What Exactly Is A Lateral File?

The term lateral file is not widely known, however it is becoming more popular as people are beginning to realize just what it is. As a consumer, you are no longer subjected to using the typical vertical cabinet for your filing needs. For so many years there was only one option when it came to purchasing a filing cabinet.

The lateral file offers a new option for business owners and office managers. It is very user friendly and has the option of filing in the traditional front to back method, or in the way that the files hang from side to side. This type of drawer is helpful in another way as well, you no longer have to dig in the very back of the cabinet to pull the last file. You are able to see all of your files and folders each time the drawer is opened.

The lateral file is generally not as deep as the vertical cabinet and is typically around 20 inches in depth. They are usually made in widths of thirty, thirty-six and forty-two inches and normally have from two to five drawers in them. The versatility of this style of cabinet is key when it comes to confined office spaces. An office with cubicles would be one instance where the shorter cabinet style would be beneficial. There is limited space in this type of situation and a lateral file would be able to fit neatly beneath the desktop while enabling the employee to have all the paperwork they may need within their reach at all times.

Lateral File Drawer and the Benefits

Most people are not very familiar with the term lateral file drawer, but the use of the lateral cabinet is becoming more wide spread. There are some pretty great advantages to the new type of cabinet versus the old typical vertical filing system. The most obvious perk is that you are able to find your files without reaching into the dark abyss of the vertical drawer and having to pull out several folders in able to find the single file you needed. The folders in the lateral file drawer are generally filed from side to side instead of front to back and this makes it much easier as you are able to see each and every folder tab from the first to the last file.

Although the lateral file drawer has not been around as long as it’s vertical counterpart, people are quickly learning the benefit of the new system over the old system. One thing that people are really finding to be advantageous is that you are able to file your folders in one of two different ways, either side to side, or the more traditional way of front to back. Even if you choose the front to back method, you will be able to see all of your files easily as the drawer pulls all the way out and there are no files hidden in the back of the drawer. The ease of use and the flexibility is a wonderful thing and a fabulous reason to consider the lateral file drawer and cabinet over the vertical type.