One thing that can make or break an office environment is their filing system. If employees take too long to complete their tasks because they have to spend a significant amount of time searching for pertinent documents in every nook and cranny of the office.
If this is the case, it is a sign to reflect on your company’s filing system. While it may seem like a minor element, filing systems improve the work speed of employees.
Since every office stores and processes various document types, investing in generic filing cabinets may be more detrimental than beneficial. This article will share how to buy the best file cabinet for your office and our review of Agile’s best office filing cabinets for 2024.
Table of Contents
What is a filing system?
Importance and Kinds of Filing in Offices
Types of home and office file cabinets
7 Best File Cabinets in NZ for 2024
Conclusion
What is a filing system?
Filing involves keeping essential records in a secure place and being able to locate them easily and quickly. Properly cared-for paperwork is less likely to tear, get lost, or become dirty.
A filing system serves as the central organization method for a company or organization. It promotes order, efficiency, and transparency. It ensures that anyone who needs access to information can find it without any hassle.
Importance and Kinds of Filing in Offices
It's always satisfying when someone can effortlessly locate what they're looking for. We often work in teams, handling various records on different topics. These documents need to be preserved for future reference. We must pay attention to this paperwork to track our organizational activities effectively. Everyone who needs these documents must know where to find them.
Five standard methods of filing
- Filing by Subject/Category
- Filing in Alphabetical Order
- Filing by Numbers/Numerical Order
- Filing by Places/Geographical Order
- Filing by Dates/Chronological Order
These filing methods are called classification, which means arranging similar items together. Additionally, you can combine some of these methods. For instance, you can group files based on their subject matter but organize the documents inside each file by date.
Types of home and office file cabinets
Office spaces are designed differently, impacting the kind of filing cabinet most suitable for your space and storage needs. Before placing an order for a specific cabinet, it may be helpful to browse the general cabinet designs available in the market.
Vertical file cabinets
Vertical file cabinets are what you typically see in many furniture stores, and there's a good reason for that – they're durable and don't need much room because of their shape. If your office is small or you don't have much space, a vertical file cabinet could be just what you need.
Lateral or Horizontal file cabinets
Lateral filing cabinets fulfil a similar purpose as vertical file cabinets, but they are notably wider and, as a result, take up more space. If you have room for this type of cabinet, it's a wise investment because it can store more than twice as many files compared to a typical vertical cabinet.
However, one challenge is that their broader size can make it tricky to find a suitable spot for them in the office. You'll need a dedicated area for these cabinets, and deciding when to get another set can be challenging. Nevertheless, this is an excellent way to keep more files together in one place rather than spread them across multiple smaller filing cabinets.
Pedestal units
Consider a pedestal file cabinet if you're searching for a compact solution to fit in a cubicle or a small office. These cabinets are designed to slide under a desk, often as part of a cubicle office setup. They come in various options, some with top drawers for office supplies and larger filing drawers below.
7 Best File Cabinets in NZ for 2024
From the capacious and secure Mascot Tall Cabinet to the compact and stylish Seattle Cabinet, the versatile and efficient Cube Mobile Pedestal, and more, these top picks are designed to make your workspace more organized, secure, and visually appealing.
Explore our selections and find the perfect file cabinet to complement your office environment and help you stay at the top of your game this year.
Measuring 1800H x 900W x 450Dmm, the Mascot Tall Cabinet provides ample space to accommodate all your important files, folders, and documents. Its Lehmann key locking system with two keys ensures your records remain secure, giving you peace of mind knowing your sensitive data is safe. The 450mm depth, 50mm toe-kick, and adjustable feet provide stability and durability, making it a reliable addition to your office for years to come.
Whether you have a cozy corner in your home office or a bustling workspace in a corporate environment, the Rapid Cabinet offers a range of sizes to fit your space seamlessly. Choose from H1200 x L900mm, H1200 x L1200mm, H1200 x L1600mm, H1800 x L900mm, and H1800 x L1200mm to perfectly match your spatial requirements. The Rapid Cabinet is available in two stylish finishes, allowing you to choose the one that complements your decor - white with matt chrome handles or black with matt black handles.
With its slim and compact footprint, the Seattle cabinet seamlessly integrates into your workspace, offering the ideal solution for your filing needs. Despite its modest size, this filing cabinet doesn't compromise on storage. The deep drawer provides generous space for all your essential documents, folders, and files. No more cluttered desktops or misplaced paperwork – this unit keeps everything within easy reach.
Crafted with health and safety in mind, Agile Slimline Mobile's soft, rounded corners on the top and sides provide a welcoming touch, while its sleek design seamlessly integrates into your workspace. It boasts a modern drawer design with integrated side handles. Your sensitive documents deserve the highest level of protection. The lockable drawers, with the ability to open one at a time, provide security and convenience.
The Cube Mobile Pedestal is thoughtfully designed to provide versatile storage options. It features two box drawers for personal items and one file drawer that can be easily configured to accommodate either A4 or foolscap files. This adaptability ensures that your important documents are stored securely and efficiently. It includes a handy pen tray and drawer dividers, allowing you to keep small office essentials neatly organized and within easy reach.
The Spectrum Mobile Pedestal is designed to streamline your workspace, offering the perfect blend of convenience and efficiency as a versatile filing cabinet. Protecting your sensitive files is paramount, and the central locking mechanism of this cabinet delivers on that promise. Your safety is a top priority, which is why the Spectrum Mobile Pedestal comes with an anti-tilt wheel on the bottom drawer.
The Eko Mobile Drawer comes in two configurations, offering either two drawers with a file drawer or a 4-drawer setup. This versatility lets you choose the ideal option to suit your filing requirements. It is adorned with stylish metal handles that enhance its aesthetics and make for easy access and use.
Conclusion
A well-structured filing system expedites tasks and maintains a sense of order and professionalism. A meticulously organized filing system is more than just a collection of documents – it's the key to efficient workflow, information security, and the ability to locate vital records effortlessly.
In 2024, choosing your office filing cabinet is more than a mere office supply decision; it's a strategic investment in productivity and efficiency. We hope our recommendations and insights help you find the perfect cabinet to complement your office environment, keeping you at the forefront of success in the year ahead.
