If you have tried locating a misplaced piece of paper for hours and have not succeeded or if you have scoured the stack of files locating one single document and was frustrated, this article is for you.

The most common error for misplacing an object is dropping it at a place that is convenient during the time. A regular space for keeping important objects and documents makes it easier for anyone to locate them when the need to remember them arises.

This is why filing cabinets are special tools for safekeeping that when used regularly is the best way to track documents and important objects not only at work but also at home. A good filing system can save you hours and even money, without which would otherwise have been frustrating.

Filing cabinets are constant fixtures in any workplace that requires safekeeping and tracking of documents despite the rise in the electronic data keeping systems. Choosing one will require more than just deciding on the number drawers. There are subtle differences in filing cabinets that are adapted to particular requirements.

The two main types of filing cabinets

The vertical file cabinet is the traditional type where you can have anywhere from two to five drawers. The drawers are designed to fit the legal sized files and are stored facing the front of the drawers. Vertical file cabinets are space savers that make them the preferred choice in offices where rents are at a premium.

The other option, although not as commonly used are the lateral type files cabinet. These file cabinet types are much wider than standard designs. The files can be stored side to side or front to back. The design is not as deep as the vertical file cabinets that it can also be used as a wall partition or a wall divider. The lateral file cabinets have more versatility in terms of file storage and takes up less wall space.

The quality of the file cabinet is also one area that is to be given good attention. The best way to examine the quality of the file cabinet is the suspension system. A good file cabinet has strong suspensions that enable it to carry weights and still close and open smoothly. Some file cabinets have built in safety features that allow only the opening of one drawer at a time. Usually safety feature includes counterweights or internal locking devices. File cabinets that do not have this feature can accidentally tip over when all the drawers at the upper part are open.

Good file cabinets have to be built to take some abuse. It is important then that file cabinets be made of quality and thicker metals so that it protects the internal parts preventing it to be easily damaged.

Because of the valuable material that could be stored in a file cabinet, many are made to be fire and impact resistant. Fire resistant cabinet can maintain inside temperatures less than 350 degrees (most paper burns upward of 350 degrees Fahrenheit) enough to prevent the burning of its content even when outside temperature rises to 1700 degrees.

File cabinets depending on the feature, design, materials and number of drawers are priced starting from $20 to about $1,800 dollars for the top of the line option.

File cabinets also come today in designs and color that are veering away from the traditional types. Newer file cabinets can no longer be the ugly steely types of cabinets. They can come in a variety of decorative colors, materials and designs that can be blended with your furnishings.