Do you want to have an office supply checklist to help you purchase items for your business or home office?
Are you looking to keep track of office supplies in a quick and practical way?
In this article, you’ll learn more about office supply checklists, including a list of common office supplies found in offices around the globe.
Key Takeaways
- An office supply checklist can help you shop for materials, track current supplies, and and plan for future purchases
- You can use a list to identify needed items, keep a well-stocked office, and make shopping orders more efficient
- Common office supply lists include items like paper, envelopes, notebooks, filing supplies, pens, and pencils
Table of Contents
- What is an office supply checklist?
- Why should you have an office supply checklist?
- Who should have an office supply checklist?
- Where should you begin with an office supply checklist?
- Things to keep in mind using an office supply checklist
- The ultimate office supply checklist
- FAQ: Office supply checklist
- What is an office supply checklist and how can it benefit your business Or office?
- How should you do an inventory of office supplies?
- What types of supplies should you include in an office supply checklist?
- Where should you start with an office supply checklist?
- How should you organize a lot of office supplies?
What is an office supply checklist?
An office supply checklist is a list of office supplies to be purchased for a business or home office.
This type of checklist may be used to note current or future office supply items for purchase.
What’s more, such a checklist can include recurring existing, office supplies, new office supplies, or potential office supplies for consideration.
Why should you have an office supply checklist?
An office supply checklist is a convenient way to identify items needed for a business or home office.
As a productivity coach, I can think of several reasons as to why you should have one in your back pocket.
For starters, it allows you to easily identify specific office materials. This can help make shopping easier as you simply follow what’s on written on the list instead of aimlessly browsing the aisles in store or clicking links online.
You can also use an existing office supply checklist to track supplies used over the course of weeks, days, and months.
You can update supplies as needed to help grow your business or office. It’s also an easy way to stay focused on preparing a well-stocked office.
What’s more, an office supply checklist can act as an excellent starting point for other necessary office supplies. When you see a particular item on your list, it may jog your memory to add related or supporting materials.
For instance, if you have stapler written down on your list, this may inspire you to add staples and stapler remover to the list as well.
Who should have an office supply checklist?
Keeping an office supply checklist by your side might seem like a no-brainer if you have an office.
But there are certain people who may benefit from having such a list up their sleeves.
Here are some individuals who may benefit from having an office supply checklist on hand.
Small business owners
Small business owners are busy individuals with a lot on their plate. Having an office supply checklist is just one less thing to worry about in the long run. You can tuck away your office supply list in your filing cabinet and have it on hand as needed.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs work hard to start, run, and sell businesses. If you find yourself in this category, having an office supply checklist can make the process of shopping for office supplies less of a hassle each time.
Office managers
These individuals have the task of overseeing day-to-day affairs of an office. Office managers are often responsible for keeping administrative, operational, and physical aspects of an office running smoothly. Having an office supply checklist in hand can make this job much easier.
Professionals
Lastly, working professionals may find it helpful to have an office supply checklist on hand. They may choose to create a list based off of their existing personal office supplies. Or they may use the office supply checklist as a starting point for future orders.
Where should you begin with an office supply checklist?
Wondering exactly which office supplies you’ll need to purchase for your office?
While this will certainly vary for every company, organization, and individual, here’s a simple exercise that can help you get started with your planning.
Take a few moments to either physically walk through your office or envision yourself in your office in your mind’s eye.
Ask yourself questions like the following:
Office supply checklist questions
- What type of work occurs in your place of business?
- What types of supplies are typically used in the office?
- Which materials do people use on a daily basis?
- What office supplies do people regularly ask for?
- Which office supplies do people ask to be restocked on a frequent basis?
Your answers will ultimately depend on your office’s size and the number of people working in the office.
For example, let’s say you’re just starting out in your business as a solopreneur or looking to stock out your home office.
In this case, you’ll probably need basic office supplies like a desk, chair, pens, notepads, notebooks, file folders, staples, stapler, envelopes, paper, waste paper basket, and a lamp.
If you have a more established business, say, with more than two people, your needs may be different.
You may already have a basic or growing office supply checklist that’s been in use for several months or years.
Things to keep in mind using an office supply checklist
The beauty of an office supply checklist is that it can grow with you and your needs.
Any checklist is a record of what you’re currently planning or preparing for in your office or place of work.
That’s why it’s important to keep in mind that the office supply checklist items below are merely suggestions.
You can freely add items to the list or remove items you may no longer need. You may even wish to save this checklist and update it as needed.
If you’re looking for even more office supplies ideas you can check out my office supply blog post.
The ultimate office supply checklist
Shopping for office supplies may seem like a relatively simple exercise.
Sure, you’ll obviously need pens, pencils, paper, a stapler, and staples for your desk for starters.
But if you’ve ever worked or spent time in an office, then you’ll know that list of items quickly snowballs into a long list.
