What is a lateral file cabinet?
What Are Lateral Filing Cabinets? Lateral filing is when papers are added from the side of the file and the identification tab is on the side of the file. To pull the document out, you grab the sides edges. The main benefit of this type of filing system is that it is more space efficient.
How do you store files without a file cabinet?

A great solution is to use a small, portable file box with a handle. Something about 6-8” deep is perfect if you can pare down your files. You’ll be surprised at just how much you can store in this box using either regular file folders or hanging folders.
What does a lateral file cabinet look like?
A lateral file cabinet resembles a utility cabinet, with horizontal drawers like that of a dresser. Hanging files are normally hung side-to-side rather than front-to-back, as in vertical cabinets. Some cabinets come with versatile inserts that can be used either way.
What are the two types of filing cabinets?
Basically, there are two most common types of filing cabinets: vertical and lateral. The vertical file cabinet constitutes of drawers that extend from the shorter side of the cabinet. On the other hand, the lateral file cabinet contains drawers that extend from the longer side of the cabinet.

What is lateral vs vertical file cabinet?
Lateral storage systems arrange folders perpendicular to the front of the drawer. That makes the depth of a lateral storage cabinet around the same length of a standard storage folder. Vertical storage systems arrange the folders on the same plane as the front of the drawer.
What are the different types of file cabinets?
Different Types of File Cabinets
- Letter Size. These are the documents that can be easily stored by all types of filing cabinets.
- Legal Size.
- Lateral File Cabinets.
- Vertical File Cabinets.
- Mobile File Cabinets.
- Open Shelf Filing Cabinets.
- Side Tab File Cabinets.
- Flat Filing Cabinets.
What sizes do filing cabinets come in?
These cabinets are typically 12 inches (300 mm) or 18 inches (460 mm) deep, for letter or legal size folders respectively. Like lateral files, they are made in 30 inches (760 mm), 36 inches (910 mm), 42 inches (1,100 mm), and 45 inches (1,100 mm) widths but are usually only installed in 5-high and 6-high applications.
What are horizontal filing cabinets?
Lateral file cabinets, commonly referred to as horizontal file cabinets, provide a wide enough filing system that accommodate both letter and legal sized paperwork. If you’re looking for something that holds both types of papers, then this is a great file cabinet option.
Why do companies still use filing cabinets?
From categorization of files to tidying up around the office, filing cabinets help keep your business running smoothly and allow everyone to be on the same page when it comes to locating documents and filing them.
Can a mouse get into a filing cabinet?
It depends on the file cabinet. If sitting on a hard flat floor and there are no openings (like missing lock) even the open bottom ones should be mouse proof. However a cheap one with big gaps around the door might not be. It also depends on the mice.
What are filing cabinets called?
A filing cabinet (or sometimes file cabinet in American English) is a piece of office furniture for storing paper documents in file folders. In the most simple context, it is an enclosure for drawers in which items are stored. The two most common forms of filing cabinets are vertical files and lateral files.
How tall is a short file cabinet?
Filing Cabinets.
Are filing cabinets obsolete?
Not only does it save on space, but it’s faster and most cost-effective. This has motivated businesses of every kind and size to make the switch to digital, abandoning their paper. With this, filing cabinets have become obsolete.
Can rats get into a filing cabinet?
It depends on the file cabinet. If sitting on a hard flat floor and there are no openings (like missing lock) even the open bottom ones should be mouse proof. However a cheap one with big gaps around the door might not be.
How do you stop mice from getting into cupboards?
How to Stop Mice in Kitchen Cabinets
- Take away their food. Mice are happy in your cabinets because of the ample food supply.
- Stuff dryer sheets into the hole where the mice are entering.
- Place mothballs in your kitchen cabinets.
- Set up traps.
Does Lowe’s sell lateral file cabinets?
Lateral file cabinets aren’t just for offices. Use them at home for backup paperwork and instruction manuals, as well as sensitive documents such as medical records, birth certificates and passports. Whatever your filing needs may be, you can find the right lateral or vertical file cabinet at Lowe’s.
How to choose the right file cabinet for your office?
Choose from wood, composite or metal construction in a variety of colors and finishes. Styles range from the simple metal designs common to offices to elegant wood models that will complement a cozy den. A locking file cabinet will help keep your sensitive documents secure.
We carry a large selection of lateral and vertical two-drawer file cabinets, as well as options with as many as seven drawers. Choose from wood, composite or metal construction in a variety of colors and finishes. Styles range from the simple metal designs common to offices to elegant wood models that will complement a cozy den.