One of the primary reasons for getting a filing cabinet is to ensure proper arrangement. But you will defeat this purpose if you don't set it up accurately. Managing vital documents can be demanding. It can even get clumsy at times. It is best to set up a functional fireproof file cabinet safe. This facility will help with your papers’ accurate ordering and safety.
Do you understand the need to get a file cabinet safe but don't know how to set it up? You probably have an existing one, but you find it uneasy to harness it properly. You have your solution right here! In this guide, you will learn about the simple setup procedures for a fireproof cabinet safe. You will also gain exposure to the most reliable way to hide a safe.
Stay active on this piece to gain all these!
Stepwise Guide to Organize Your Fireproof Cabinet Safe
The most challenging part of file cabinet usage is its initial setup. But you can beat this hassle with the correct information. This guide simplifies the arrangement process of a document cabinet in easy steps.
Setting up a fireproof metal filing cabinet safe is not difficult, nor is it time-consuming. It only depends on the number of paper works and documents you need to sort. If you get this initial effort right, the rest is easy. Highlighted below are steps to follow:
STEP 1: Get a Suitable Fireproof File Cabinet Safe
This is the first and arguably one of the most critical steps in getting a proper setup. It is not just about securing any fireproof steel cabinet safe. It involves acquiring one that suits your space and purpose.
Most file cabinet safes come preassembled. All you have to do is find a suitable area to site it. Ensure to follow all manufacturers' instructions as regards movement and settings.
Also, it is vital to locate your data cabinet where it is easy for you to access. Avoid situating it around pathways where it can cause disturbance and obstruction.
STEP 2: Collect Your Papers and Documents on a Spot
Once you find a perfect site for your file cabinet, you can proceed to its setup. The first thing is to put all your files and documents together. Arrange them on one spot to give you an insight into how much work you have to do.
The essence of putting them together is to help you sort through them with ease. Start by checking common areas like table drawers and the likes. You can also check unusual places like bookshelves, work bags, or the kitchen counter. The goal is to make sure you leave no document behind, and everything is available for arrangement.
STEP 3: Sort Your Papers into Categories
Once you have all your papers together, try to sort them into categories. This sorting process is a massive step in the setup procedure. There are five divisions where you can sort your papers. Every document certainly falls in one of them. These sections are:
- Archive: This category of files is very crucial. They often include the most vital documents. The archive class includes records you don't reference repeatedly, but you mustn't lose them. Usually, you might only need to use them once or twice a year. Examples of papers in this category are academic records, medical records, contracts, tax returns, etc.
- Action: Action documents should be within your easy reach. They are papers that require fast action, but you need to dispose of them immediately. You discard action papers once you finish taking steps on them. Examples of such texts include invitation cards, bills, appointment reminders, etc.
- Household: Household is another vital paper category. These documents help with your day-to-day life running. They include files like upcoming travel documents, manuals, recipes, coupons, etc.
- Shred: Shred is another vital class your document can fit. The papers that fall into this group contain personal identifying information. Even though they are crucial records, they don't fit the action, archive, or household categories. Examples are old bank statements, old billing reviews, credit card offers, etc.
- Recycle: The recycle group is as the name suggests. They are records that contain no personal information. But you are holding on to them for one reason or the other. You are prone to discard or divert them into some other recycling use. Examples of paper in this category are old newspapers, junk mails, and old envelopes.
STEP 4: Don't Hoard Documents You Don't Need. Discard Them!
While sorting your documents into the categories above, one thing to ensure is discarding files you don't need. Once you finish sorting the recycling papers and other groups, clear some space.
You can drop them into a box at first. Check again to see if anyone can still fit into the shred or recycle group. Feel free to discard the rest. Once you are done, all you will have left are helpful documents.
STEP 5: Setup the Action Papers
Remember that action files are for prompt use. So, ensure to store them where they are easily accessible. You don't have to keep them deep inside the fireproof metal filing cabinet. You can save them where they can give you visual alerts.
Action papers should be at your fingertips where you can quickly get them. You can even further sort them. Put similar documents into a single file and arrange them in urgent order. For instance, arrange all your invitation cards in one folder and put them in order of dates. You can apply this method for other paper arrangements too.
STEP 6: Arrange Other File Categories
Apply the similar method above to arrange other file categories. The farthest away should be your recycle group and archive documents. The shred files can also follow them closely.
Household papers should be within your easy reach too. You would need them often. So, it is best to avoid keeping them in positions where they are difficult to access. Consider retaining your household files in binders. This consideration will improve the arrangement and help you to conserve space.
