How to Use Metal Filing Cabinets in Your Garage

Having extra storage space in your garage can be invaluable. Metal filing cabinets are a great option for adding organized storage without taking up too much room. Read on to learn how to make the most of metal filing cabinets in your garage.

Choosing the Right Metal Filing Cabinet

When selecting a metal filing cabinet for your garage, there are a few key factors to consider:

Size

Measure the space where you want to put the cabinet to ensure you get one that fits. Standard two- or four-drawer vertical filing cabinets are typically 15-18 inches wide. Lateral filing cabinets that open like a chest of drawers are wider, around 30 inches. Make sure to leave enough clearance in front of the drawers to open them fully.

Drawer Capacity

The drawer dimensions determine how much you can fit inside. Standard letter/legal size drawers are usually 24-26 inches deep and 12-15 inches wide. Getting drawers with hanging file folders rails installed lets you maximize storage.

Material

Look for powder-coated steel or stainless steel rather than plain steel. The specialized coating resists rust and corrosion much better in a garage environment. Also opt for full-extension ball-bearing slides for smoothly opening heavy drawers.

Locking Mechanism

A filing cabinet that locks is best for security in a garage. Some have built-in locks with keys, while others use padlocks. Lock bars that prevent opening more than one drawer at a time are also recommended.

Fire Resistance

For an added layer of protection, choose a fire-resistant cabinet rated to withstand high temperatures for a period of time. This can protect important documents and files in a garage fire.

Wheels

Wheeled filing cabinets allow you to move them around your garage to access different areas or reclaim floor space easily. Just be sure to use wheel locks when the cabinet is parked.

Best Garage Storage Uses

Once you’ve selected the right metal filing cabinet, it’s time to put it to good use in your garage. Here are some of the best ways to use filing cabinets for organized storage:

1. Archive Financial Records and Documents

Important papers like tax returns, insurance policies, and past bills can fill up fast. Get them organized in labeled hanging folders inside filing cabinet drawers. This keeps them protected but accessible when you need them again.

2. Store Manuals and Warranties

Don’t know what to do with the owner’s manuals for your tools and equipment? File them away in your cabinet so they don’t get misplaced. You’ll appreciate having them on hand for reference. The same goes for appliance warranties and receipts.

3. Organize Receipts by Year

Designate a drawer for receipts. Add hanging file folders for each year and sort receipts by month within each folder. You’ll have an easy time tracking down receipts for returns, warranties or taxes. Just be sure to regularly purge unneeded receipts.

4. Manage Children’s Artwork and School Papers

Kids generate a lot of special artwork, school papers and other creative works. Give them a special drawer in the filing cabinet to neatly store their creations. It’s easy to pull them out again for display or memory keeping.

5. Hold Craft Supplies and Materials

Crafters know how quickly supplies multiply. Use your filing cabinet drawers to neatly contain everything from yarn and fabric to beads and buttons. It’s a space-efficient way to keep small hobby items visible but tidy.

6. Store Seasonal Items and Holiday Decorations

Christmas lights and ornaments or Halloween decorations only get used part of the year. Filed away neatly in a cabinet, they won’t get damaged or dusty in storage. Just label the drawers clearly for easy access when needed again.

7. Hold Automotive Fluids and Chemicals

Oils, lubricants, antifreeze and other vehicle fluids can leak if not stored properly. Same for paints, solvents or cleaning solutions. The filing cabinet contains drips and spills so they don’t stain your garage floor.

8. Secure Important Tools and Equipment

Small power tools, electronic diagnostic devices and other valuable equipment are tempting targets for theft. Lock them away inside your secured filing cabinet to keep them safe but close at hand.

9. Organize and Protect Paperwork for Your Car

Your car’s title, registration, repair invoices and maintenance records deserve safekeeping. Get them organized by vehicle inside labeled file folders. The cabinet keeps them clean and accessible in one place.

10. Hold Extra Keys and Access Cards

Don’t risk losing spare house keys or important access cards/fobs. Keep them inside your locked filing cabinet drawer so you always know right where to find them when needed. Just be sure not to store your only copies.

Filing Cabinet Placement Tips

To maximize your use of metal filing cabinets in the garage, follow these handy placement tips:

• Install sturdy shelving above the cabinet to utilize vertical wall space. Use for storing rarely accessed items or seasonal decorations.
• Position the filing cabinet near your workbench or garage office area for easy access to manuals, warranties and automotive paperwork.
• Place lateral filing cabinets with wheels perpendicular to walls. Roll them away from walls when you need access.
• Allow adequate space in front of filing cabinet drawers for fully opening them to access contents. Don’t block them in.
• Use wall-mounted magnetic strips nearby for conveniently storing file cabinet keys and small metal tools.
• Place filing cabinets away from garage doors, direct heat sources, water pipes and vulnerable to damage from vehicles.
• Anchor tall vertical cabinets to the wall for stability. Freestanding lateral filing cabinets are less prone to tipping.

