How much storage you need in your office depends on your type of business. Most people find that a lockable cupboard with drawers or shelves is ideal. Other people need a filing cupboard with hanging files to make access easier. Whatever you decide, you certainly need some kind of storage space.
While you can store many files and folders on your computer, you will usually need to keep hard copy files in a certain order; if this is the case you need the correct storage facilities.
Home Office Desk
You'll also need storage for those items you will use every day. A hutch is often provided on computer desks and this may be adequate, but if it is not, there are many other storage options. You could have a bookcase in the corner or along the wall nearby. Or you may prefer to use stackable units so you can add to them as your storage needs increase.
Remember that open shelving can look untidy and will eventually gather dust, so you may prefer to use shelves in a cupboard of some kind.
For most businesses, you must keep business records for a certain number of years and sometimes for as long as the business is operating. Your storage needs will increase over the years, so prepare yourself. If you don't think you can create any more storage space, then look up! If you don't have much floor space, a three-drawer filing cabinet could have another one set on top of it rather than along side.
There is plenty of room up high. You may need a footstool or steady ladder to reach it. While this may seem annoying, you can always keep the oldest files up there -- those that you don't need to access very often.
Make sure that the storage you decide to install is strong enough for the weight it will carry. Paper is actually heavy when it is stacked together. Sometime bookcases are simply not strong enough to do the job. Shelves sag and end up collapsing, so save yourself a lot of grief by using strong shelving.
Freestanding plastic and metal shelving is good because you can move it to another spot easily, but built-in shelving can be customized to use those spaces that are unique to your specific location.