I have been searching for a used flat file, for sometime now, to store my large sheets of handmade and decorative paper. New, these files sell for between $900 and $1300. On Craigslist, they typically sell for between $300 and $400. The problem was, they would sell the moment they were listed. Well, a few weeks ago I happened to be on-line when a listing came up for two flat files for only $100 each! I immediately sent an email saying I wanted to purchase both of them if they were still available. To my amazement, the seller called me back and said I could get them the next day. I was thrilled! My search was over, the price was a steal, and to top it off they were the larger sized files - each one measuring 54" wide, 43" deep and 17" high with five drawers each. Sweet husband drove out to DC the next day and brought them home. They barely fit in the back of our '69 Crew Cab. They were in need of a thorough cleaning, and were a bit scratched, but otherwise the drawers opened and closed perfectly and I was happy to use them the way they were. After all, they were only $100 and they were going to be stored in the basement with my shop inventory, not in my upstairs studio. However, sweet husband already had restoration plans in store. This is what the files looked liked before.
This is what they look like now!
Sweet husband sanded, cleaned and painted the cabinets, purchased new handles and label holders, stacked the two files, built a counter-top for the top and installed casters on the bottom so I can move the cabinet anywhere I like. It is just fabulous. Not only do I have lots of storage now, I also have a great counter-space to use when I'm down in the basement sorting inventory or shooting product with my table top photo equipment. I absolutely love it. I could hardly wait to place all of my paper in it. I wish I had a picture of how I used to store my paper - in one pile placed over a clothing rack with plastic sheeting on top. When I would try to take out one piece of paper the entire stack would fall to the floor. You can only imagine my reaction. Not a pretty picture. But now I have this wonderful new storage space. Can you tell I'm excited?!
I'm off to make labels now to categorize my paper drawers. Don't you just love organizing? I do! Looking at the paper all neatly organized suddenly puts me in the mood to create.
