I'm moving to a cubicle soon and I was wondering what stuff (e.g. files) could I leave out on the top of my desk? Obviously, nothing confidential like payroll stuff, account summaries, expense reports... so basically the only thing I can think of that does not need to be locked up is purchase orders and packing slips (because really, who would even care to read that stuff?). And those would be filed away in historical files anyway because we wouldn't need to reference them much (or ever).

The cubicles are fairly open (just two walls, in an L shape) so anyone can walk by and take a quick peek. I work in a university and aside from staff and faculty wandering around, there are students that come by.

The other issue is that we don't have much storage. Each cubicle has 1 file drawer and 2 box drawers (for supplies) and an overhead cabinet. Then we get 1 drawer in the lateral files. It's clearly not enough storage space, because everyone else ends up storing boxes of copy paper boxes and cardboard file boxes under their desk. Those clearly are not locked up, but the dept head won't let people use their own (old) filing cabinets/lateral files. He wants it all to be uniform (he chose the cubicle layout). I don't see how a bunch of Xerox boxes under the desks are any better than filing cabinets or lateral files that don't match each other.

So what kind of files can you leave out on your desk? (I have like the tiered file sorters that I used to put commonly accessed information, but a lot of that information is not for public consumption, so I guess I have to put them in a drawer that can be locked up).

I would suggest leaving any files or work that will not fit in a drawer on the top of your desk. I would not lock anything inside unless several other people have access to the keys. In case you're not there and something is needed and it's locked in a drawer then you've got trouble. See if you can get some kind of enclosed trays to put on your desktop that you can store papers in that you might not want the public to see. Keep personal items to a minimum and you shouldn't haven't to store boxes under your desk. Also, most cubicle units have extra pieces that can be purchased and added like two drawer file cabinets that are on wheels and slide under the desktop. Maybe your boss would be willing to purchase some of these if more storage is needed. They have file trays that can hang on the walls of the unit too. If the walls of the unit are fabric you might be able to use stick pins to pin things to the walls. I've worked in several different styles of cubicles and I think you'll be surprised at how comfortable they actually are. If you have confidential paperwork that you're not comfortable leaving out, then you should talk to your boss about redirecting the flow of traffic in the office. You shouldn't have to worry about people snooping around your work area.

Well, we are not allowed to get more filing cabinets or lateral files - they have to match the ones that the dept bought, and they have to be lined up against the walls - not in the cubicles (so space is very limited). And we can't hang anything on the walls, like the hanging file holders. The cubicle walls are very spongy (can't think of a better word right now) so pushpins and tacks don't stay in. I did manage to put up a calendar by hooking a paper clip over the wall.

I will probably leave the overhead cabinet and file drawer unlocked (put the files in there but not lock it) - just so stuff won't be laying around but not unaccessible for people who need to get them.

Thanks for your suggestions!