Storage is the part of an office layout that people forget until the move-in week, when boxes are stacked in the hallway and nobody has a place to put anything. Buying used office storage cabinets alongside your desks or workstations fixes that problem at a fraction of the cost of new, and commercial-grade steel cabinets hold up to years of reuse far better than most furniture categories.
This page covers the main types of pre-owned storage, how condition grades apply to cabinets, what to inspect, and how to bundle storage into a larger order.
Types of used office storage
Commercial storage falls into a few families. Each solves a different problem, so start with what you need to store and where it will live.
Lateral files
Lateral files are wide and shallow, typically two to five drawers high. They hold letter and legal hanging files side to side, and the top of a two- or three-drawer unit doubles as a printer stand or a divider between work areas. Taller units are best against a wall and must be anchored.
Vertical files
Vertical files are narrow and deep. They fit tight footprints and store a lot of paper per square foot of floor, but they need clear space in front for the long drawer pull.
Pedestals
Pedestals are the small drawer units that sit under or beside a desk or workstation. Common configurations are a box drawer over a file drawer, or three box drawers. Mobile pedestals roll on casters; fixed pedestals support a worksurface. Check the depth before you buy, because a pedestal that is deeper than the worksurface above it will stick out into the aisle.
Storage towers and wardrobes
Towers combine a coat compartment, shelves and sometimes a locking door. They are popular in open plans and in offices shifting to shared desks, where people need a personal spot for a bag and jacket.
Bookcases, credenzas and overheads
Open shelving and credenzas work well in private offices and meeting rooms. Overhead bins mount to panel systems and keep the floor clear inside a workstation.
Storage options compared
| Type | Best for | Footprint | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lateral file | Shared team files, room dividers | Wide, shallow | Anti-tip interlock, wall anchoring on tall units |
| Vertical file | Dense paper storage in tight spaces | Narrow, deep | Drawer clearance in front |
| Mobile pedestal | Individual desks, flexible layouts | Fits under worksurface | Caster condition, depth versus desk |
| Storage tower | Shared desks, open plans | Small, tall | Door hinges, shelf clips |
| Overhead bin | Panel-based workstations | No floor space | Brand and panel compatibility |
| Credenza | Private offices, conference rooms | Long, low | Top surface wear, finish match |
How condition grades apply to cabinets
Every pre-owned piece from Office Station carries a condition grade so you can match quality to location.
- Grade A, like new. Minimal to no visible wear. Choose it for reception areas, executive offices and anywhere visitors will see it.
- Grade B, very good. Light cosmetic wear that is hard to spot at normal distance. A strong fit for team areas and under-desk pedestals.
- Grade C, good. Visible wear such as scuffs or small dents, but fully functional. Ideal for supply rooms, archives and warehouses.
Steel storage is forgiving. A Grade C lateral file in a records room does exactly the same job as a Grade A unit, so there is no reason to pay for cosmetics nobody will see.
What to check before you buy
- Drawer action. Drawers should open and close smoothly on full-extension slides without grinding or sagging when loaded.
- Locks and keys. Ask whether keys are included. If not, find out whether the lock cores are removable so they can be rekeyed.
- Interlock. Try opening two drawers at once. Only one should move.
- File rails. Confirm the drawers have hanging-file rails set for the paper size you use, letter or legal.
- Casters and levelers. Mobile pedestals should roll freely; fixed units should have working levelers for uneven floors.
- Dimensions. Measure the space, including drawer clearance and the depth under any worksurface.
- Finish. If you are matching existing furniture, ask for photos of the actual units, since similar colors vary by manufacturer and production run.
Brands and compatibility
Office Station sells pre-owned furniture from brands including Herman Miller, Steelcase, Knoll, Haworth, Teknion, Allsteel, Kimball, AIS and Friant. Freestanding cabinets work alongside almost anything, but overhead bins and some hanging pedestals are designed for a specific panel system. If you are adding storage to workstations you already own, tell us the brand and product line so we can confirm the parts will fit.
Office Station is an independent reseller and not an authorized dealer for these manufacturers. Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture.
Browse pre-owned office furniture
Bundling storage with a workstation order
The most efficient way to buy used storage is at the same time as your desks or cubicles. You get coordinated finishes, one delivery, and one installation visit. It also lets our free space planning account for storage from the start, so pedestals fit under worksurfaces and lateral files do not block walkways.
For reference, a 6'x6' workstation, furniture only, runs $615 in liquidation grade, $1,245 remanufactured, or $1,920 new. Those prices exclude electrical, delivery and professional installation. Installation is $95 per workstation with a $495 minimum, and volume pricing takes 5% off at 20 or more stations, 8% at 50 or more, and 12% at 100 or more.
Lead times
- Liquidation-grade pieces in stock: as little as 72 hours.
- Remanufactured: usually 7 to 14 days.
- New: 4 to 6 weeks.
Delivery
In Greater Phoenix, delivery is $195 for central zones and $295 for the wider metro. Everywhere else in the country, freight is quoted per project based on volume and access.
Build a workstation and storage quote
Clearing out old storage?
If your move means getting rid of file cabinets rather than buying them, Office Station also handles office furniture liquidation and full office decommissioning, with a written net offer that weighs resale value against removal cost. Questions about a specific piece? Email hello@officestation.com or use the contact page.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Do used storage cabinets come with keys?
Keys are one of the first things to confirm on any pre-owned cabinet. Many commercial cabinets use replaceable lock cores, so a missing key is usually solvable by swapping the core. Ask about key and core status for each piece when you request a quote.
Which condition grade makes sense for storage?
Grade B is often the sweet spot for storage because cabinets are frequently tucked under worksurfaces or along back walls where light cosmetic wear is hard to see. Choose Grade A for client-facing areas or credenzas in private offices. Grade C works well for back rooms, supply closets and archive storage.
Can I add storage to a cubicle order?
Yes. Bundling storage with a workstation order keeps finishes coordinated and puts everything on one delivery. Volume pricing on workstations applies at 20, 50 and 100 or more stations, and adding matching pedestals or lateral files at the same time avoids a second freight charge.
Will the manufacturer warranty cover a used file cabinet?
Generally no. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer, and manufacturer warranties usually do not transfer to pre-owned furniture. That is why each piece carries a condition grade, so you know what you are getting before it ships.
How fast can storage be delivered?
In-stock liquidation-grade pieces can be ready in as little as 72 hours. Remanufactured items usually take 7 to 14 days. In Greater Phoenix, delivery is $195 central or $295 metro, and freight elsewhere in the country is quoted per project.
Average market rate Prices subject to availability and project pricing.
