Hanging File Folders  

Hanging file folders have been a major part of office organization since the introduction of files that could be hung over the sides of file drawers. The Pendaflex hanging folders were first introduced to the marketplace around 1939 and released under the then named company Oxford. This product line was touted as the greatest advance in office organization since the innovation of the simple folder file systems. They allowed for easy organization with hanging files used to subdivide drawers by topics or specific categories. There can be further division accomplished by placing files in plain manila folders and dropping them into the hanging files.

There are many advantages to implementing this system in an office. For one, it will keep the files stable and prevent them from falling down into the drawer and becoming scrambled. Because of the tabs included it is easy to locate the information you need without having to open a file, pull out a bunch of papers, and shuffle through them until you find what you want. It is simply a matter of moving the hanging folders gently out of the way until you find the category or topic and the files within it that you require.

Secondly, you can maximize space with the several methods available to start and maintain an organized filing system. Whether you decide on simple cardboard boxes, file carts, systems designed to hang on the wall or various sized file cabinets, organization can be accomplished and easily maintained. With the addition of a hanging file frame inserted into the storage area, most standard storage solutions can be adapted for hanging files.

This leads to a third advantage to be obtained by applying a hanging file system. That is the open-ended expansion that is available. There is no need to over-stuff the files. All you will need to do is sub-divide further by adding additional hanging files. When that begins to hinder your ability to have the space to comfortably move the files for access, you can purchase another box or move up to larger storage options.

One of the most frustrating things about working with the tabs on the folders was the need to write descriptive terms on what were often too small paper tabs. After that exercise, you had to battle trying to slip those papers into the small, tight plastic tabs. That hassle has been removed with the most recent releases by the major manufactures like Avery, Pendaflex or Smead, to name a few. They have developed alternatives that make that irritating task much easier to maintain. Easier filing can also be highlighted by using different color files for the hangers and the inner files you will use. In other words, color-coding can be used to further enhance your filing system.

With almost every manufacturer also environmentally aware, almost all will have a line of hanging file folders made of high percentages of recycled materials. Organization will provide you with easy access to files you use most and allow you to set aside those you use less frequently. Easy placement and finding your files is readily attainable with the purchase of paper or plastic hanging file folders, hanging file binders, and a hanging file frame to insert in the storage area.