Clever DIY divider for your hanging files

27 October 2014

I’m a big believer in dividing files into categories. While some folks like to file folders all together in a straight A to Z formation, I prefer to put like things together. So business files are separate from personal files, for example. Depending on the number of files you have, you might have separate categories for Health, Financial, Hobbies, etc.

When possible, I recommend using the file drawers as natural dividers, one category per drawer. But when that’s not possible, you have to figure out a way to divide the file cabinet into categories. One way is to use color. I’m not a gigantic fan of color coding files, because it means you have to have a large supply of different colored files on hand. (If you want to color code, I suggest letting the file folder label supply the color.)

Recently, I worked with a clever client, Pam Caruso, who set up her filing system between our visits. When she opened the drawer, I was wowed to see clearly delineated categories using colored hanging file folders to divide the categories.

She gave me permission to snap and share a photo:

Easy way to divide up your hanging files into categories

She used a YouTube video as the starting point and then enhanced it by adding labels to the spine of the file divider. In a lateral file cabinet in another part of the house, she used this method to create a half dozen easily identifiable categories per drawer. Fantastic.

Here’s that video so you can try it yourself:

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Comments

Neat idea! It’s always great to have additional options for dividing files in a file drawer. Thanks! :)

Robin Bastian November 11, 2014 07:15 PM

Thanks for your comment, Robin! This idea wowed me—it had been awhile since I’d seen something new inside a file drawer!

Janine Adams November 13, 2014 06:57 AM

Wow! I love this idea. Thanks for sharing!

Vickie Sheridan February 17, 2015 06:26 PM

Awesome idea. Thanks for sharing. Exactly what I was looking for. Will try this very soon.

Missy December 7, 2017 02:57 AM

WOW. Thanks.

Lar August 22, 2018 03:57 PM

Great Idea!! Love this post & keep posting more resourceful information. Thanks

Adrian September 18, 2018 11:42 AM

Exactly what I was looking for. I’m seven years late, but so glad I found this idea here! Thank for sharing the idea, solving my problem, and saving me money!

Kristy September 27, 2021 06:25 PM

I’m so glad it was helpful, Kristy!

Janine Adams September 27, 2021 06:46 PM

Great idea. Going to get organized this week.

Shirley Geremia November 5, 2022 07:44 PM

I was frustrated when I couldn’t locate a commercial product that served this purpose. I’m =SO= glad I found this!!

Arthur C Curtis April 11, 2023 03:33 PM

I’m glad you found it too, Arthur!

Janine Adams April 13, 2023 07:38 AM

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About Janine

Hello! I’m Janine Adams — a certified professional organizer based in St. Louis, and the creator of Peace of Mind Organizing®.

I love order, harmony + beauty, but I believe that the way that you feel about yourself and your home is what truly matters.

If you’re ready to de­clutter with a purpose and add more ease to your life, you’ve found the right blog — and you’ve found the right company.

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