Smead’s Viewables – I have wanted to try these file tabs for a long time; they solve a file drawer problem I have. A nice surprise showed up recently – Viewables, from Smead - because Smead occasionally asks professional organizers to review their products. I like them and will stick with them. Here’s the problem I had with my files and how Viewables solves it.
The first picture shows how I see the files from where I sit, with Viewables now making it so much easier to see what I have.
I wanted a solution for this drawer, which holds current, non-client files: my workshops and presentations, two organizing associations, QuickBooks file of receipts, my book, CEU tracking, and in the back, my current personal files. I’m in this drawer a lot when I’m not on the phone with a client or at their home or office.
The tabs are viewable from any angle, and in a font size larger than average, helpful because I’m not right in front of the files. I have a top-down view plus a front view.
Color code if you want; the software lets you choose font size and color. Very simple software. I didn’t color code for organizational purposes, but I love having color around me, so each tab has a color.
Very sturdy tabs. The tabs stick up higher than a typical hanging file tab, but they clear the desk drawer above. I can’t imagine these wearing out. Plus, you receive a plastic sheet you cover each tab with, for more protection from wear and tear. And plenty of extra tabs and labels.
They’re not as easy to implement as a simple label maker, but that’s okay, for this small, often used set of files – and worth of it because of the angle I sit at, vis a vis the drawer. Otherwise, I’d have them on a desk stand (visual clutter and distracting) or have to kneel in front of the drawer each time to see and find my file. Protecting my knees is a good thing, as I get older.
View from the front.
Side and top both say the file’s name.
LOVE the top view!
I’d definitely use these again; they solve the issue of the angle, are very sturdy and are more fun to implement, too.
If you want to get some files into better shape, this might be a fun excuse to do so!
If you’re not sure how you want organize your files, and would like to collaborate on best ways for you to find what you need, when you need it, please reach out.
It feels good to know that your important documents at home or your business files are useful, and that your “paper life” (because we all have some) is in order.
And then, let’s talk about email and pc files…”Organized enough.”
Direct link for Smead Viewables: Click here.
Tags: files, household files, office, Papers, Smead
Cool idea! That would work well for me. Thanks for sharing!
I’d love to say paper is passe but it’s not ! Interesting discussions lately, too, on the hybrid approach many people are taking – use technology for some things and paper for other pieces of their time or ‘paper’ management.