If you’ve never gone shopping for medical filing cabinets before, you’re probably thinking that it can’t be that hard. The truth, though, is that it can be, especially since there are more options for you to choose from than you think.

Because medical file cabinets are essential office furniture, it is very important for you to choose the right one and to do this, there are a number of basic factors you have to consider.

The first thing you have to consider is the type of the file cabinet. There are two basic types available – lateral and vertical.

Vertical file cabinets are more popular, with two to five drawers that can hold letter-sized or legal-sized files arranged from front to back. Lateral cabinets, on the other hand, have wide drawers wherein the files are arranged like books, from left to right.

Because of this, it is easier to go through files on a vertical file cabinet – often, you don’t need to pull each one out. However, lateral cabinets are more ideal if you don’t have enough wall space in your office and they are more flexible, as well.

Next, consider the construction of the cabinets. There are three main materials for you to choose from – plastic, wood and metal.

Plastic cabinets are ideal if you’re on a tight budget or want something lightweight that you can easily move around during cleaning. On the other hand, wood and metal cabinets are more durable and offer more security.

At this point, you should also ask if you want fireproof or weatherproof medical filing cabinets for added security. These will ensure that the files will be kept safe in most circumstances, although they can be very expensive.

Speaking of safety, you should also think about the locking mechanism of the cabinet. Some come with built-in locks while others offer optional ones for you to install when needed.

Finally, try pulling out the drawer. Did you have a hard time or did it glide smoothly? Now, push the drawer back in. Did it close automatically or did you need to give it another slight push at the end?

It is important for drawers to be able to open and close properly, not just for convenience but also for safety – you wouldn’t want your fingers to be caught in between the openings or the seams, would you?

Other minor factors include the design or the finish of the medical filing cabinet, which should complement the rest of the office style, as well as its mobility – you can always get one with wheels if you want. Of course, you should consider your budget, too.