So, this is finally it: your business is up and running, you’ve got yourself some employees and now you have finally rented a space. While it might just look like an empty office to you for now, soon it will be the starting place of innovative ideas and filled with bustling day-to-day activity. All you need to do now is get the place ready. However, for someone opening their first office, this can be a very complex and unfamiliar time, filled with uncertain choices and an element of cluelessness. If you have already done the tricky part of finding the right location and property, then stocking your office will be easy as pie. To get you started, here are a few vital things you will need.
Tech
There was a time when tech might have come third or fourth on this list, but not anymore. According to most modern industries, there is a very good chance that 90% of your work is going to involve a computer or laptop of some kind, which means that these should be the first things you stock your office with. If you are short on funds, then you have a few options available to make sure that you have the equipment you need to start your first day of work at your new office. If your employees have their own laptops and tech that they can use to work on, you could ask them to bring in their own until you have enough funds to stock the office – although, you would have to make sure that they have an adequate supply of power and access to the internet should they need it. Otherwise, you may need to take out a loan to get the necessary equipment for your business. While some entrepreneurs use short term loans to fund their business at the start, you may want to consider a secured business loan to give you enough time to get your business off the ground and earn regular income.
Furniture
You have to make sure that you consider all of your furniture needs when putting together your budget and have a complete list before you start making any purchases. The last thing you would want to have is an office full of expensive chairs with no desks to work on. Your furniture should include what you and your employees need for your work stations as well as necessary storage pieces for office supplies, equipment and documents. You might want to consider consulting a design team if you want to put together an impressive workspace that you would be happy to show your clients and make sure you consider the comfort of yourself and your employees when making decisions.
Stationery and general desk supplies
This might be the boring part of stocking your office, but it is necessary nonetheless. You’re going to need paper, pens, staplers, folders, mailing supplies, paper clips, post-it notes and everything else that you need to stock a desk. While you might not be using these supplies all the time, they will always come in handy and you’ll be grateful that you bought them in the end.
Refreshment and food storage
While this isn’t compulsory, this kind of equipment is highly beneficial. Stock your office with a coffee maker and water cooler to keep your team hydrated and alert throughout the day. Having a small refrigerator in your office also gives everybody a place to store their lunches and snacks. Generally, creating a space for your employees to grab a drink and a bite to eat can really turn a dreary office into a comfortable place to work.
