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How Do I Choose the Best Steel File Cabinet?

Nicole Long
Nicole Long

Choosing the best steel file cabinet usually begins with surveying your needs. This includes deciding on the size of file cabinet that you need for storing your files and the space you have to dedicate to a steel file cabinet. Other things to investigate include the security features offered and the style of cabinet you feel best suits your taste and surroundings.

Individuals and businesses alike can benefit from the organization and security file cabinets provide. Storing documents and important papers in a file cabinet can help you quickly locate necessary information for personal or business reasons. Often, file cabinets are constructed of different materials including wood and steel.

Steel cabinets are available in a variety of colors.
Steel cabinets are available in a variety of colors.

Evaluating the amount and type of files you have to store will help you decide on the steel file cabinet that will best suit your individual situation. For instance, a two-drawer file cabinet may suffice if you have only personal documents, such as bills and tax documents, to store. If you own a business, you may decide that a larger filing cabinet, specifically designed to store legal-sized documents, better suits your needs. Of course, you also need to decide if purchasing separate cabinets for personal and business paperwork makes more sense given your individual circumstance.

Padlocks may be used to secure file cabinets.
Padlocks may be used to secure file cabinets.

Surveying the amount of space you have for your steel file cabinet is another concern to address when choosing between models. Filing cabinets are often available in vertical and lateral models. Vertical models will fit in areas where height is not an issue, while lateral models work well if you plan to store them under shelving or use them to hold office equipment, such as a fax machine or telephone.

When considering the many options available, also take into account your need for security and confidentiality. Papers and documents that contain personal information or sensitive financial data should be stored in a secure environment. Take some time to check into cabinets with locking mechanisms when making a decision between various models. You may also want to consider purchasing a steel file cabinet that is specifically manufactured to withstand fire.

Beyond the space and security concerns, you may also want to choose a cabinet that best reflects your style, and will continue to meet your needs for years to come. Steel cabinets are available in a wide range of colors, typically giving you an opportunity to choose one that fits with your other office décor. In addition, you want to choose a filing cabinet that will expand with you as your need to store documents changes over time.

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    • Steel cabinets are available in a variety of colors.
      By: Sashkin
      Steel cabinets are available in a variety of colors.
    • Padlocks may be used to secure file cabinets.
      By: VRD
      Padlocks may be used to secure file cabinets.