Filing cabinet?

[nairv]

I have some time off now and am on a mission to organize my life.
One of the first things I absolutely need to do is organize all our important documents so that we are not frantically searching every time we need something.
I am looking for a reasonably priced filing cabinet. Any ideas? Nice looking would be a plus.
Any other ideas for how to organize paperwork?

 

[NotUrsula]

If you have room for a lateral file, you might try checking to see if there is a used office-furniture dealer in your area who will sell retail. You can get really nice deals from them, usually from liquidated businesses.

Be aware that if you buy a wood lateral file that came from a "contract furniture" line such as HON or Steelcase, be sure that there is a top included; office furniture lines usually sell the top as a separate item for wood file cabinets, as it is detachable.

I'd also buy a scanner and scan all your important documents. Be sure to back them up in several locations.

 

[swilshire]

These show up all the time at yard/church/estate sales. Also get on any mailing lists for places that have regular surplus auctions. Universities are big for this. We have a government entity nearby that has a sale about every other month. They sell all kinds of things, but we especially like to get chairs there. Very nice office chairs always priced at $5.

Sheila

 

[librarygal]

We keep all important papers such as birth and marriage certificates plus our passports on a fireproof locked case that holds hanging files.

 

[Swimalie]

I got a nice wooden 2-drawer file cabinet at Staples on sale about 4 years ago for $25 or so. It has held up really well and holds all non-uber important documents (the important ones like birth certificates and such as in our file safes)