Storage is the quiet workhorse of an office. Filing cabinets, pedestals and bookcases rarely get attention until you run out of room, and then you need them right away. The good news is that commercial storage is built from steel and heavy laminate to survive decades of drawers opening and closing, so a pre-owned piece often has most of its working life ahead of it. Buying used lets you put that money toward the things people notice, like chairs and workstations.
Where our pre-owned storage comes from
Office Station runs corporate office furniture liquidations and office decommissioning projects across the Southwest. When a company downsizes, moves or consolidates, its storage pieces are removed, inventoried and graded. That is the supply behind this category. It means availability changes as projects come in, but it also means you are buying commercial-grade furniture, not light-duty home office pieces.
Types of storage and what each is good for
| Piece | What it does well | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Lateral file cabinets | Wide drawers hold letter and legal files side to side; tops double as a surface or divider | Anti-tip interlock working, drawers glide fully open, weight when fully loaded |
| Vertical file cabinets | Narrow footprint for tight spaces and long runs of files | Drawer extension, rails, stability when top drawers are open |
| Mobile pedestals | Roll under desks and workstations for personal files and supplies | Casters, fit under your worksurface height, lock and key |
| Fixed pedestals | Attach under a worksurface for a built-in look | Mounting hardware compatible with your desks |
| Bookcases and open shelving | Binders, reference material, display | Shelf sag, adjustable shelf pins included |
| Storage towers and wardrobes | Coats, bags and personal items in open offices and hoteling areas | Door hinges and latches, interior hooks or shelves |
| Storage cabinets | Supplies and bulky items behind closed doors | Door alignment, shelf count, lock condition |
How grading works for storage
Every pre-owned piece is graded so you can match condition to the spot it will live in.
- Grade A, like new. Little or no visible wear. Right for reception, conference rooms and anywhere clients walk by.
- Grade B, very good. Light cosmetic wear such as small scratches on sides or tops. Right for most open office and private office use.
- Grade C, good. More noticeable scuffs or dings, fully usable. Right for file rooms, storage closets and warehouse offices.
Storage is where Grade C pays off most. A lateral file in a records room does not need to look perfect, and the savings add up fast when you are buying a long run.
Before you buy: a used filing cabinet checklist
- Measure the space and the path. Note width, depth and height, plus door and elevator clearances along the delivery route.
- Confirm file size. Check whether drawers are set up for letter, legal or both, and whether hanging file rails are included.
- Open every drawer fully. Drawers should glide smoothly and close square, with no grinding or binding.
- Test the anti-tip system. On multi-drawer cabinets, only one drawer should open at a time. This matters for safety.
- Check locks and keys. Confirm the lock works and whether keys come with the unit. Records that must be secured need a working lock.
- Look for rust and dents on drawer fronts, corners and the bottom edge, which takes floor contact.
- Match finishes. If you are buying several pieces, ask about color consistency across the run.
- Check fit with workstations. Pedestals should clear the underside of your worksurface and not block cable paths.
Brands and dealer status
Storage from Herman Miller, Steelcase, Knoll, Haworth, Teknion, Allsteel, Kimball, AIS and Friant can come through our liquidations, depending on what projects are underway. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer for any of these manufacturers. Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture, which is why the grade and your checklist matter.
Lead times, delivery and installation
Liquidation-grade pieces that are in stock can be ready in as little as 72 hours, which makes storage an easy add when you are already moving into a space. Delivery in Greater Phoenix is $195 central or $295 metro. Anywhere else in the country, freight is quoted per project. If you are also ordering workstations, storage can ride on the same delivery, and installation for workstations is $95 per station with a $495 minimum. Space planning is free, which helps when you are fitting lateral files between desks or lining a corridor.
Pairing storage with desks? See used cubicles and pre-owned office chairs.
Clearing out storage instead?
If your company has rows of filing cabinets to get rid of, our office furniture liquidation service starts with a walkthrough and a written net offer within 5 business days. For full office closeouts, office decommissioning covers removal, e-waste with certificates of data destruction, and a photo-documented broom-clean handback. Plan to empty cabinets of paper records before removal day.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Where do your used filing cabinets come from?
Office Station's pre-owned storage comes out of corporate office liquidations and decommissioning projects. Pieces are sorted and graded A (like new), B (very good) or C (good) so you know the cosmetic condition before you buy.
Do used filing cabinets come with keys?
Not always, so ask before you order. Confirm whether keys are included for each unit and whether the locks work. If a cabinet needs to secure sensitive records, lock condition should be at the top of your checklist.
Which brands of storage do you carry?
Office Station resells pre-owned furniture from brands including Herman Miller, Steelcase, Knoll, Haworth, Teknion, Allsteel, Kimball, AIS and Friant, depending on what comes out of liquidations. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer, and manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned pieces.
How fast can used storage be delivered?
Liquidation-grade pieces that are in stock can be ready in as little as 72 hours. Greater Phoenix delivery is $195 central or $295 metro, and freight elsewhere in the country is quoted per project.
Can I sell my old filing cabinets to you?
If you are clearing an office, our liquidation service gives you a written net offer: resale value of the furniture minus removal cost. When the number is positive, your company is paid. Walkthroughs are typically within 48 hours in Greater Phoenix.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
