How heavy is a 4-drawer filing cabinet?

An empty 4-drawer vertical metal filing cabinet weighs 80-120 pounds. When full of papers, it can weigh 200-300 pounds. Always empty the drawers before moving.

Will a filing cabinet fit in a car?

A standard vertical filing cabinet (15 inches wide, 25 inches deep, 52 inches tall) fits in the back seat of most sedans and easily in any SUV or minivan.

Can one person move a filing cabinet?

An empty 2-drawer cabinet (about 50 lbs) can be moved by one person. A 4-drawer cabinet should be moved by two people or with a hand truck due to the weight and top-heavy center of gravity.

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Filing Cabinet Dimensions & Moving Guide

Standard filing cabinet dimensions for 2, 3, and 4-drawer models, doorway clearance, and tips for safely moving heavy filing cabinets.

Standard Dimensions

15"

Width

52"

Height

25"

Depth

Standard 4-drawer vertical filing cabinet for letter-size files. Legal-size cabinets are 18 inches wide. Lateral filing cabinets are 30-42 inches wide and 18-20 inches deep.

Will It Fit?

Moving Tips

1Remove all drawers and files before moving — a full filing cabinet is dangerously heavy and top-heavy.
2Lock or tape all drawers shut if you cannot remove them, to prevent sliding during transport.
3Use a hand truck or dolly — filing cabinets have a high center of gravity and tip easily.
4For metal cabinets, protect corners with cardboard to avoid scratching walls and door frames.