How To Choose The Best Filing System
Follow steps below to choose the best filing system for you or your organization.
Step 1: Identify your setting.Step 2: Choose your style.
Step 3: Shop your platform.
Step 1: Identify your setting.
Home

Organize documents for any individual, family, or estate. Rental property files included.
Self-Employed

Self-Employed systems include all features of Home systems plus support for freelance workers.
Tip: use the Self-Employed filing system if you hire yourself out, and you do not plan to sell your business.
Business

Business systems include additional files not included in Self-Employed systems, plus additional business subcategories. Use for non-profit or for-profit organizations.
Save 40% on a Home Filing System with your Business Filing System purchase by entering discount code “HB” at checkout.
Documents
![]() Home |
![]() Self- Employed |
![]() Business |
|
Career, certificates, education, genealogy, health, home, memories, pet, warranties* | ✓ | ✓ | |
Activities, benefits, deductions, estate and directives, school* | ✓ | ✓ | |
Action files, projects, literature, lists, supplies* | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Receipts and statements by month or by account, income, tax and legal archive* | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Associations, insurance, investments, loans, rental property, services, utility info., vehicle* | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Business expenses, contracts, licenses, intellectual property, domains, formation, minutes* | ✓ | ✓ | |
Company bio, building, equipment, furnishings, press, production, releases, reports, testimonials* | ✓ | ||
Company shares, credentials, continuing education, expos, grants, procedures, subsidies | ✓ | ||
Business expenses by month, income by quarter or by month | ✓ | ||
*Additional subcategories |
Home subcategories |
Home & Self-Employed subcategories |
Business subcategories |
Step 2: Choose your style.
Compare filing insurance policies:

1/5 Tab

I. Set up each insurance with its own tab, without subfolders.
II. Add optional interior file sleeves.
Benefits
- Fast set up
- Only hanging files required
- One-level search
- Optional interior file sleeves create a tidy look
- Fan tabs for quick location
- Straight-line tabs with same subject for clarity

1/3 Tab

I. Set up a file with subfolders for each insurance. (If a file is full, add another file behind to hold more folders.)
II. Use optional JUMBO file labels with 1/3-cut tabs.
Benefits
- Lift out folders easily
- Use folders on the go
- Return a folder to its main hanging file, using subject cues
- Locate main topics quickly
- Subtopics on folders are shown clearly
- Use either 1/5-cut or 1/3-cut hanging file tabs
- Read high-contrast subfolder labels in low light

Binders

I. Set up a binder for insurance.
II. Use binder pockets for each type of insurance.
Benefits
- Clear floor space
- Outward facing titles provide quick location
- High-capacity binder pockets hold documents
- Label binder pocket tabs with 1/3 Tab inserts
- Flip through binders for easy retrieval
- Take binders on the go
Step 3: Shop your platform.
Follow the product map below.
Note: shop your filing system and extensions based on your setting and style.
Filing Systems
![]() 1/5 Tab |
![]() 1/3 Tab |
![]() Binders |
|
![]() Home |
Home 1/5 Tab | Home 1/3 Tab | Home Binders |
![]() Self-Employed |
Self-Employed 1/5 Tab | Self-Employed 1/3 Tab | Self-Employed Binders |
![]() Business |
Business 1/5 Tab | Business 1/3 Tab | Business Binders |
Add-ons for Self-Employed and Business
- Customer & Job File systems organize client and job records.
- Employee File systems organize confidential employee and human resources records.
- Vendor File systems organize records for suppliers and independent contractors specific to your industry.
![]() 1/5 Tab |
![]() 1/3 Tab |
![]() Binders |
|
Customer & Job File | Customer & Job File | Customer & Job Binders |
|
Employee File | Employee File | Employee Binders | |
Vendor File | Vendor File | Vendor Binders |
Extensions
- The Projects extension gathers project work together with project sleeves.
- The Workspace extension organizes project sleeves, notes, correspondence, literature, and miscellaneous items in your dedicated work area.
- Each Rental Properties extension supports two additional rental properties.
![]() 1/5 Tab |
![]() 1/3 Tab |
![]() Binders |
|
Projects | Projects | See guide included with any Binders filing system. | |
Workspace | Workspace 1/5 Tab | Workspace 1/3 Tab | Use any Binders filing system with Workspace 1/3 Tab extension. |
Rental Properties | Rental Properties 1/5 Tab | Rental Properties 1/3 Tab | Rental Properties Binders |
Extensions for Self-Employed
Each Self-Employed Businesses extension supports two additional freelance workers or income streams.
![]() 1/5 Tab |
![]() 1/3 Tab |
![]() Binders |
|
Self-Employed Businesses | Self-Employed Businesses 1/5 Tab | Self-Employed Businesses 1/3 Tab | Self-Employed Businesses Binders |
Blank File Labels & Binder Spine Inserts
Need more customizable labels?
![]() 1/5 Tab |
![]() 1/3 Tab |
![]() Binders |
|
Assorted | Assorted 1/5 Tab | Assorted 1/3 Tab | Assorted Binders |
Specific Colors | Specific Colors 1/5 Tab | Specific Colors 1/3 Tab | Specific Colors Binders |
Letter and Number Tags | Letter and Number Tags |
Accessories
Our accessories page directs you to the best accessories for your filing style.