Enter the humble file cabinet. While these silent office heroes have been around forever, they’ve changed relatively little over time simply because they really don’t need to. Sure, simple design elements may have changed, casters have been added for mobility, and locks have been added for security, but the basic foundation of the design remains the same—a cabinet with large drawers you can pull out for easy access. Office storage solutions can’t get any easier. So, if you’re noticing that your files and documents are piling up faster than you can click “add to cart,” here are the best file cabinets on the market for your consideration. This simple black filing cabinet is just over 24 inches tall, 14.5 inches wide, and 18 inches deep. It features two drawers that are easy to open, thanks to their glide suspension. The Lorell cabinet has a handle on each drawer, as well as a lock, and there are tracks inside so you can use hanging files to easily sort paperwork. Reviewers have plenty of good things to say about this file cabinet, including that it’s lightweight, sturdy, and efficient. Most users agree that this is a great purchase for a home office, and you can’t beat its reasonable price. This file cabinet accommodates both letter and legal size documents as well as hanging files. It stands 30 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 20 inches deep, and the weight capacity tops out at 65.6 pounds. Users may want to take note that the back is not finished, so you’ll likely want it placed up against a wall, and it does require assembly. Additionally, there are two utility drawers and one free stationary tray for small items. What’s more, the Devais file cabinet comes with five casters (4 for the corners and one middle caster to prevent tipping), so you can move the file cabinet with relative ease, and once in place, the casters are lockable. This file cabinet measures 11.8 x 17.7 x 23.2 inches, and the max weight tops out at 330 pounds. The full high side drawers easily accommodate letter-sized files and hanging folders, as well as office supplies like extra copy paper, ink, etc. This mobile file cabinet comes with four casters, so it’s completely mobile, and with steel construction with a baked enamel finish, it’ll likely be durable enough for repeated cross-office trips. Lorell’s two-drawer file cabinet stands 24.5 x 14.3 x 18 inches. On its own, it weighs 20 pounds, so with files, you should still be able to move it around with relative ease.
What to Look for in a File Cabinet
Size
When you’re shopping for a file cabinet, the size of the cabinet should be one of your first considerations. Think about how much you need to store and the size of your documents and purchase accordingly. Most cabinets will accommodate standard 8.5 x 11 paper; however, if you work with legal-size documents, archival material, blueprints, etc., obviously, you’ll need to find a file cabinet that will accommodate these sizes.
Security
While plastic models may be less expensive, they can’t accommodate efficient locking mechanisms, so if you’re storing sensitive documents, you may want to invest in wooden or metal file cabinets. In addition to protecting your documents from prying eyes, you should also consider protecting them from other types of accidents. To that end, steel file cabinets tend to provide the maximum amount of protection; not only are they impact-resistant, but they can keep the contents safe from water damage as well.
Cost
Even a cursory search will reveal file cabinets come in a wide range of price points. They can run as low as $40, and well into the hundreds. For light storage and home offices, a $40 file cabinet will likely suffice and serve its purpose to clear away clutter and help you keep household documents organized. For a business, however, you may want to invest in something a bit more durable. Look for something that can handle the wear and tear over the years and one that offers a bit more security for sensitive information in a busy office.
