Office storage plays a central role in the organisation and efficiency of any workplace. Without effective storage solutions, paperwork piles up, supplies become scattered and workflow suffers. Choosing appropriate storage is important whether a workspace is small or large, shared or personal.

The Office Chair Man offers a wide selection of quality pre-owned office storage furniture. Our collection includes desk pedestals, filing cabinets, credenzas, tambour units and lockers. Each piece is chosen for durability, practicality and value for money. Many businesses are now turning to used office furniture for sustainability, cost efficiency and flexibility.

This article outlines the main categories of office storage we supply and explains how to choose the right option based on needs such as available space, storage requirements and access frequency. It also includes practical checklists and layout tips to help readers invest wisely in storage that supports productivity and order.

Key Takeaways

• Used office storage helps create an organised workspace while keeping costs manageable.
• Desk pedestals are ideal for personal items and daily essentials at each workstation.
• Filing cabinets provide secure and efficient document storage for paper-heavy departments.
• Shelving and cupboards maximise vertical space and suit bulk or archive storage needs.
• Choosing the right mix of storage improves workflow, saves space and supports sustainability.

Interesting note: Many workplaces can increase capacity simply by using vertical shelving more effectively. Leave your thoughts below.

Why Consider Used Office Storage

Used office storage offers strong advantages for organisations seeking to balance quality, economy and environmental responsibility.

Cost Effectiveness

New office furniture can represent a significant upfront investment, especially when outfitting an entire office. Pre-owned storage units are generally available at lower prices while still offering solid build quality. This makes used storage a desirable choice for small businesses, start-ups, non-profits or any organisation with a limited budget.

Environmental Responsibility

When a company chooses pre-owned furniture, it extends the useful life of existing items and reduces demand for new products. This reduces waste and supports a circular-economy approach. Reusing furniture helps avoid adding to landfill and reduces the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing new units.

Quality and Availability

Many used items were originally manufactured by reputable brands and built to last. The Office Chair Man inspects all pre-owned storage units to ensure they meet quality and functionality standards. Because the units are already built and refurbished, they are typically available for immediate delivery.

Flexibility and Variety

Used storage offers a breadth of styles, sizes and configurations that may not be available in new production or may take time to order. By choosing pre-owned furniture, businesses can assemble storage solutions that fit their unique office layout and storage needs without long waiting times.

Overview of Main Office Storage Types

Different storage types suit different needs. The three primary categories to consider are:

• Desk Pedestals – compact drawer units that fit under or beside desks
  
• Filing Cabinets – units designed for document storage and archiving
  
• Shelving and Cupboards – upright storage such as open shelves, double-door cupboards, tambour cupboards, lockers and more

Each storage type serves a distinct purpose. Desk pedestals provide personal storage and easy access. Filing cabinets offer document filing capacity. Shelving and cupboards provide space for items ranging from supplies to archive boxes and equipment.

Understanding the strengths and limitations of each type helps match storage to actual requirements and workspace constraints.

Desk Pedestals Explained

What Are Desk Pedestals

Desk pedestals are small storage units intended to sit beneath or beside a desk. Usually featuring multiple drawers, they provide immediate storage for stationery, personal items, small files or everyday essentials. Some pedestals are mobile, mounted on casters, while others are fixed.

Benefits of Desk Pedestals

• Space efficiency: They utilise under-desk space that might otherwise go unused.
  
• Convenience: Items are within arm’s reach from the seated position, reducing interruptions during work.
  
• Mobility: Pedestals on wheels can be relocated easily if office layout changes.
  
• Personal storage solution: Ideal for individual workstations, hot-desks or remote working setups.

Best Use Cases

Desk pedestals work especially well in:

• Small offices or home-office environments where space is limited
  
• Hot-desking arrangements where individual units move with employees
  
• Workstations needing quick access to supplies, documents or personal items

What to Look For When Buying Used

Before purchasing a used pedestal assess the following aspects:

• Do the drawers slide smoothly and align properly when closed?
  
• Are locking mechanisms operational if the unit includes a lock?
  
• Are casters intact and mobile if the pedestal is on wheels?
  
• Is the unit structurally sound and stable under load?
  
• Does it fit neatly under or beside the intended desk in terms of height, width, and depth?

Desk pedestals are among the storage solutions available through The Office Chair Man. Their compact size and convenience make them a practical option for many offices.

Filing Cabinets Explained

Purpose and Types of Filing Cabinets

Filing cabinets are designed primarily to store paperwork and documents. They are available in various formats including:

• Vertical cabinets: taller and more slender, suitable for smaller footprints
  
• Lateral cabinets: wider but shorter, offering broader drawer widths
  
• Low-height cabinets: sometimes used as printer stands or surface space while still offering filing capacity

These cabinets typically accommodate standard paper formats and often feature lockable drawers to preserve confidentiality.

