Product Review: Acco Hanging Data Binders

I have been working with a client in her office at work.  She is responsible for the retention and archiving of company records and therefore has need for a strong organizational system in the office's file room.  The previous method of storing paper was primarily in three-ring binders.  The use of binders was great for maintenance of the records when they were active, however binders do not fit nicely in the large horizontal filing cabinets that are in the file room.  This resulted in poor space use as much of the drawers were going to waste because the binders did not fit properly.  

The solution we had was to transfer the materials from the binders to Acco hanging data binders.  I had perviously never seen this tool and was excited to learn more about it.  

The benefit of using this kind of binder is:

• It can be custom sized for the amount of paper needed to be stored.  
• This system is best used for a volume of paper larger than is appropriate for a tratitional file folder.  
• Unlike a binder, that may have excessive empty space, the Acco binder leaves no wasted space.  
• The binder, once assembled, hangs from the racks in a filing cabinet.  

The product comes disassembled with the front and back covers, and two plastic sticks.  Instructions are printed in each book cover.  The binders can be slightly tricky to assemble as the fit of the plastic sticks in the covers is tight.  

Acco binders are not intended to be opened regularly.  They are best used for archival paper where the content can be viewed, but does not need to be removed from the book.  Assembly of the binders is not permanent so they can be altered, but like I mentioned, it is not the easiest to do.

I have liked using this product as it has enabled us to consolidate a considerable volume of paper.  The version of the product we have been using (as pictured), does not have any built-in tab for labeling.  Determining a way to label the binders has been slightly challenging, but not so much so to deter us from continuing to use them.  We will likely have to create a tag that will be a custom-fit for the binders.

Acco binders are a great alternative to binders for archival paper storage in filing cabinets.  I was slightly surprised to see that the binders are nearly $8.00 each.  For financial reasons, I may deter residential clients from using this system.

Hillary Adams Case is a Professional Organizer with Living Peace LLC of Salem, MA and Winchester, MA.  Check us out at www.living-peace.com.  Or call (617) 519-5693.