The Lateral Filing Cabinet And It's History

As with anything that has been invented, the lateral filing cabinet has a history. Most things that we use on a day to day basis have been improved upon and tweaked several times before finding the way to make it work the best. Well, this cabinet is no different. The first original file cabinet was created around the 1880's and was a horizontal box that could be locked and was fire proof to keep your documents safe. This first prototype was changed with the invention of the standard vertical cabinet. This type was very well received and has been popular ever since. This is by far the most common cabinet available, however, the lateral filing cabinet has been making a name for itself since the late 1990's when the face of filing changed forever. There is now another option and people are happy to have choices.

With the time between the first invention and the lateral filing cabinet, there was a change in the way we stored our important documents. The earliest style of organization was to bundle papers in groups or in envelopes and set them in the cabinet. This was pretty troublesome when it came time to find a certain piece of paper. The method evolved to storing papers in hanging file folders. This was much easier as you could have your files placed in some type of order, such as alphabetically or numerically, and this was essential to true organization. The lateral filing cabinet became popular as people were able to use a cabinet of different size and stature. Not to mention the ease of filing side to side rather than front to back. Keeping important papers orderly and accessible has never been easier.

Lateral Files and Their Purpose

Even though the vertical filing cabinet is the most well known among most companies, it is not the only filing choice available to you. Lateral files are growing in popularity and are proving to be quite useful in many instances. They are being used in offices that have a large abundance of files and the need to access them in a speedy manner. They are easier to use than the vertical cabinets as the drawers open up all the way and you are able to see each file and the tabs on the folders. There is no longer a need to reach into very back and pull out eight or nine folders when you are trying to get to the one you need. Instead, you are able to see exactly what you need and pull only that file.

The most common feature of the lateral files is the ability to file in either the standard front-to-back way, or in a side-to-side manner. This versatility has proven to beneficial to many office staff. Sometimes you have a need to keep your files in one particular direction and having that option available to you is a plus. There is another perk that is becoming quite popular. In the lateral files that have five drawers, there is an optional flip down drawer front that enables you to see all the files and folder tabs without the need to stand on a chair or a ladder. This is a very nice feature that has gotten rave reviews. Whichever method you prefer, take a look at the options that are available and see how they can help make your office run just a little bit more smoothly.

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.