How to Set Up a Filing Cabinet
The modern filing cabinet was invented by Edwin G. Seibels in 1898. The simple idea behind the modern filing cabinet is that all records are stored horizontally next to one another as opposed to earlier systems in which records were kept in cubbyholes inside separate envelopes. Seibels' system remains today, largely unchanged. This simple idea allows you to locate your records with speed and efficiency while keeping them protected from damage.
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Instructions
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Make your first file. Insert the papers you wish to file into one the file with a tab in position one (the tab will be on the far left side). Use the pen to label your file, then insert it into your filing cabinet so that the hooks on either end suspend it on the rails that run along the inside of the cabinet drawer. This will make it easy to slide.
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Make your second file. Insert the papers for your next file into a file folder with the tab in position two (the tab will be on the left side of the folder, but not as far to the left as the one on the first folder. After using the pen to label this folder slide it in behind your first folder. Because they are staggered, both tabs should be visible.
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Make your third file. Repeat the process from above, this time using a file folder with the tab in position three (directly in the middle of the folder). Slide this folder in behind the first two. All tabs should be visible.
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Repeat this process using a folder with a position four tab, then with one using a position five tab. You will have five folders in place and all should have visible tabs so you can easily locate your files.
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Insert any additional folders following the same pattern starting over at one and moving toward five so that your folders are arranged in uniform, easy-to-read, staggered rows.
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Tips & Warnings
Depending on the size of each individual file, you might want to use several folders with tabs in the same position in a row to group a similar subject or topic.
References
- Photo Credit hanging files image by Willee Cole from Fotolia.com
