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Supplies Checklist:  Office, Kitchen, Cleaning


Most companies start out operating out of their own home, or maybe a small, rented space in an office building. But eventually, if all goes well, you will need to hire employees. Although working from home has become more popular nowadays, it is not a feasible option for every company. Some companies simply need an office space that everyone can collaborate and work from.

There is a lot that goes into outfitting an office space. An office should be a place where employees feel comfortable and enjoy going to on a regular basis. To provide that type of office space, it is important to have all the necessary office supplies, kitchen & breakroom supplies, and cleaning products available for everyone to use.

Office Supplies:

Basic office supplies are necessary for employees to complete their daily tasks. Here is a short list of some of the most important things every office should have.


Pens, Pencils, & Highlighters

Although many people do much of their work on computers, an office still needs to have pens and pencils for notetaking. This includes a standard #2 pencil, ballpoint pens with a smooth grip and a refillable Pilot Gel Pen.  Yellow highlighters are also popular in the workplace for highlighting important notes or paragraphs that need special attention.


Paper

Standard white copy paper is 8.5 x 11” that works with universal printers typically come in 20lb reams. In most cases people prefer to take written notes within a notebook, or on striped notebook paper. Both options should be available for employees to use as needed.


Folders & Envelopes

Standard white mail style envelopes, kraft paper clasp envelopes, and manilla file folders are all typically found in an office or warehouse setting. They are needed for employees to send mail/documents, store files, or organize paper as needed.


Staples + Stapler

Try a standard black desktop stapler that opens flat and is compatible with standard silver chisel point office staples.


Tape + Tape Dispenser

A desktop tape dispenser is compatible with clear office tape with a 1” core.        


Permanent Markers

In most offices, there is a selection of permanent markers available for use. There are 3 types of permanent markers that are most common. The Sharpie Chisel Tip Permanent Marker, the Scribe Chisel Tip Permanent Marker, and the Scribe Bullet Point Permanent Marker.                                                          


Yellow Sticky Notes

Yellow 3 x 3” self-stick sticky notes are sold in pads of 100. One pack comes with 12 pads.


Rubber Bands

Rubber bands are versatile and can come in handy in a variety of situations. They are available in a range of sizes and are typically sold in 1lb bags.

Kitchen & Breakroom Supplies:

Many companies, especially larger ones, need a cafeteria, kitchen, or breakroom space for their employees to eat. When you’re spending 8 hours a day in an office it is important to have a nice break area for employees to go while they are off the clock. The following items are helpful for outfitting a proper kitchen, cafeteria, or break room.

   

Paper Towels & Napkins

Paper Towels are important for an office to have on hand, even if there is not a break room or kitchen. Paper towels are 2-ply paper, sold on a roll, that are stronger and more absorbent than regular paper. They are ideal for kitchen use and are helpful in cleaning up dirt or spills of any variety. Napkins are a smaller alternative to paper towels and are typically sold in packages of around 500.

   

Facial Tissue

Facial tissue is necessary in any office so that employees do not have to resort to blowing their nose with a hard, scratchy paper towel or napkin.  Premium Facial Tissue is a 2-ply paper tissue made of 100% virgin fiber that is soft and comfortable to use on your face.

   

Cups, Plates, Utensils, Bowls

Don't forget to stock up on a variety of kitchen cups, plates, utensils, and bowls. Cups are sold in sleeves and are available in plastic, paper, and foam. They are often sold as cones to go along with a water dispenser. Paper plates are available in 6” & 9” diameters. Plastic spoons, forks, and knives are all sold separately in boxes of 100. Biodegradable 12oz bowls are sold in cases of 1000.

   

Coffee Supplies

If your employees are lucky, you might provide them with complimentary coffee. Coffee has become a major part of any work environment. It helps get employees awake and ready for a long day of work. If your office has a coffee machine, you will need coffee cups, lids, filters, & stir sticks. Coffee creamer, sugar, and Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee are also necessities.

Basic Cleaning Supplies:

Some workplaces have either a full-time janitor or a cleaning crew that comes in on a regular basis. In other cases, it falls on the employees to keep a clean & tidy workplace. No matter the case, an office always needs the appropriate janitorial supplies readily available.

   

Trash Can + Trash Bags

Along with a dumpster that is most likely located out back and provided by the city, a workplace needs smaller trash cans throughout the office to dispose of trash throughout the day. It is important to have trash bags to go along with your trash cans as well. Benchmark offers Glad brand kitchen drawstring trash bags that are meant to fit a 10 gallon trash can.

   

Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner

Lysol manufactures a lemon scented spray that cleans, disinfects, deodorizes and kills 99.99% of germs & bacteria. It is most commonly used to spray down dirty surfaces and wiped up with a paper towel.

   

Disinfectant Wipes

Clorox Disinfectant Wipes are a great thing to have available at the office. These disinfecting wipes kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses as well as remove common allergens. They disinfect and deodorize surfaces with a fresh smell for a bleach-free, all-in-one cleaning alternative. These disinfectant wipes are available in lemon and fresh scent.

   

Purell Hand Sanitizing Wipes

These hand sanitizing wipes come in canisters of 270 wipes. They are designed to be used on one’s hands and kill 99.99% of most common germs. Moisturizing properties in the wipes keep your hands soft and prevent them from drying out.

   

If you have any needs for Office, Kitchen or Cleaning supplies, feel free to contact a Benchmark Product Expert at 844-423-6246. Reference our online catalog for Benchmark’s additional office supply offerings.