Most people dread facing unorganised piles of paperwork, but keeping your office organised and clutter-free is essential for productivity and peace of mind. A good filing cabinet is at the heart of organisation, but it can be hard to know where to start.
At Order Office Furniture, we understand the pivotal role that office filing cabinets play in your workspace. And, selecting the right sizes is essential when it comes to having a clutter-free office. In this guide, we’ll take you through the different filing cabinet sizes as well as tell you the benefits of investing in one.
Let’s get into it!
Why do you need a filing cabinet?
Before we delve into the different filing cabinet sizes and types, it might be beneficial for you to understand the need behind them. If you have a lot of paper documents or important files that need to be organised and kept safe, then a filing cabinet can be a valuable investment, as well as office cupboards and other storage solutions.
Some of the benefits of a filing cabinet include:
- Better organisation - filing cabinets allow you to categorise and arrange your documents, making them easy to find when you need them, saving you time and frustration.
- Protection for your documents - they can shield your documents from damage such as tears, stains, or creases, as well as keep them out of reach from pets, dust, and moisture.
- Space-saving - you can make the most of your space by keeping your documents neatly contained and off your desk or other surfaces.
- Extra security - some filing cabinets come with locks which will help to protect sensitive or confidential information.
For further organisation tips, have a read of our blog: Office Storage Ideas For Your Home.
Types of filing cabinets
Just like your other pieces of office storage, it’s no surprise that filing cabinets come in a variety of materials to suit different office designs and requirements. Most people tend to opt for metal filing cabinets as they offer both durability and security. However, wooden filing cabinets are also a popular choice as they are much more stylish and are found in more executive settings. Some other popular types of filing cabinets include:
Vertical filing cabinets
These are typically the things you think about when you picture a filing cabinet. They are tall and narrow, great for maximising floor space and are ideal for storing letter-sized documents. They typically have 2 to 5 drawers, depending on how tall you want it to be and how much space you have to offer.
Lateral filing cabinets
These are much shorter and wider than vertical cabinets. However, they offer more storage space per drawer and are better suited for legal-sized documents or large quantities of files. They tend to have 2 to 4 deep drawers, perfect for personal and professional use.
Mobile filing cabinets
This type of filing cabinet is much smaller and portable, and it usually has wheels. They are perfect for small offices or those who work from home where space is quite limited. A mobile filing cabinet can fit under a desk and be easily moved around as needed. Typically, they will have fewer drawers with less space than a vertical or lateral filing cabinet.
There are also other specialised filing cabinets such as flat filing cabinets, that are used for storing large documents like maps or blueprints. You can also opt for office bookcases that will allow much easier access to your files and other important documents.
Standard filing cabinet dimensions
There is an abundance of filing cabinet sizes on offer, but knowing the standard dimensions for different types is crucial. Typically, 2 drawer filing cabinets measure at around 29 inches in height, 15 inches in width, and 28 inches in depth. Ideal for smaller offices or personal use, they’re great for fitting under desks.
However, if you need more space, then a vertical filing cabinet might be more appropriate. These often stand at around 40 inches tall while maintaining the same width and depth as a 2-drawer module. An additional drawer offers extra room for documents, making them perfect for medium-sized storage needs.
How to choose the right filing cabinet for you
When it comes to actually choosing a filing cabinet, it involves a lot more than just picking a design with enough drawers. You need to think about the amount of space you have available, the type of documents you need to store, and your budget. With so many filing cabinets to choose from, follow these steps to ensure you make the right choice…
Step 1: Consider the types of documents that you’ll want to store. Are they A4, letters, or another size? This will determine how big or small your filing cabinet will need to be.
Step 2: Think about security features. Will you need drawers with a lock to keep sensitive and important paperwork safe?
Step 3: Consider your cabinet material. Metal cabinets are durable and are favoured for their strength and durability, whereas wooden cabinets provide a more elegant look. Pair with a wooden office chair for a cohesive look.
Step 4: Finally, consider your aesthetics and overall fit. The colour and finish you choose should complement your existing office furniture. You might want elements like anti-tilt mechanisms that will help to improve functionality.
Organise your workspace with Order Office Furniture
Hopefully, this blog has been beneficial in telling you about the variety of filing cabinet sizes, as well as the benefits they have on your workspace. A suitable filing cabinet not only enhances your organisation but also contributes to a more productive working environment!
For more information, you can get in touch with us or give us a ring on 01484 420 088. A member of our team will be more than happy to get back to you. Alternatively, you can come and see our office furniture in person by visiting our showroom in Huddersfield.
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