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.

What Can Be Done With a Five Drawer Lateral File

If you are thinking of purchasing a filing cabinet, then you probably have a pretty good idea of what your needs are. When making your choice, a five drawer lateral cabinet should be one of your considerations. They have a very large file capacity and are very durable. The main advantage to the lateral cabinet over the vertical cabinet is ease of reaching your stored files. It is sometimes difficult to reach the papers in the back of the drawer and not nearly as convenient as the file access in the lateral cabinet.

Having a good filing system is vital to operating your business at an optimum pace. The five drawer lateral cabinet can prove to be beneficial in the fact that it will most certainly improve productivity. When you have plenty of space to keep your important files in order, your employees will save time digging through unnecessary stacks of paper. This makes the task at hand go much quicker and the employee is able to move on to the next task. Organization is one of the most important keys to success.

The five drawer lateral file expands your filing options. With so many drawers to choose from, your filing style and needs will surely be met. Whether you need your files in order by date or alphabetically, by job type or by customer name, you can make it happen. By putting them in the perfect order for your business you will be able to find what you need in a moments notice. This is one of the most valuable aspects of this system.

The Many Ways To Use A Three Drawer Lateral File

The lateral file is not the most common filing cabinet, however it is growing in popularity. While most people are familiar with the vertical filers, the three drawer lateral file can be much more versatile. With the drawers being wide, rather than deep, it changes the dynamic as far as use goes. They are no longer being used for just the typical filing and sorting of papers and documents, but rather as a means to organize and store a wide variety of items.

If you choose to use your three drawer lateral file for the most obvious purpose you still have plenty of options as to how you will organize your filing, either by date, subject or by item. You can file such things as owner's manuals, tax returns, mortgage agreements, auto loans and monthly bills and expenses.

On the other hand, the three drawer lateral file can be used to store many more items than just documents and paperwork. Many people have begun using them to store crafting and hobby tools. A seamstress may use it to help store and sort different colors and types of thread, and a painter can use it to organize their paints and brushes. A person who likes scrap booking can sort and store different paper patterns and colors as well as various ribbons and other memorabilia that is commonly used for this hobby. It is also a great place to store photos and keep them organized, by date, event or subject. There really is not a limit to just what you can store in them.

One more way to utilize your three drawer lateral file is as a piece of furniture. It may come in handy to fill a nook or empty space that you just didn't know what to do with. Or as a place to display your favorite vase or a nice family photo. Placing a sitting chair beside it is another great idea. You could even place a lamp on the cabinet and have a nice quiet place to read your favorite book. Don't be stuck on the traditional idea of how to use the cabinet and make it work best for you.