Advantages of Filing Cabinets

• High-capacity storage for documents: Ideal for departments handling large volumes of paperwork such as finance, human resources, legal or administration.
  
• Organised archiving: Multiple drawers allow systematic categorisation by client, project, date or department.
  
• Security: Lockable drawers ensure sensitive documents remain private and secure.
  
• Space-saving footprint: Vertical or lateral formats maximise storage while utilising minimal floor space.

Suitable Environments

Filing cabinets are especially useful in environments such as:

• Offices dealing with paperwork regularly
  
• Shared offices requiring centralised document storage
  
• Departments needing secure storage for records, contracts, personnel files or compliance documentation

What to Check When Buying Used

When considering a pre-owned filing cabinet, examine:

• Drawer mechanisms – drawers should glide evenly without sticking
  
• Frame integrity – ensure there is no rust, dents or warping that could impair stability
  
• Lock and key condition – verify locks work or that replacement is feasible
  
• Internal structure – check for secure file rails or supports for suspension files
  
• Cleanliness and interior condition – no water damage, stains or residue that might affect document safety
  
• Suitability for your filing format – A4, foolscap or other documents

The Office Chair Man’s Filing Cabinet Options

Our inventory includes filing cabinets among other storage units. We supply vertical and lateral filing cabinets suitable for a variety of workplace needs. Their availability provides a cost-effective solution for organisations requiring secure and organised document storage without purchasing new units.

Shelving, Cupboards and Upright Storage

Types of Upright Storage

Used office storage can include a broad array of upright units. These commonly include:

• Open shelving – bookcases or supply shelves with open fronts
  
• Double-door cupboards – enclosed units offering concealed storage space
  
• Tambour cupboards – cupboards with sliding doors suited to tighter spaces
  
• Lockers or personal storage units – often used in shared or hot-desking environments
  
• Low cupboards or credenzas – combination of storage with surface area for printers or equipment

Benefits of Upright Storage

• Vertical space utilisation – makes use of wall height, freeing floor space for desks or walkways
  
• Capacity for bulky items – suitable for storage boxes, archive boxes, equipment or office supplies
  
• Flexibility – shelving can hold a variety of items; cupboards conceal clutter for a tidy workspace
  
• Space-saving door mechanisms – tambour doors use less clearance than swing doors, ideal if space is restricted

Use Cases for Upright Storage

Such storage units work well in:

• General office supply areas or central storage zones
  
• Archive rooms holding boxes of documents, binders or archived files
  
• Shared spaces, staff rooms or communal areas needing lockers or storage for personal items
  
• Offices with compact floor plans but generous wall heights

What to Check When Buying Used Upright Storage

Before purchasing used shelving or cupboards, verify:

• Stability and structural integrity – unit should stand level and secure, with even weight distribution
  
• Door function and hinges – cupboard doors or tambour mechanisms should operate smoothly without sticking
  
• Shelf condition – shelves should be intact, not warped or cracked, and adjustable where applicable
  
• Load-bearing capacity – confirm that shelves or cupboard floors are strong enough for intended storage items
  
• Lock mechanisms – if lockable, ensure locks and keys are functional or easily re-keyable
  
• Surface finish and cleanliness – minimal cosmetic damage, and interiors free from dust, dampness or odours

The Office Chair Man’s Upright Storage Offerings

We offer a variety of upright storage options including open shelving units, double-door cupboards, tambour cupboards and lockers. These suit different storage requirements from office supplies to archive storage. Our used units allow customers to build versatile storage systems to fit many different office layouts and functions.

Key Considerations When Choosing Used Office Storage

Selecting storage furniture requires thoughtful planning. Use the following considerations to guide decisions.

Assess Storage Needs

• Determine what items require storage: documents, equipment, office supplies, personal belongings or archive boxes.
  
• Estimate the volume of items and frequency of access: frequently used items should be in easily accessible units, archives can be stored less accessible.
  
• Consider future needs: will storage requirements increase over time due to business growth or regulatory archives?

Space and Layout Constraints

• Measure available floor and wall space before purchasing.
  
• Consider the configuration of desks, walkways and communal areas.
  
• Think in three dimensions: height, depth and width. Use wall height where possible for vertical storage.
  
• Decide whether storage should be mobile or fixed. For flexible offices, mobile units offer reconfiguration capability.

Functionality and Condition

• Always inspect used units for structural integrity, smooth operation of drawers or doors, working locks and total stability.
  
• Be alert to signs of wear such as rust, water damage, warped surfaces or dented frames.
  
