|
 The lateral file drawer is a term you may not be very familiar with, however, the use of the cabinet they fit in is becoming more wide spread and a bit more well known. There are advantages to the lateral filing system that the vertical cabinets do not offer. The first would most definitely be the ease of use when it comes to finding the specific file you are looking for. The way the drawers are set up also helps with being able to see each file. If you are familiar with the vertical filing cabinet then you know just how tough it can be to find a file in the very back of the drawer. It is difficult to see the very back and that makes it tough to find what you are trying to get your hands on. Since the files in the lateral file drawer are normally filed from side to side, instead of front to back, you are able to read every file tab and are more likely to find what you need in a shorter amount of time. This make it much more efficient than the vertical style.
The lateral file drawer has not been around as long as the vertical filing drawers and cabinets, but they are growing in popularity. The vertical cabinet has been around for nearly two hundred years while the lateral filing systems have only been around for a little over ten years. There is large time gap between the two, so there is naturally a lot more history on the former system than the latter.
A great advantage to filing in a lateral file drawer is the fact that you can choose to store your files in one of two ways, either the traditional front to back method, or from side to side. Some people find this to be an especially appealing feature as you may have a need to file certain things the way you did in your older cabinet. You could also choose to store some folders from front to back in one drawer, while storing others from side to side in the next drawer. Which ever way works best for you, it is nice to have the flexibility to choose your option.
You will most certainly find that when you use a lateral file drawer you will have an easier time finding a specific file right when you need it most. The side to side filing style is a real bonus in the fact that you are able to see each file and accessing it is a breeze. Another advantage to the lateral file drawer over the vertical is the shape and size of the cabinet. The lower profile on the lateral cabinet can make it very useful as you can use the top for other things. Some people put a chair beside the cabinet and a small lamp on top for a nice place to sit and read. You can also display framed pictures and even a few of your favorite books to help make the piece a little more appealing to your space.
|
