Must-Have Home Office Supplies

01/13/10 07:12

If you are new to self-employment and have never set up a home office, you may be surprised how many office supplies it actually takes to outfit your new endeavor. If you already have a computer, desk and dedicated phone line you are half way there.

Here is a list of basic office supplies to get your home business off to a good start.

1. Multi-function printer--look into multi-use office machines that can handle faxing, copying, printing and scanning.
   
2. Ergonomic chair--do not skimp on your desk chair. You will be spending a great deal of time seated at your desk, so make sure you purchase a chair that provides plenty of comfort and support.
   
3. Filing supplies--begin with a small two-drawer filing cabinet. Keep working files in stacking trays or desktop file racks for easy access. Buy a kit complete with third-cut manila file folders, hanging file folders, file folder labels and plastic file tabs and inserts.
   
4. Storage armoire and bookcase--if your office does not have a closet for storage, consider purchasing an armoire or closed vertical cabinet for office supply storage. Bookshelves are great for organizing printed materials and housing baskets that serve as extra file and supply storage.
   
5. Accounting software--invest in basic accounting and customer management software.
   
6. Printer and copier paper--purchase several reams of multi-purpose paper suitable for laser printers and copiers.
   
7. Trash can and desk drawer organizers--mundane but important items for a home office.
   
8. Three-ring binders and presentation folders--three ring binders work for archiving client files, banking information, accounting files and reports for tax purposes. Paper or plastic folders are perfect for presentations and client mailings.
   
9. Desk supplies--pens, pencils, letter opener, scissors, three-hole punch, paper clips, stapler, white-out correction tape, scotch tape, rubber bands, binder clips and legal pads are all must-haves for your home office.

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