As soon as you identify one must-have office supply item, you realize you’ll need more items, and even more items than previously imagined.
Whether you’re decluttering your home office, or need an office supplies list for a new work space, the following office supplies list is a great place to start!
Paper
- Printer paper
- Three-hole punched paper
- Graph paper
- Tracing paper
- Carbon paper
- Color card stock
- Heavy-duty card stock
- Wrapping paper
- Greeting cards and envelopes
- Business cards
- Letterhead
- Poster board
Envelopes and Boxes
- #10 regular envelopes (4 1/8 x 9 1/2 inches)
- Legal envelopes
- Manila mailing envelopes
- Padded legal envelope mailers
- Mailing labels
- Return address labels
- Postage scale
- Postage stamps
- Envelope sealer
- Packaging bubble
- Cardboard boxes (small, medium, large)
Notebooks and Notepads
- Composition notebooks
- Spiral-bound notebooks
- Legal pads
- Steno pads
- Notepads
- Planners
Binder Items
- Binders
- Tabs for binders
- Pockets for binders
- Dividers for binders
- Labels for binders
- Binder sheet reinforcements
- Clear binder document holders
- Hole puncher
- Three-hole puncher
Filing Cabinet
- Manila folders
- File folder labels
- Hanging folders
- Folder tabs
Small Office Supplies
- Stapler
- Staples
- Stapler remover
- Scissors
- Box cutter
- Box cutter blades
- Paperclips (small, medium, large)
- Binder clips (small, medium, large)
- Rubber bands (small, medium, large)
- Clear cellophane tape
- Clear cellophane tape dispenser
- Masking tape
- Packing tape
- Tape gun
- Duct tape
- Twine
- Sticky notes (small, medium, large)
- Bookmark sticky flags (small, medium, large)
- Bookmarks
- White glue
- Rubber cement
- Tacky wall mount gum
- Hanging hooks
- Magnifying glass
Writing Implements
- Pencils
- Pencil sharpener
- Mechanical pencils
- Mechanical pencil lead refills
- Erasers
- Pens
- Black all-purpose markers
- Highlighters
- Rubber stamps
- Ink pads
- Correction fluid
- Wall calendar
- Desk calendar
- Dry/Wet erase board
- Erase board markers
- Erase board spray
- Ruler
- Protractor
- Compass
- T-square
- Clipboards
Office Storage
- Bookends
- Paperweight
- Magazine holders
- Bulletin board
- Pushpins
- Letter opener
- Pen holder
- In/Out box
- Document sorter/holder
- Supply trays and containers
- Desktop organizers
- Desk drawer organizers
Electrical Items
- Computer and monitor
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Mouse pads
- Monitor stands
- Wireless router
- Thumb drives
- Printer
- Toner or print cartridges
- Telephone
- Speakerphone
- Headset
- Calculator
- Postage meter
- Projection device
- Photocopier
- Digital camera
- Lamps
- Lightbulbs
- Label maker
- Laminating machine
- Scanner
- Fax machine
- Paper shredder
- Extension cords
- Surge protectors
- Walkie-talkies
Cleaning materials
- Hand soap
- Disinfectant wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Facial tissues
- Air freshener
- Computer screen and keyboard cleaner
- Pressured air (to clean keyboard)
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Floor cleaner
- Mop
- Mop bucket
- Wet floor sign
- Window cleaner
- Dishwasher tabs
- Dishwashing liquid
- Sponges
- Paper toweling
- Broom
- Dustpan
- Duster
- Duster cloths
- Vacuum cleaner
- Vacuum cleaner bags
- Garbage bags
- Recycling bags
- Cleaning material cart
- Cleaning material carrier
Safety items
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
- Fire extinguisher
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide detectors
Furniture
- Desk
- Chairs
- Chair floor mats
- Filing cabinets
- Tables
- Bookcases
- Shelves
- Safe
- Microwave
- Coffee pot
- Coasters
- Refrigerator
- Water cooler
- Clocks
- Waste basket
- Recycling bin
Miscellaneous
- Batteries
- Lightbulbs
- Shredder oil or shredder lubrication sheets
- “Open/Close” sign to hang on exterior door
FAQ: Office supply checklist
What is an office supply checklist and how can it benefit your business Or office?
It’s a comprehensive list of items needed for an well-functioning office. You may use a list to purchase new or track existing supplies. What’s more, an office supply checklist helps you organize shopping, maintain stock, and plan future purchases.
How should you do an inventory of office supplies?
Use a notepad and pen or spreadsheet to make individual line items of present office supplies. Include basic information like amount, type, or version. Visit office closets, shelving, and storage areas to get a sense of existing office supply inventory.
What types of supplies should you include in an office supply checklist?
Paper materials, envelopes and boxes, notebooks and notepads, binder items, filing cabinet supplies, small office supplies, writing implements, office storage, electrical items, cleaning materials, safety items, and furniture.
