File cabinets help keep your documents organized and protected. To choose the right file cabinet for your home or office space, you should consider how much space you have and what types of documents you will be storing.
Vertical File Cabinets
The most common type of filing cabinet is a vertical cabinet. Vertical file cabinets can vary in the number of drawers, from one to five. Usually the one and two drawer vertical filing cabinets offer other storage space such as a cubby, or pencil drawers. Vertical file cabinets can hold letter and legal size documents. Vertical files are stored with the files facing the user, which makes it easy to see the name on the file tab.
When choosing a vertical filing cabinet, make sure to consider the space requirements necessary. The height and width of the cabinet is the common consideration, however, don't forget to analyze the depth (front to back measurement) of the cabinet plus the required space when the file drawer is opened. To get the appropriate space requirements when the drawer is open, simply double the depth of the filing cabinet plus about a two foot access area.
Lateral filing cabinets are wider and shorter that vertical cabinets and are designed to handle a larger filing capacity. Lateral files can have two to five drawers and also hold either legal or letter size files. As compared to vertical files, the front of the file faces the side of the cabinet. Lateral files compliment office enviroments as a part of the desk arrangement and can provide excellent filing space without taking up so much depth. With the right desk capability, lateral filing cabinets can be place underneath the desk to allow more space in the cubicle or office space.
Since lateral files are not as deep as vertical cabinets, not only do they not take up as much room when the drawers are closed, the drawers do not pull out as far and therefore they are very usefull in a smaller enviroment.
View our Lateral Filing Cabinets Here.
Mobile Filing Cabinets
Need mobility? Then a filing cabinet on casters may be the answer. Mobile filing cabinets are usually smaller- 2 to 3 drawers, and offer many features such as lockable casters, hanging file drawers and some offer cubbies or shelves for extra storage. Because of their height being lower, the top of the cabinet can be used for holding a printer or offer more desktop space.
If you have confidential files that need to be secured, then a locking feature is a necessity. It is common to have a single lock that secures all drawers in the file cabinet.
Wood cabinets have a very warm feel that can compliment or match an office grouping. Solid wood filing cabinets can be long lasting and enhance your office decor, however you will pay a price for the solid wood quality. Pressboard or particle board filing cabinets are much more affordable, but don't plan on them lasting forever. For the most durability, steel is an excellent choice. Steel can withstand the abuse that daily file access can dish out.
