When you are setting up your new office, it is important to take into account the storage of your files. You will have to determine what files are needed immediately and what will be needed in the future. Although file cabinets are always taken for granted, offices need to have them. When shopping around for file cabinets, you will have to choose between the most common types of file cabinets: the vertical file cabinets and the lateral file cabinets.

Vertical File Cabinets

Vertical file cabinets are deeper than they are wide, and folders are filed in drawers one behind the other through to the back. You may be more familiar with vertical file cabinets because they are those types that fit better into some small spaces. Vertical file cabinets are also generally less costly, and easier to use.

You can choose two- to five-drawer-height vertical file cabinets, but the most commonly used are the four-drawer-height vertical file cabinets. If you want a greater capacity, you can always opt for the five-drawer height vertical file cabinets to make use of the additional 25 percent storage space with only a modest additional cost.

Depending on the design of the vertical file cabinets, you can store folders holding letter-size (8 ½ x 11 in.), or legal-size (8 ½ x 14) sheets. The approximate width of the letter-size vertical file cabinets is fifteen inches, and eighteen inches for the legal-size vertical file cabinets. You will have to give an allowance of three-foot aisles so you can open vertical file cabinets all the way.

Vertical file cabinets, usually, come with a lock which adds security to your checks, and confidential files. Another advantage of having vertical file cabinets in your office is that your records will be free of dirt and dust.

Lateral File Cabinets

Lateral file cabinets are wider than they are deep, and the folders are filed along the cabinet width. If you anticipate a huge number of documents to be stored in file cabinets, then lateral file cabinets can do the job for you because they have greater storage density. Lateral file cabinets are more versatile and attractive than vertical file cabinets. However, they can be expensive.

Lateral file cabinets are so flexible because you can incorporate them in the design of your office stations. You can use the front side of lateral file cabinets for files and special insets, while the back side can be utilized as a divider, or a place to hang your chalkboard or tackboard. 

Like vertical file cabinets, lateral file cabinets are also available in letter-size and legal-size designs. You can find lateral file cabinets with width 30, 36 and 42 inches; although the most common width of lateral file cabinets is 36. These make lateral file cabinets ideal for narrow spaces. Lateral file cabinets can also be locked, and dust- and dirt-free.  You can also utilize the tops of lateral file cabinets for assembly of documents, and a place where to put your printers, or other small office equipment.

No matter what type of file cabinets you would choose from, good quality should be your top priority. It would be wise not to scrimp too much; instead, get file cabinets that can withstand years of heavy use. Remember the file cabinets are meant to protect your important documents. Test the drawers to ensure that they have smooth and easy operation; you would not want the drawers to drag or the entire cabinet to tip when fully loaded. If you are trying to save money, consider buying second-hand file cabinets that are still in good condition. Some other firm may be upgrading their storage equipment and they may have file cabinets that you can buy at a discount.