Setting up an office is an exciting step in your new venture. However, it can be overwhelming if you consider all the factors that go into setting up the perfect space.

Of course, you want to ensure everything goes smoothly from the start. That way, your office setting creates a productive environment for you and your team.

To ensure you create an optimal office space that serves your startup, follow this guide on how to set one up.

1. Create a List of Everything You Need

You may be feeling anxious to start your office space arrangement. Yet, organizing is the key to ensuring your setup goes smoothly. This ensures you don’t miss out on an important feature that’s a must-have in your office.

Therefore, creating a checklist of equipment and services is highly important.

Here are some of the most common office supplies and services you might need for your new space:

• Furniture: Choose office furniture that best suits your needs. Desks and chairs need to be comfortable for productive work, but you’ll also need to consider the layout.
• Computers: What type of computers will you need for your office?
• Software: Make a list of software you need to keep your business running.
• Internet: Discover which internet service providers offer reliable connection and speed.
• Phones and Phone Service: Consider whether you need desk phones, cell phones or conference phones. Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether a standard or VoIP (voice-over-internet-protocol) system is best.
• Security: Will you need an alarm or video surveillance system?

2. Design a Productive Layout

Now that you have a checklist, consider what type of layout you’ll need for your office space. Doing so will help you learn how much furniture you’ll need to purchase.

You have various layouts to consider. However, you’ll want to choose the one that accommodates your team’s work style. This ensures you’re creating a productive workflow and positive work environment.

Here are a few office layout examples to choose from:

• Open concept: An open floor plan gives you lots of space. It’s great for maximizing collaboration. Yet, it doesn’t provide much privacy or personal storage space, which often conjures distractions.
• Closed concept: A closed floor plan gives your team more storage and privacy, so they have more personal space. However, this makes for a less collaborative environment and it requires more room to fit seating.
• Modular Workstation: You get the best of both worlds by combining privacy, larger working space, more storage and opportunities for collaboration. Many choose this layout since it’s customizable.

Other features you might want to consider in the layout are common areas, like a kitchen, break room and conference rooms. When you think of adding new amenities, it helps to plan the design around your startup’s culture.

You’ll also need to consider your employees, clients and investors to maintain a pleasant atmosphere. For example, some startups choose to create an exercise or meditation room to make the most of their employees’ free time.

3. Consider Purchasing Wholesale Furniture

Most entrepreneurs don’t consider purchasing wholesale furniture when setting up their new office space. Of course, you can always buy individual furniture at a low cost because you may be thinking about spacing issues.

However, purchasing individual pieces of furniture at a lower expense could cost you productivity because of lower comfort.

Meanwhile, bulk furniture ensures you save money while receiving high-quality furniture for your startup. Plus, wholesale means creating a cohesive look for your office. Some companies even provide installation and expedited shipping when you order through them.

Choosing the Perfect Office Furniture

Furniture can either make or break your office. For instance, you might need aesthetically pleasing desks to make the office look appealing. At the same time, you’ll need to accommodate your employees’ needs, and you’ll need to consider the devices you’re using.

Will all of your employees be working on PCs or will they have laptops on their desks?

Once you determine their needs, you’ll need to focus on whether to choose standing desks, executive desks, conference training tables, or one that fits your office layout.. The market is full of desks with various benefits and drawbacks. You could have your team’s input on the matter when choosing the perfect workstation.

You’ll also need to consider chairs. If your staff sits at a desk all day, their productivity will depend on the chair’s comfort. Ergonomic chairs may be an essential investment since they prevent back and neck pain for office workers.

4. Filing and Storage

Regarding your physical storage, you may be limited in space. Therefore, you may need cloud-based storage solutions to keep your business’s operation successful and organized. A few examples of cloud-based storage will include accounting software, human resources, payroll services and sales.

Nonetheless, you’ll also need storage for your office supplies. Pens, staplers, printer paper, marketing supplies and brochures should have a place of their own.

You can also find neat desk gadgets online, so your office setup feels like a suitable place to work.

5. Additional Services for Your Office

Depending on your office’s size, you may need to budget for a weekly cleaning service. If you’re going for a certain appeal in the design or want to showcase your startup’s branding, you may need to have someone paint the office. An interior designer could also come in to make the office feel lively if your budget allows it.

On the other hand, some startups sign up for subscription-based programs that can make the environment more attractive. For example, live plants can offer appeal and have many other benefits for wellness and productivity. In addition, you’ll need to maintain the supply of your vending machines for workers to grab drinks and snacks.

No matter the services you choose, this is one step you’ll need to set up before moving your business into your new space.

Set Up Your Office Space for a Sufficient Start

Setting up your new office space will require your full attention. Like every project, the more planning involved, the easier the process becomes.

That’s why you need a checklist to ensure you have everything from the start. Follow these tips to ensure you’re not missing anything and let your setup take off.

Eleanor is the founder and managing editor of Designerly Magazine. She’s also a web design consultant with a focus on customer experience and user interface. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and dogs, Bear and Lucy. Connect with her about marketing, design and/or tea on LinkedIn!