The Stationery Checklist: Are You Truly Ready for the New School Year or Financial Year?

The start of a new school year or financial year is a fresh start—a time for new goals, renewed energy, and ambitious plans. But nothing halts momentum faster than the frustration of not having the right tools for the job. A missing whiteboard marker during a crucial strategy session, or a student without glue for their project, can cause unnecessary disruption.

At Desk Essentials, we believe preparation is power. Before you dive into the busyness of the new term or fiscal year, take a moment to conduct a simple but effective stationery audit. This proactive approach saves time, money, and stress down the line.

Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure your school or office is 100% ready.

The Ultimate Stationery Audit Checklist

Part A: The Core Essentials – For Every School and Office

✅ Writing Instruments:

• Ballpoint Pens (blue, black, red)

• Pencils (HB, 2B) and quality pencil sharpeners

• Whiteboard Markers (assorted colours) & Dry Erasers

• Highlighters (assorted colours)

• Permanent Markers (e.g., for labelling)

✅ Paper & Notetaking:

• A4 Foolscap Pads (lined and blank)

• Hardcover & Softcover A4 Exercise Books (for schools)

• Sticky Notes (various sizes)

• A4 Printing & Copier Paper (a full ream, don’t wait to run out!)

✅ Adhesives & Correction:

• Pritt Glue Sticks

• Liquid Paper / Correction Fluid

• Clear Adhesive Tape and Dispensers

✅ Filing & Organisation:

• Lever Arch Files & Plastic Sleeves

• Box Files or Document Holders

• Binders & Dividers

• Archive Boxes (for end-of-year storage)

Part B: Specialised Needs – Tailor Your Order

For Schools & Universities:
✅ Art & Craft Supplies: Scissors, coloured pencils, crayons, watercolour paints, construction paper.
✅ Classroom Tools: Wall charts, blu-tack, staplers, hole punches, timers.
✅ Administration: Attendance registers, report covers, admission form packets.

For Offices & Businesses:
✅ Presentation & Client Meetings: Professional presentation folders, branded notepads, projector pens.
✅ Workspace Efficiency: Desk organisers, mouse pads, cable management clips, bulletin boards.
✅ Breakroom & Common Areas: Kitchen roll, hand soap, bin liners—often overlooked but essential for morale.

Why an Audit Becomes a Strategic Advantage

1. Prevents “Crisis Buying”: Running out of a critical item forces you to buy whatever is available locally, often at a higher price and lower quality. A planned bulk order is more cost-effective.

2. Identifies Waste: Auditing helps you see what items are consistently unused, allowing you to adjust future orders and reduce unnecessary spending.

3. Boosts Morale and Focus: Providing students and employees with everything they need from day one sends a powerful message: “We are prepared, and we value your success.” It removes a key source of daily friction.

Make Your Audit Actionable with Desk Essentials

Once you’ve completed your checklist, turning it into an order should be the easiest part. That’s where we come in.

• One-Stop Convenience: Find every item on your list at deskessentials.co.za. No need to visit multiple stores or websites.

• Bulk Order Efficiency: We make it simple and affordable to order in the quantities that schools and businesses require.

• Reliable Delivery: Count on us to get your order to you promptly, so you can start the year organised and confident.

Don’t let a missing staple derail your big idea. Start the year as you mean to go on: organised, efficient, and fully equipped.