Vertical filing cabinets are tall and slender units, while lateral filing cabinets are wider. The choice between them depends on the available office floor space and the total volume of documents requiring storage.
The primary difference is the footprint and storage capacity of the unit relative to the office layout.
When to choose vertical filing cabinets?
Vertical cabinets are the taller and more slender options, typically featuring between 2 to 5 drawers. They are the most practical choice for small office spaces or for staff who only need to store a few documents. This configuration minimises the floor footprint while maintaining vertical accessibility.
When to choose lateral filing cabinets?
Lateral cabinets are the wider option and usually contain 2 to 4 drawers. These are designed for larger office spaces that need to store a higher volume of files. The wider drawer profile is better for high capacity storage requirements in professional environments.
What are multi-drawer filing cabinets?
For offices with diverse storage needs, multi-drawer filing cabinets provide a combination of both vertical and lateral styles. This hybrid approach allows businesses to store different volumes of documents within a single unit. It is a flexible option for changing office requirements.
How do filing methods affect cabinet choice?
The choice of cabinet often depends on the filing method used, such as alphanumeric or chronological systems. Alphanumeric filing sorts documents in alphabetical order for large volumes, while chronological filing organises papers by date for quicker access. Selecting the correct cabinet ensures these systems remain efficient.
What materials and sorting tools are required?
Effective organisation involves sorting invoices, receipts, quotes, estimates, and bills into manila folders with labels and dividers. Metal cabinets provide a modern aesthetic, while wood options are used for a traditional look. The material choice affects the overall professional feel of the workspace.
Why is system efficiency important?
A well organised office helps a business to be more productive and efficient. Taking the time to set up a proper filing system ensures the office runs smoothly on a daily basis. This process starts with deciding between paper based or digital storage solutions.
How to select the right storage for your space
Choosing the right cabinet requires evaluating the office size, the volume of files, and the budget. Progressive Office provides professional guidance and a wide range of filing options to ensure the right fit. Visit our Kilsyth or Knoxfield showrooms to see these options and their dimensions in person.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between alphanumeric and chronological filing?
Alphanumeric filing sorts documents in alphabetical order, which is useful for large volumes of files. Chronological filing organises documents by the date they were created for faster access.
Which material is best for a modern office look?
Metal cabinets are the preferred choice for a more modern and contemporary office design. Wood cabinets are better suited for those seeking a traditional aesthetic.
Can I combine different filing styles?
Yes, multi-drawer filing cabinets are available as a combination of both vertical and lateral styles.
Questions to ask your supplier before you buy
- Does the cabinet material align with the modern or traditional aesthetic of the current office design?
- Based on the number of drawers, will this specific unit accommodate the projected volume of files?
- How does the wider footprint of a lateral cabinet affect the circulation space in the current floor plan?
