file storage

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Started 1 year ago by camellia tree
Latest reply from SunshineR
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camellia tree
Member

Just wondering if anyone out there has any good ideas for small footprint file storage. I live in a two bedroom house that is 750 sq ft, and used to use the second bedroom as an office. Then my brother moved in, so I moved the crate that I have been using for file storage into my room where I trip over it on my way to bed.

I need to get something more permanent (and lockable), but everything I've found is big and ugly, and my house is small enough that every piece of furniture is very visible. I've thought of getting a large trunk to use as a coffee table and just putting the files in there, but they are generally expensive. I realize that I could get a scanner and get rid of a lot of the papers, but I prefer to have things in paper form.

Posted 1 year ago #
RebeccaL
Member

I keep my files in a plastic file box, which I store in a lidded, woven storage basket. It has handles so I can easily move it, and I keep it next to the couch as a psuedo-end table. I also use a smaller square wooden trunk for file storage- small storage ottomans are another good option. If you're in the US- I found the basket at Crate & Barrel, and the trunk at Target, and both cost me less than $75. The trunk could be padlocked, and I'm sure you could find a lockable portable file box at an office supply store.

Posted 1 year ago #
trillie
Member

I just saw this on Lifehacker the other day: Turn shelf brackets into an open air filing system. It's attached to your desk (or any other piece of furniture you want) and has no footprint, but the disadvantage is you can't lock it like you wanted. But I can imagine you could install something like this inside of a closet/armoire that you already have and that is lockable. Depending on how much filed papers you have to store (do you really have to store all of them? Is there opportunity to declutter here? Yay), you could also opt for stackable boxes made of plastic or cardboard.

I'm looking forward to more ideas from others :o)

Posted 1 year ago #
STLMom
Member

Check this out:
http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/06/office-progress-file-this-under-s-for-storage/
Cute file storage boxes from Target - inexpensive, too!

Posted 1 year ago #
chacha1
Member

I transitioned from cardboard and cabinet to Really Useful Boxes this year. http://www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk I have seven years' worth of tax records now inhabiting the dark end of my narrow closet - in a footprint of less than 2x2 feet. The boxes I chose were the 24-liter size and each holds a year's records.

These are not beautiful and nor are they lockable, but in this size they are big enough to hold regular letter-sized file folders or hanging files, have reinforced perimeters for very stable stacking, and snap-down lids. They are virtually insect- and water-proof and, even when full, are easy to handle.

Not affiliated with the company, just a fan!

If your file storage has to live in the bedroom with you, you might consider something like this that can be stacked in a closet or behind the head of your bed.

Posted 1 year ago #
camellia tree
Member

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I think I first need to get the lockable portable file box, then it can probably go into the closet until I find something I can put it in so that it is a little more accessible.

And yes, must unclutter papers...

Posted 1 year ago #
SunshineR
Member

camellia tree, you can do it! I know that paper clutter is one of my biggest problems. While I try to a little bit of decluttering and shredding every day, some days are more productive than others. I have made great progress the last month or two.

I like the idea of a portable lockable box first, then a decorative useful piece such as a wicker trunk for later (to hold and hide the lockable box). Hmmm...so much that maybe I'll try it myself.

I, too, like to have paper copies of some items such as receipts, and books.

Posted 1 year ago #

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