Next to a filing cabinet, the most important supply you need for filing is hanging file folders. You can certainly run out to the nearest discount superstore and buy large quantities of the cheapest hanging file folders available, but I don't recommend it. Consider your filing system an investment. If you want to get the most value for your money, I recommend that you purchase Pendaflex® brand hanging file folders. There are three reasons for this recommendation. First, the folders have a polylaminate reinforcement covering the two top edges of the folder, providing extra strength for active filing systems. Second, the folders now come with an inside pocket so you can find small items, such as identification cards and diskettes, within folders. And third-but most important-Pendaflex folders have a lifetime guarantee. If a folder falls apart, return it and get a replacement. I'm not aware of any other manufacturers of hanging file folders that provide that kind of quality and guarantee. You'll spend a little more on Pendaflex products, but as my husband likes to say, "You get what you pay for." Pendaflex is online at http://www.esselte.com and Pendaflex products are sold at most office supply stores. They come in 13 different colors, which can help you to set up a color-coded system.

If you choose to put file folders within your hanging folders, you'll need to make sure you have a supply of them as well. File folders come in different colors and sizes (legal and letter), and are made by a variety of manufacturers. If you buy Pendaflex hanging file folders, you can buy the internal folders to match, but that's your choice. I am not as adamant about the quality of regular file folders as I am about hanging file folders, because I haven't noticed a significant difference between manufacturers.

Another very important item to have on hand while you're filing is a "new age" label maker. There are several varieties on the market, but my personal favorite is the Brother P-Touch Home & Hobby III Labelmaker (http://www.brother.com). These new label makers have taken the place of the punch-type label makers that were popular in previous decades. The new variety makes labels in a variety of colors, type styles and sizes, and can even print vertical labels. I find my label maker invaluable for labeling my hanging file folders as well as the folders that I frequently put within them. The labels are neat and consistent, and are very easy and convenient to create. And once you get your filing system in order, you can label other areas that need attention.