How to Increase File Cabinet Storage

It seems like there is never enough storage space at work or in a home office. File cabinets fill quickly, and space for the most important documents is often scarce. File cabinets often get cluttered with documents waiting to be filed, resource materials that don't have a specific home and even hidden office snacks. Increasing file cabinet storage space is simple once you get organized and use the piece of office furniture for its intended purpose. Look below to learn how to increase file cabinet storage.

Increasing File Cabinet Storage:

1. Clean out the file cabinet. Remove anything that doesn't belong in an organized file. Recycle paper documents that are backed up by another source. If you can reference the data on a website, it doesn't need to be stored in a file cabinet. Remove old files once a year, and store them in labeled boxes in a storage area until they can be discarded.

2. Create a secondary storage area. Dedicate space to items that will need future attention or will be on hold for a set period of time. Use sorting baskets on the top of your desk. Desk drawers also provide storage. Leave space in the filing cabinet for items to be stored and infrequently referenced.

3. Maximize space. Use flat hanging files to maximize space. Use the entire depth of the file cabinet drawer by placing vertical hanging files on the rail systems of drawers.

4. Organize. Stick to an organization system. Label each file folder by project, date, company or whatever method suits your business. Avoid placing anything in the file cabinet that doesn't have a dedicated file.

5. Use the top. Use the top of the file cabinet for extra storage. Purchase a desktop hanging file organizer and place it on top of the file cabinet. Place frequently accessed files in this exterior storage space for quick reference.