Binders vs Expanding File Folders: Which Should You Use for Your Important Documents?
Did you know that the average working professional is dealing with 122 emails each day? While most of those emails will stay digital, important attachments or memos will need to be printed out and find a home. But figuring out the best way to organize documents may depend on your priorities.
Read on to learn whether expanding file folders or binders are the better home for your most critical documents!
Examine the Benefits of Expanding File Folders
Expanding file folders are accordion folders that can expand or compress depending on the contents. An expanding folder for legal documents from Legalsupply.com offers a simple way to stay organized if you’re preparing for a case.
Expanding file folders come in opaque materials, which conceal the interior contents until a top flap is detached. But for situations where discretion isn’t necessary, you can opt for a transparent version.
Simply label tabs to identify relevant documents, like invoices or correspondences. And know that you’ll have an efficient, secure, and portable way to keep everything organized.
Weigh the Pros and Cons of Binders
Binders typically have three rings used to secure hole-punched sheets of paper. Additionally, a good binder should have the ability to hold loose notes and papers in pockets.
You can purchase pouches for writing instruments that can be attached to the binder’s rings. And some binders will come with a soft exterior and zipper that encloses everything within it. This adds another layer of security and keeps loose items from falling out.
On the negative side, those three rings, which should align in the center, get banged up over time. When they don’t lock after being opened, they risk releasing all of the papers if the binder is dropped or bumped. And in a school setting, this is a very likely scenario!
Consider Your Needs and Preferences
Are you a student in college? Or are you operating a business with notarized documents and confidential financial information? The purpose of what you do will inform whether you go with binders or expanding folders.
A student may find it more helpful to use binders, which can be stacked easily in a locker. They only need to open the binder on their desk to gain access to color-coded tabs, pencils, and erasers.
By contrast, a quieter office setting may prefer expanding file folders. You won’t have to click the rings of a binder and disrupt your officemate’s thoughts. And you won’t have to worry about confidential papers getting loose from a misaligned set of rings and falling out.
Get Organized with Expanding File Folders or Binders
When you’re looking for the best way to get organized, expanding file folders offer a discreet and effective solution. On the other hand, if you need to carry other accessories, like pencils, binders offer a way to do that. Figure out which organizational solution is best for your setting or job, and start filing papers!
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