TL;DR
Use hanging file folders in every file drawer. They keep files from sliding down into the drawer, their tabs stick up so you can see what each one holds without pulling it out, and they let you create categories, with manila folders inside for subtopics.
The filing question from yesterday reminds me of another common scenario. I frequently open client file drawers and find manila folders without hanging files. There is a reason that hanging files were invented. For those of you who are not enlisted in this practice, let me provide a few good reasons to use this tool.
1. Hanging file folders keep files from falling together and sliding down into the drawer.
2. Hanging folders come with tabs that stick up above the papers so you can actually see what the files contain without reaching in, pulling out and opening up the actual file.
3. Hanging folders allow you to create categories within the drawer and segregate specific topics. You can even then use sub-folders (manila) to separate information within the hanging folder.
Please consider using hanging file folders. Your file drawers will become less messy, intimidating, much easier to use and a more powerful resource!
Keep reading
- File papers into hanging folders ‘heads to the right’One simple filing rule that makes every paper faster to find.
- Paper OrganizationDecide on every paper as it arrives and keep an action file on your desk.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I use hanging file folders?
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Hanging folders keep your files from falling together and sliding down into the drawer. Kathi often opens client file drawers full of manila folders with no hanging files, and those drawers are messy and hard to use.
How do hanging folder tabs help?
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The tabs stick up above the papers, so you can see what each file contains without reaching in, pulling it out and opening it up.
Can I use manila folders with hanging folders?
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Yes. Use hanging folders to create broad categories within the drawer, then use manila folders inside each one to separate the information further. Your drawers become less messy, less intimidating and a much more useful resource.
I think you’re so right about hanging files! I’ve always relied on them to group like with like, especially for keeping old coursework grouped sensibly. But I have a hanging file crisis! Our big desk in the living room is vintage and enormous with a great roll-top, but it’s old enough that it isn’t set up to take hanging files in the two file drawers. Well, either it doesn’t take hanging files, or it’s intended for an older design of them – it does have grooves running along just below the top of the drawer sides. Is there some other variety of hanging file out there for this kind of desk or am I just out of luck? Any suggestions? Thanks!
Hi Ava,
I am not certain about your old desk drawers. I don’t think that hanging file folder sizes have changed much over the years. My suggestion would be to see if the pre-made hanging file folder frames would fit inside your drawers.
http://www.officesupply.com/furniture/filing-storage-accessories/file-cabinet-accessories/file-rails-frames/sparco-hanging-file-folder-frame-letter-size/p63724.html?device=c&network=g&matchtype=&ref=pla&cid=ad-pla-non-brand+&gclid=CjkKEQjwttWcBRCuhYjhouveusIBEiQAwjy8IJNxPnXZqG7_YpN2qMygXgVGeVtpCsY7ypkTyXeoRiHw_wcB
If not, you might be out of luck. it is difficult these days to find any desk that has good file storage. It is amazing to me that most manufacturers still include a space for the computer tower when most of us have laptops. That wasted space could easily be used for another file drawer or two! It is one of my pet peeves. I am still personally in pursuit of the perfect desk.