New Office Setup Checklist: Everything You Need to Get Started

Moving into a brand-new space or refreshing an existing one? Setting up an office properly from day one saves time, money and headaches down the track. This priority-ordered checklist covers every essential category so you can open the doors with confidence.

Priority 1: Furniture Basics

Before anything else hits the floor, you need somewhere for people to sit and work. Start with the big-ticket items and build outward.

• Desks, one per workstation, with enough surface area for a monitor, keyboard and notepad. Sit-stand desks are worth the investment if the budget allows.
• Ergonomic office chairs with adjustable height, lumbar support and armrests.
• A meeting table and chairs for collaborative spaces.
• Reception desk or counter if your office is client-facing.
• Bookshelves or open shelving for shared reference materials.

Priority 2: Tech Essentials

Modern offices run on connectivity. Get your technology sorted before staff arrive so everything is tested and working.

• Computers or laptops for every workstation.
• Monitors. Consider dual screens for productivity-heavy roles.
• Keyboards, mice and mouse pads.
• A reliable multifunction printer/scanner/copier. Check out our range of office machines for options that suit small to mid-size teams.
• Network router, switches and cabling (or a managed Wi-Fi solution).
• Surge protectors and power boards for every desk cluster.
• Phone system or VoIP headsets.
• Shredder for sensitive documents. A cross-cut model is the minimum standard for most Australian privacy obligations.

Priority 3: Stationery and Writing Supplies

Even in a digital-first workplace, pen and paper remain indispensable. Stock up on the basics so nobody has to make a last-minute dash to the shops.

• Ballpoint and gel pens in blue and black. See our pen guide for detailed recommendations.
• Highlighters. A set of four colours is plenty for most teams.
• Permanent markers and whiteboard markers.
• Notepads, sticky notes and lined writing pads.
• Pencils, erasers and a quality sharpener.
• Rulers, scissors and craft knives.
• Tape dispensers with refills, glue sticks and correction tape.
• Staplers, staple removers and a heavy-duty hole punch.
• Paper clips, bulldog clips and rubber bands.

Browse our full Writing and Art range. Orders over $79 ship free Australia-wide.

Priority 4: Filing and Storage

A disorganised office is an unproductive one. Set up your filing infrastructure before paperwork starts piling up.

• Filing cabinet, vertical or lateral depending on your floor space.
• Suspension (hanging) folders and manila folders in assorted colours.
• Lever arch files and ring binders for policy documents and manuals.
• Label maker or pre-printed labels for consistent identification.
• Archive boxes for end-of-year records and compliance documents.
• Desk organisers, pen cups and document trays.

Need a deeper dive? Our Filing and Storage Guide walks you through systems, colour coding and best practices.

Priority 5: Printing and Paper

Running out of copy paper on your first Monday is a rookie mistake. Stock more than you think you need.

• A4 copy paper. Start with at least five reams (2,500 sheets) per printer.
• Printer toner or ink cartridges. Always keep one spare set on hand.
• Envelopes in DL, C5 and C4 sizes.
• Letterhead and compliment slips if your branding requires them.
• Laminating pouches and a laminator for signage and frequently handled documents.

Priority 6: Kitchen and Breakroom

A well-stocked kitchen keeps morale high and reduces the number of coffee-run absences. These are the non-negotiables.

• Kettle, microwave and a compact fridge as the bare minimum.
• Mugs, glasses, plates, cutlery and a drying rack.
• Tea, coffee, sugar, milk and a selection of herbal teas.
• Dishwashing liquid, sponges and tea towels.
• Paper towels and a rubbish bin with liner bags.
• Filtered water jug or plumbed water cooler.

Priority 7: Cleaning Supplies

A clean workspace is a productive workspace. Even if you have a contract cleaner, keep day-to-day supplies on hand for spills and touch-ups.

• Surface spray and disinfectant wipes for desks, kitchens and shared equipment.
• Hand soap and hand sanitiser for bathrooms and common areas.
• Toilet paper and paper hand towels.
• Vacuum cleaner or broom and dustpan.
• Mop and bucket for hard floors.
• Bin liners in small, medium and large sizes.

Priority 8: First Aid and Safety

Australian workplaces are required to have appropriate first aid provisions. Don't skip this one. It's both a legal obligation and a duty of care.

• A workplace first aid kit compliant with Safe Work Australia guidelines.
• Fire extinguisher (check your local council requirements for type and placement).
• Emergency exit signage and evacuation plan posted in a visible location.
• First aid officer training for at least one team member.
• Incident report forms or a digital reporting tool.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Setup

• Order in bulk. Consolidating your supply order means fewer deliveries, less packaging waste and better per-unit pricing. With SupplyDesk, orders over $79 qualify for free shipping across Australia.
• Create a reorder schedule. Set calendar reminders to audit consumables like toner, paper, tea and coffee every fortnight for the first three months, then monthly once you know your usage patterns.
• Assign an office supplies champion. One person responsible for orders prevents duplicate purchases and keeps the budget in check.
• Think ergonomics early. Adjustable monitor arms, footrests and wrist rests cost very little but pay dividends in staff comfort and wellbeing.