Where should you start with an office supply checklist?
Begin by surveying your immediate office environment. Ask yourself which supplies are used daily, what items are frequently requested, and which items need restocking. This helps tailor the checklist to your specific needs.
How should you organize a lot of office supplies?
Sort like items with like, such as paper with paper and pens with pens. Store materials together in individual containers and place in shelves, cabinets, and closets. Regularly review and update your checklist to ensure materials are properly organized.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, manager, executive, or professional, office supplies are a daily part of life. An office supply checklist can help you track, purchase, and organize office supplies.
A checklist can also make shopping easier, keep your office well-stocked, and help you with future planning. Be sure to keep common items like paper, pens, filing supplies, and cleaning products on hand so you’re always prepared for work.
In case we haven’t yet met virtually, it’s nice to meet you! Hi, I’m Rashelle Isip, The Order Expert®, productivity coach for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals.
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Thank you so much for the checklist! I usually forget the small office supplies and things like disinfection wipes. I use much more of those than I realize. I haven’t considered a fire extinguisher an office supply before but I will have to check the expiration date on ours now.
You are quite welcome, Jennifer. I have a friend who once had a fire in her office. Thanks to her planning, they had a working fire extinguisher, flashlights, and walkie-talkies handy. In case you were wondering, the fire was contained and extinguished and everyone was Ok. It always pays to be prepared. Thanks for stopping by!
Very much appreciate the checklist. I have to resupply my office and this hits all the major items. I will be printing this off to take with me. Thank you!
You are welcome! I hope it helps you.
I don’t actually have an office but I always spent time at the office supply aisle in practically every store. Maybe I can convince my parents to let me have the desk in the living room…..
Thank you so much for the checklist! My list would be incomplete without your help!
You are quite welcome! Glad to be of help.
This is such a great, comprehensive checklist. It made me realize how much stuff I needed to get! Thanks for sharing this.
You’re quite welcome, Rachel!
Very comprehensive!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the checklist!
This is so fantastic. There are items on this list I has not even thought of.
Thank you for this.
You’re welcome, Hope! 🙂
Perfect List!!!
Thanks! You’re quite welcome, Kimberly.
How about tissues and Hand Sanitizer and maybe even an open /close sign or a return back in sign ?
Those are great ideas, Vikki. They are certainly common in any office/workplace and I’ll be sure to add them above. Thanks for stopping by and for your comment!
Thanks for this list of office supplies. I just moved so I have to restock my study. I’ll make sure to get all those types of paper you mentioned which includes printer paper and other types.
You’re most welcome!
This is fantastic, i don’t have an office this time but in the future i hope.
Thanks you to help those who don’t have some off these stuff .
You’re welcome!
Great list!! I love office supplies!
You’re welcome, Stephanie!
Awesome list! I am moving into my first job, and this will set me up so well since day one at work. Thanks so much!
Congratulations on your first job, Nur! You are quite welcome for the office supply list. I hope it helps you as you do your shopping. Best of luck to you in your new position!
Thanks for this extensive list of office supplies! I don’t think most people would remember to include a filing cabinet with hanging folders and tabs. I’d imagine that those things might be hard to get in large quantities from stores. Maybe office equipment dealers carry them in larger quantities.
You are most welcome, Hannah!
Useful, this site help me to finish my project.
Love the list! What about calendars and clocks?
Glad you liked the list! Thanks so much for the additional ideas, will be sure to add them to the list.
and Rubber bands, File folder labels, return address labels, hand soap, toilet bowl cleaner, floor cleaner, mop, mop bucket, wet floor sign, air freshener, dishwasher tabs or soap, duster and or dust spray, manilla mailing envelopes, tape gun (for packing tape), planners, calculator, wireless router, thumb drives, mailing labels, microwave, coffee pot, refrigerator, water cooler, smoke dectors, carbon monoxide dectors, mouse pads, desktop organizers, desk drawer organizers, clipboards, light bulbs, monitor stands, & chair floor mat (to protect floors). Sorry for the overload! These were some of the things I came across in making my office supply list today.
Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll make sure to add these items to the list.
I am opening my small town library and l need a completed list of the things l need t submit to the town council. Will you help me?
Hi Carolyn, thanks for your comment! I’d be happy to discuss ways we could work together. Please contact me via my contact form at https://www.theorderexpert.com/contact/ so we can discuss further. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks for the fantastic thorough list! This is helping me organize my supplies for my home and home office. Helps me to consolidate items from my utility room, my kitchen drawer, and my home office.
You’re welcome, Betsy! Glad to hear it is helping you put things in order.
Thanks for the list. For those who do not have time for a coffee/tea break, maybe add in a coaster
Glad you found the list helpful, Jennifer! That’s an excellent idea. Will add it to the list.
Thank you for this Ultimate List of Office Supplies by category
You’re quite welcome! I hope you enjoy using it.