TL;DR
A client asked Kathi why she files papers heads to the right. File each paper in a hanging folder with its top edge facing right: the key details usually sit in the top-left corner, so you can read them without pulling the paper out, and stapled or clipped pages are less likely to snag and slip between folders.
Recently a client wrote to me with a very good question. I always advise that folks file their papers into hanging folders and when they do this to insert the individual papers with the top heading to the right.
Here is what my client wrote:
This is question that pops in my mind every time I file something . . . .
what is the reason for filing papers with the tops on the right side of the folder? I cannot remember nor figure out the benefit of it but half my papers are filed that way and half the other way. Every time I file something I pause to think which way to put it. Please advise!
Thanks, Sharon
My response:
There are two very good reasons to file ‘heads to the right’
1. 80% of the time, the important info is on the top left corner. When it is heads to the right you see the important info without having to remove the file from the folder.
2. When folks paperclip, fold or staple and file papers in the file ‘heads to the left’, papers catch together and also have a tendency to fall in-between each other.
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Frequently asked questions
Why do professional organizers file papers “heads to the right”?
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About 80% of the time, the key information on a page is in the top-left corner. With the top edge facing right, that corner faces you as you flip through the folder, so you can find what you need without taking anything out.
Does it matter which way papers face in a folder?
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Yes. Mixing directions makes you stop and think every time you file. Papers filed heads to the left also tend to catch on staples, clips and folds, then slip between other papers or fall between folders.
What kind of folder does Kathi recommend for filing papers?
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Kathi recommends hanging folders, with each paper inserted so its top heading faces right. Filing every page the same way keeps the folder neat and makes each paper quick to find.
Should stapled or clipped papers go in hanging folders?
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Yes, as long as they face heads to the right. Clipped, stapled or folded pages filed heads to the left tend to catch on each other and slip between papers. Turned to the right, they slide in cleanly and stay in place.
How do I stop second-guessing which way to file each paper?
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Choose heads to the right and use it every time. One consistent rule removes the pause before each paper goes in, and it stops your files from ending up half one way and half the other.
Number one doesn’t make sense. Shouldn’t it say “When it is heads to he RIGHT you see the important info,,,”?
Hi Robin,
Sorry if this sounded cryptic. What this means is that if you file your papers with the top side turned to the right, when you open the drawer and look into your folders, typically the most important information will be visible. This happens because most titles, logos etc are printed onto the top left of the paper.
When the paper is filed with the top to the right, this side of the paper will be what is sticking out or visible without needing to remove the paper from the file folder. This helps you find the right paper more quickly without having to remove everything from the folder first.
I hope this explanation helps! If not, please comment again and I can create a quick video to demonstrate.
Thanks so much for your feedback! The only silly question is one that is not asked.
I understand that, but your number 1. says “the important information is on the LEFT” then it goes on to say, “When it is heads to the LEFT…” I appologize if I’m not understanding this, but for some reason I see it as a typo.
Maybe this will help… This is what it says, “1. 80% of the time, the important info is on the top left corner. When it is heads to he left you see the important info without having to remove the file from the folder”
and THIS is what I THINK it should say, “1. 80% of the time, the important info is on the top left corner. When it is heads to he RIGHT you see the important info without having to remove the file from the folder”
Does that make sense?
Aha! You are soo very right! I was too close to the answer to see the error within this post.
Thanks so much – will remedy my error!
Yay! You are welcome! 😀