but of course, as you and your business grow, your office is just going to get too small, or you will run out of office space.

That’s also why I recommend choosing a big office room from the get-go so that you can avoid this problem in the first place.

Unless you are with a nice little cheap office build that doesn’t allow much space.

Let’s get right into the filing supplies:

• Index dividers
• Ring binders
• Manila folders
• Filing cabinet
• File labels
• Hanging file folders
• Pocket folders
• Tabs

Time Tracking And Planning

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There’s nothing worse than forgetting to finish that assignment on time, or skipping an appointment you simply can not miss.

That’s when your time tracking and planning becomes a second nature skill to you. The list outlined below will make your planning and time scheduling 10x easier, this is especially true as you grow your business and have more clients, assignments or other projects you need to do.

Let’s get right into the planning supplies:

• Calendar (wall OR desk version)
• Planner
• Refills for planner
• To-do list
• Whiteboard (preferably large)
• Time cards
• Scheduling boards

Main Technology Equipment

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Of course not much can be done without the help of a computer or laptop (well there’s a lot that can be done, this just makes working so much simpler).

You can send emails with a PC, write and print a word document in a breeze, search up information for your current project, or you might simply want to ask a colleague an important work question, that’s why I class a PC as a virtual life saver.

You will also need an additional portable memory device such as a flash drive, or even an external hard drive to help you with exporting your valuable work to your job or friends house.

Let’s get right into the main equipment:

• Computer or laptop
• Wireless router
• Surge protector
• External hard drive
• Flash drive
• Scanner
• Label maker
• Paper shredder (optional)

Computer Chair

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Everyone needs a chair for their home office, however there is much to take into consideration before purchasing your first computer chair.

For example – Can you fit in the chair comfortably, are you able to adjust your chair and computer screen to the correct height?

There are many factors to remember, I recommend asking the seller these sorts of questions so you avoid choosing the wrong chair.

If the salesman doesn’t want to help then I suggest you take your business elsewhere, somewhere that is happy to help 🙂

Sitting Area

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You also need to take breaks while your working in your home office, and what better way is there than to have a designated sitting area right in your office? I would also recommend to place it right next to a window if possible, and even better if you can get a nice view in there.

Don’t forget the coffee table, a bookshelf (with some books), a la-z-boy, and a nice cozy rug to rest your feet on. I would recommend a break of 20 minutes every 2 hours, this is good for staying motivated while still giving you valuable resting time.

Conclusion

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There is no exact list that will fit everyone’s current needs or future needs. But what you CAN do is be prepared, be prepared for the day you actually need the items. A home office can be a valuable room for your home if used correctly.

Try to keep your office at the other end of the house to avoid all distractions. Keep to the basics and don’t over complicate a simple task. Use natural lighting if possible, have a nice view, use colors that flow throughout your office, and don’t underestimate the power of storage.

You should always keep the room bright to avoid eye strain and migraines arising.

–  John

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