The top 10 must-have items for your small office
Setting up a small office, or already have one and need to make it more functional? Being a small team ourselves, we thought we’d share our list of the top 10 must-have items for your small office – some practical, some often overlooked, but all essential!

Coat stand
If you’ve ever walked into an office where every chair has a jacket thrown over it, you know why a coat stand is a must. It keeps things neat and makes sure your workspace looks professional.
Tea & coffee
Let’s be honest – an office without tea and coffee is a sad place. A well-stocked tea and coffee station keeps energy levels up, boosts morale, and makes meetings (or just Monday mornings) a little more bearable. Whether it’s a fancy coffee machine or a trusty kettle, make sure you have the fuel to keep everyone going.


Paper
Even in today’s digital age, paper is a necessity. Whether it’s for printing documents, or keeping a physical record of something important, a good stock of paper makes sure you’re never caught off guard when you need it most.
Dishwasher tablets
If you’re lucky enough to have a dishwasher in your office, do yourself a favour and keep a stock of dishwasher tablets. A pile of dirty coffee cups in the sink is a universal office headache. Having these on hand means nobody has to stress about being next on the dreaded washing up rota.


Flipchart pads
When ideas are flying around in a meeting, a flipchart pad is a lifesaver. It’s great for presentations, planning sessions, or even just jotting down reminders. Plus, it’s very satisfying tearing off a full sheet and slapping it onto the wall for everyone to see (we know, we’re stationery nerds!)
Chairs
Having comfortable, ergonomic chairs is non-negotiable when you’re sat beavering away for hours. Uncomfortable seating leads to bad posture, back pain, and a grumpy workforce. Matt, in our new business team loves his chairs so, if you need help choosing, give him a call on 0345 567 4000.


Pens
Where do all the pens go? No one knows; probably the same place as socks or hairbands! But what’s more annoying than a missing pen? No spare pens! Keep a steady supply on hand for note-taking, signing documents, and those moments when inspiration strikes.
Printer
Even if you’re mostly digital, there will always be a time when you need to print something. Contracts, reports, invoices – you name it. A reliable printer can save you time and money in the most important moments.


Rubbish bin
It may not be the most exciting item on this list, but a good rubbish bin is essential for keeping a clean and organised workspace. Nobody wants to see wrappers, used sticky notes, and used takeaway coffee cups piling up on desks. Bonus points if you get one with recycling options! Do you know about the new recycling legislation coming into effect in March 2025 for most workplaces? We can help you get ready. For more guidance we recommend a look at the government website.
Hand soap
An often-overlooked essential, hand soap is crucial for keeping germs at bay – especially in shared office spaces. Whether it’s before lunch or after using shared equipment, having a good hand soap available helps keep everyone healthy.

Final Thoughts
We’ve got all these items in our office, and honestly, we couldn’t do without them – unsung heroes. From keeping things clean and organised to making sure the team are comfortable and caffeinated (other drinks options are available), we think these ten items are the basics of a productive, happy workspace.
Recent Comments