STEP 7: Label the File Cabinets (Optional)
The labeling of the cabinet file to help you remember each document's position is optional. It is best for individuals that have issues remembering their arrangement. Tagging will help others that need to access the file. It makes it easier for people to locate and get what they want without searching through the entire cabinet. You can label by writing each category on cardboards and allocate them appropriately.
How Do You Hide A Safe?
Hiding a safe might be necessary when you have confidential files and documents. It can also be required for other valuables, including jewelry. One of the old techniques of concealing a mini vault is locking it up in your fireproof cupboards.
But this method is fast going out of the system because cabinets and fireproof cupboards for offices are easy targets for burglars and other invaders. So, you might need another ingenious and secured way to hide a safe.
Your home or office is big enough to protect as many precious items as you have. Find out some of the most creative ways to conceal a storage box:
1. Use Vent
Most vents have spaces behind them. You can utilize this space to conceal your safe. You can detach the vent from the point it attaches to the wall. Make sure you don't damage the vent while carrying out this step. Open it gently until you have access to space behind it. Keep your chest in there and seal it back. You can trust that it will remain safe in this position until you need it.
2. Consider Your Old Fridge
If you have an old fridge, you have extra space to secure your safe. Ensure you are not using the refrigerator actively. Just open it and find an enclosed corner inside it to hide your security box.
3. Beneath Wooden Floors
Do you have a wooden floor with a basic board covering? If your answer is yes, then you have additional space to hide your safe. You can open up the plank-made ground covering from the wiring or plumbing area.
Find a safe position to place the storage box and seal it back. It works better if you use a waterproof and fireproof safe that won't get damaged. If you prepare to utilize the space often, consider making a wooden safe for your prized possessions. The board safe will blend better and will make it less noticeable.
4. Under Your Bed
There are always spaces under your bed. This method will work even better with your wooden bed frame. Raise your bed slightly and find a suitable place to put your safe.
Ensure that your sleeping position will not damage the mini vault where you keep it. Also, make sure it won't affect your sleeping posture or proper bed alignment.
5. In a Wall
One of the safest places to hide your safe is inside the home or office wall. No one would think about digging up your walls to find your security box. A burglar wouldn't even have enough time for that. A slim-designed safe will fit easily into your wall. You can even cover the space with wall frames, wall hangers, and calendars.
6. Inside the Staircase
The staircase is another suitable place to hide your safe. This solution even works best if you are using a wooden staircase. The spaces under the plank staircase are often big enough to accommodate medium-sized safes.
You can either use the piano hinge or lift the upper and lower tread. Either way, most burglars will not have enough time to search through underfoot.
7. Under The Cupboard
It is regular for anyone to keep valuables inside the cupboard. No one would think something as precious as a safe will find a space in the closet. So, you can move against this expected wave and keep your box under your wardrobe.
Make sure the chest is slim enough to slide in with ease. Also, ensure that the space beneath the dresser cabinet will not expose the storage box.
How Do You Hide Something In Plain Sight?
Hiding something in plain sight is one of the most creative ways to keep your valuables. This technique involves concealing someone or something in spaces with an unrestricted view. Although it is a place that everyone can see easily, no one would suspect any valuable in such an open space.
You can use counter intuition by keeping your chest in exposed areas. Find unsuspecting locations in your space to hide things away. Do you wish to have some ideas about keeping your precious items in obvious locations? Let's explore how to hide a safe in an open display.
Securing safes in exposed areas is a clever idea. There are several basic sight angles in your home where you can hide your box. All it entails is for you to be slightly creative.
You don't have to worry about your prized possessions wherever you might be. You can even be out for days without anyone suspecting where you keep your essential possessions. Below are some brilliant ideas to help you hide your storage box in plain sight:
- Hide safes in used and empty jars.
- Stuff it in your towel and keep it in an unused laundry bag.
- Hide your safes in a flower vase and outdoor sand bowls.
- Used food and groceries cans.
- Inside oversized wall clocks and picture frames.
- In a book on your shelf.
- Find a place in the bucket of your cat litter.
- Behind a secret mirror.
- Food baskets and other unsuspecting sites in your child's room.
- Behind a fake air vent.
Conclusion
One of the best ways to arrange and keep your files safe is the use of secure cabinets. But getting this facility is not enough. It is crucial to set it up appropriately. Following the steps above is an excellent way to arrange your cabinet.
When getting a fireproof file cabinet safe, it is crucial to get a high-quality product. The most suitable means to secure a good choice is by finding a reliable manufacturer or retail outlet. Don't forget that your file cabinet’s proper setup is as vital as getting a quality one!