I was recently asked by Get Buttoned Up to review a sampling of Smead office products. Of course, I said yes, as I frequently organize offices for my clients (at home and work) and was eager to see and use the products, and put them to the “professional organizer” test.
They arrived in the mail brand spanking new, still wrapped in plastic. The package included three products: Smead Stadium File, Smead Supertab File Folders, and Smead Viewables Labeling System. All of them are designed to make viewing (and finding!) your files and papers easier. And I am happy to report that they work great!
(Full disclaimer – I am receiving a $20 Target gift card from Smead as a thank you for trying out their new product line. I plan to use it to buy . . . What else? More Smead organizing products to use as giveaways for my organizing workshops! Yes, I like them that much.)
1. The new Smead Stadium File™ is ideal for clearing clutter from your workspace or counter top, especially if your primary learning style is visual. The tiered expanding file lets you see everything at a glance. The Stadium File works even better if paired with the Smead SuperTab® folders. Talk about being able to see everything easily? It is very much “in your face” so papers can’t hide and pile up! Papers sit horizontally within the vertical system. It hold up to 900 sheets of paper, but I would not recommend stuffing it that full. There are 12 tiered pockets, which lend themselves nicely to the months of the year, but can be customized and labeled to match any system you create. The system comes with labels for A-Z, Jan-Dec, 1-31, as well as household subjects and blanks. It is a perfect system for a busy professional at work, or a busy stay at home Mom in the kitchen!
2. Smead Supertab® File Folders have a 90% larger label area than regular everyday file folders! Larger labels or big printing makes those important files quick and easy to locate. They come in a wide variety of colors, including the standard manila and are priced from $11.99 (manila) to $17.99 (colors) for a box of 100 folders. Just like the Stadium File Organizer, they are ideal for someone that is extremely visual and works best by having their files be somewhat “in your face.” They are also perfect for someone that is visually impaired and needs larger print, as well as young children that are learning how to read.
3. Smead Viewables® Labeling System makes labeling files and hanging folders a breeze. The patented product allows you to customize your filing with color and fonts to make finding information fast and easy. The starter kit comes with the latest version of the software, as well as label sheets and the software remembers how many labels are left on your page so there’s no waste. You can download a free version of the software from Smead (with less features). I have been a fan of Viewables for quite some time now, for the primary reason that you can easily see the file tab from the side as you can with standard tabs, but also from above! This is unique to Viewables and very handy when you are using a lateral filing cabinet and the file tabs face to the side. Instead of having to bend down to see the names of the files, you can stand above the drawer and clearly see them from above. Nice!
All of the above products are available from a wide variety of office products dealers, including Office Depot, Office Max, Staples and Amazon. I recommend you try them out for home or office. If your organizing style is visual, I suggest you run to get them!