• Ensure the storage format matches the intended use: e.g. filing cabinet drawers for documents; shelves for boxes; cupboards for confidential or bulk storage.

Style and Compatibility

• Consider how storage furniture will match the existing office aesthetic in terms of colour, finish and style.
  
• Mixing different materials or finishes may work in multifunctional zones but may look mismatched in visible reception or client-facing spaces.

Security and Confidentiality

• If storing sensitive documents or personal items, opt for lockable units.
  
• Confirm that locks are working or can be re-keyed easily when buying used.

Value, Longevity and Sustainability

• Evaluate value in terms of functionality, expected lifespan, cost savings and sustainability.
  
• Used storage units from reputable suppliers can deliver many years of service at reduced cost.
  
• Reusing furniture supports environmentally responsible practices and reduces waste.

Practical Buyer’s Checklist

When selecting used office storage, consider the following checklist to ensure good value and long-term utility:

Structural integrity

• Frame should be sturdy, with no wobbling.
  
• No major dents, cracks or signs of water damage.

Drawer and door functionality

• Drawers should slide smoothly, doors should open and close without sticking.
  
• Locks, if present, should operate correctly, and spare keys or lock-barrels should be available.

Suitability and fit

• Dimensions (height, width, depth) must correspond to available space in the office.
  
• For pedestals, ensure they fit under desks; for cupboards or filing cabinets, that doors have sufficient clearance.

Load capacity

• Shelves, drawers or cabinet floors must be strong enough for intended contents (e.g. heavy files, archive boxes, equipment).

Finish and appearance

• Cosmetic wear should be acceptable and not impair functionality.
  
• Units should be clean, free of unpleasant odours, rust or residue.

Adjustability and flexibility

• Shelves that can be repositioned add versatility.
  
• Mobile units (casters) allow easier reconfiguration of workspace.

Using this checklist helps ensure that any used storage unit purchased will meet both immediate needs and serve well over time.

Suggested Storage Combinations and Layout Tips

Many offices benefit from combining different storage types depending on functions, space and frequency of use. Here are some practical layout suggestions:

Small or Home Office Setup

• Desk with under-desk pedestal for personal items and frequent supplies
  
• One low cupboard or narrow shelving unit for storage of reference books, stationery or small equipment

Typical Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) Office

• Workstations arranged in clusters, each cluster with shared double-door cupboard for supplies
  
• Central filing cabinet unit for departments handling documents
  
• Additional open shelving or cupboards for general office supplies or archive boxes

Paper-heavy Office or Archive-heavy Environment

• Multiple filing cabinets for active documents
  
• Tall shelving units or cupboards for archive boxes, binders or storage boxes
  
• Separate locked cupboard or locker for sensitive records

Shared or Hot-Desking Workspaces

• Lockers for personal belongings
  
• Mobile pedestals for flexibility and individual storage needs
  
• Open shelving for communal office supplies that need easy access

Layout Optimisation Tips

• Place frequently used items close at hand, either under desks or in nearby pedestals.
  
• Store archives or less frequently used items in wall-mounted units to save floor space.
  
• Use tambour cupboards where door clearance is limited to avoid obstruction in walkways.
  
• Leave room for future growth: choose modular or movable storage units that can be reconfigured when needs change.

By combining different storage types and arranging them strategically, offices can maintain a tidy environment, support productivity and adapt as storage requirements evolve.

Conclusion: Choose the Right Used Office Storage

Choosing the right office storage is more than selecting furniture. It is about understanding what needs to be stored, how often items are accessed and how space is used. Whether you require a compact pedestal, a secure filing cabinet or a large upright cupboard, matching storage to needs makes daily work smoother, safer and more organised.

Used office furniture from The Office Chair Man can offer a cost effective, sustainable and flexible storage solution without compromising quality or appearance. By applying a careful inspection, checking the condition of drawers, doors and locks, and ensuring suitability for your workspace, your investment will serve well over many years.

Used storage units often outperform expectations and give businesses the flexibility they need to grow, reorganise or adapt. With the right choices you can create an efficient, tidy and professional workspace that supports the demands of modern working life.

Explore our range of quality used office storage to organise your workspace with solutions that suit both your layout and your budget.

Further Reading

• The Environmental Benefits of Reuse and Recycling: Explains how re-use of existing products helps reduce waste, conserve resources and lower environmental impact.
• How Office Layout Affects Productivity: Discusses how thoughtful office layout and workspace design influence focus, comfort and overall productivity.
• Benefits of Reuse over Recycling for Environmental Sustainability: Overview of how reuse of durable goods can significantly reduce resource consumption and waste compared with producing new items.