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2 Drawer Filing Cabinets
A 2 drawer filing cabinet is a compact office drawer cabinet for keeping everyday paperwork close at hand without taking up too much space. It works well beside a desk, in a home study or in a small office where one person manages the files. This type of drawer cabinet for office use is best suited to current records that you access regularly.
4 Drawer Filing Cabinets
A 4 drawer file cabinet is a better choice when your filing needs are growing or several people share the same records. The additional drawers make it easier to organise documents by department, client, document type or year while using vertical space efficiently. Available in several finishes, it provides the capacity needed for a practical office filing system without requiring a large floor area.
Stationery Cupboards
A filing cupboard suits offices that need to store more than standard document files. Shelves provide space for lever arch files, archive boxes, stationery stock and other office supplies that do not fit comfortably into filing drawers. Cupboard doors help protect the contents from dust and keep clutter out of sight, making this type of office cabinet useful in reception areas, shared offices and open-plan workspaces.
Lockers
Lockers give employees a designated place to store personal belongings, uniforms and work supplies. Single-compartment models provide more space for one person, while units with several compartments allow multiple people to use the same storage area. They are a practical option for workshops, schools, clinics and shared staff areas. Review the product details to confirm the locking method and whether a separate padlock is required.
Bookcases and Open Shelving
Bookcases and open shelving are useful when reference books, catalogues, archive boxes or frequently used supplies need to remain visible and easy to reach. A bookcase with doors helps reduce visual clutter, while open steel shelving provides quick access to stored items. Check the shelf capacity and assembly requirements on the product page to choose an option that suits the weight of your items and the way the storage will be used.
How to Choose the Right Office Filing Cabinets
Estimate How Much You File
Sort your paperwork into active files, reference records and archive material. Filing drawers suit folders and suspension files that need regular access, while lever arch files and archive boxes are generally better stored in a filing cupboard. Decide which clients, departments or years need separate drawers. A 2 drawer unit may suit one or two active groups, while a 4 drawer cabinet or multiple units provide more room for separated records and future growth.
Measure the Space and Drawer Clearance
Mark the cabinet’s position on the floor and make sure the drawers can open fully without blocking a walkway, door or desk chair. Check for skirting boards, sockets and low shelves that may affect where it can stand. Before ordering, confirm whether the cabinet arrives assembled or flat-packed. An assembled cabinet may require access checks, while a flat-packed model will need enough space for safe assembly.
Check the Build and the Finish
Confirm that the drawers support your file format, particularly if you use A4 suspension files. Look for full drawer extension, smooth runners, strong handles and a suitable load capacity. An anti-tilt feature can prevent several loaded drawers from opening together. If security matters, check whether every drawer is secured by the lock and whether spare keys are available. For a steel drawer cabinet, also review the finish and care instructions for regular office use.
Match the Colour to Your Office
Use the exact finish name when matching office filing cabinets to existing furniture, as colours displayed online can vary. If you expect to add more storage later, choose a finish available across cabinets, cupboards and lockers. Matching finishes may matter in customer-facing areas, while durability and ease of replacement may be more important in a storeroom or back office.
Plan the Filing System Before You Buy
Assign a purpose to each drawer before deciding how many cabinets you need. Organise records by client, department, document type or year, using one consistent label format. Keep frequently used files within easy reach, place heavier records in the lower drawers and separate confidential documents from general paperwork. Leave enough free space for new folders, and move inactive records to archive storage when they are no longer needed regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check before buying a filing cabinet?
Check that the drawers suit your file format, whether you need separate drawers for different record groups and how much space is available for the cabinet and open drawers. Also confirm the construction, load capacity, locking system and whether the cabinet arrives assembled or flat-packed. If you mainly store lever arch files, archive boxes or office supplies, a filing cupboard may be more suitable.
Should I choose a 2 drawer or 4 drawer filing cabinet?
Choose a 2 drawer filing cabinet for a smaller collection of active records or storage beside one workstation. A 4 drawer file cabinet is better when several people share the files, records need to be separated by client or department, or you expect the filing system to grow. Base the decision on the number of file groups you need to manage rather than drawer count alone.
What is the difference between a filing cabinet and a filing cupboard?
A filing cabinet uses pull-out drawers and is best for folders or suspension files that need regular access. A filing cupboard has doors and shelves, making it more suitable for lever arch files, archive boxes and office supplies. Many offices use filing cabinets for active records and cupboards for older documents or bulkier items.
Are office filing cabinets lockable?
Some office filing cabinets have lockable drawers, but the locking system can differ between models. Check whether one lock secures every drawer, whether keys are included and whether replacements are available. If you store personnel files, financial records or other confidential documents, confirm the locking details on the product page before purchasing.
Where can I buy filing cabinets in South Africa?
If you are comparing office cabinets South Africa-wide, Waltons sells filing cabinets and other storage options online and through stores nationwide. Product availability, delivery charges, delivery times and Click & Collect options depend on the product and your location. Enter your area or select a preferred store on the product page to check the available fulfilment options before ordering.
Choose the filing cabinet that suits your active records, then complete your office filing system with storage and shelving for bulkier items, folders and pocket files for everyday paperwork and filing accessories such as labels and filing trays. Explore the Waltons range and create a setup that keeps frequently used documents organised and archived records out of the way.