Maintaining and Caring for Your Metal Filing Cabinet

With proper care and maintenance, a quality metal filing cabinet can serve your garage storage needs for years. Follow these tips for keeping it in top shape:

• Wipe down exterior and interior surfaces periodically with a mild cleaner and soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Lubricate slide rails with a dry Teflon spray lube every so often so drawers open smoothly.
• Periodically check for loose screws or hardware and tighten as needed to keep cabinet sturdy.
• Organize contents and purge unneeded paperwork every few months to keep drawers clutter-free.
• If wheels/casters develop flat spots or don’t roll well, replace them to keep the cabinet movable.
• Dry any moisture/condensation inside cabinet immediately to prevent rust and mold growth. A dehumidifier helps.
• Use padded drawer liners to prevent contents from shifting and scratching interior surfaces during use.
• For dents and scratches on the cabinet exterior, use automotive touch-up paint that matches the finish.
• Keep the filing cabinet locked when not in use for security. Periodically change lock combinations/padlocks if needed.

Safety Tips for Garage Filing Cabinets

While very useful for storage, metal filing cabinets in garages also come with some safety considerations:

• Ensure cabinets meet the ANSI/BIFMA safety standards for stability. Anchoring to walls improves tip-over prevention.
• Keep filing cabinets away from direct vehicle routes within garage to avoid collisions and damage.
• Only open one drawer at a time to prevent tipping. Don’t let children climb or hang on open drawers.
• Avoid overloading top-heavy drawers. Distribute weight evenly or place heaviest items in bottom drawers.
• Keep cabinet doors/drawers closed when not in use to prevent tripping hazards and accidents.
• Keep flammables far away from filing cabinets and never store them inside. Use fireproof cabinets instead for chemicals.
• Position cabinets out of busy circulation routes in the garage to eliminate tripping hazards.
• Lock drawers containing hazardous/dangerous items like tools, chemicals or firearms to prevent unauthorized access.
• Bolt cabinets securely to garage walls for safety if small children are present who may try to climb them.

FAQs About Using Filing Cabinets in Garages

Here are some frequently asked questions about using metal filing cabinets for garage storage and organization:

Should I keep my filing cabinet on wheels in the garage?

Wheels make a filing cabinet much easier to move around and access various areas of your garage. Just be sure to use the locking casters once you place it into position. Also bolt it to a wall if it is at risk of being bumped into and the cabinet is not weighted.

Won’t the humidity damage files and paperwork?

Invest in a good quality dehumidifier and possibly a small cabinet heater with a thermostat to control the temperature and humidity. Place desiccants inside drawers to absorb moisture. Also use moisture-resistant folder labels and plastic file boxes.

How do I deter pests from getting into the filing cabinet?

Make sure food scraps are not being stored inside. Place sticky traps inside drawers you aren’t using often to catch any wandering pests. Mothballs or cedar blocks also help repel insects. Keep the outside clean and free of crumbs and spills.

What temperature range is best for garages with filing cabinets?

Ideally keep the temperature between 50-80°F and humidity under 50% to prevent condensation and corrosion. Don’t place cabinets near heaters/appliances that get very hot like water heaters or furnaces. Insulating your garage also helps regulate temperature.

Are fireproof filing cabinets needed to store paper in the garage?

It’s a good idea for important documents, but regular metal cabinets should be OK unless flammable chemicals/liquids are also stored in the garage. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby and store only duplicates rather than originals of irreplaceable paperwork.

How do I keep filing cabinets from getting dusty or dirty?

Wipe down the exterior occasionally with a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner. Place a plastic mat or floor liner under the cabinet to protect from concrete dust and dirt. You can also cover the top temporarily when doing messy projects. Keep the doors/drawers closed when not in use.

Should I lubricate the sliding drawer mechanisms?

Yes, a dry Teflon spray lubricant formulated specifically for sliding mechanisms works great. Spray it on the tracks/slides every month or two. Wipe away any drips and test operation before loading contents back into drawers.

Conclusion

Adding a quality metal filing cabinet or two is one of the best ways to add practical storage and organization to your garage. Match the type and size of filing cabinet to your available space and intended uses. Place them conveniently within your garage workshop area for easy access to important paperwork, tools, supplies and more. With a little periodic maintenance, a filing cabinet can serve as a sturdy garage storage workhorse for many years. Implementing the tips in this article will help you maximize their usefulness while keeping your important contents clean, dry and secure.