Do you find yourself running out of room for your important documents? Are you having issues with keeping your important documents organized and in one place? If so, it might be time for you to invest in an expanding file folder.
There are thousands of these on the market, but you need to ensure that the one you pick will fit your individual needs. They all come with several factors, like size, tabs, and materials, and it can be difficult to choose which one will best suit your needs.
To assist with this, we have compiled a list of the expanding file folders, on the market, and reviewed them to ensure that you have your best options before you. We have also added a comprehensive FAQ and factor section to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best purchasing decision for you. Let’s get started.
Best Expanding File Folders
1. SKYDUE Expanding File Folder
Skydue is well-known for manufacturing quality expanding file folders, and this is one of their most popular folder models. This was designed to be a smaller file folder, but it is still capable of holding between 150 and 200 sheets of paper.
The expanding file folder is also lightweight, which makes traveling with this file folder easier and more convenient.
Skydue knows that everyone likes personalized things, and with this expanding file folder, they have provided you with a variety of color choices to allow you to reflect your personality even with the expanding file folder.
This folder has five pockets, and it has tab positions that make it easy to label each pocket for different documents, which helps with keeping everything organized.
Most consumers who purchased this folder were looking for a 5-pocket accordion folder, and they liked that it has tab positions for individualized labels, and they like that it is made from non-toxic and high-quality material. However, some have expressed having a few minor issues with the button snap that is used for closing this file folder.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of fun colors
- Has 5 expandable pockets with tab positions for labels
- Lightweight and holds up to 150-200 pages
- Made from non-toxic and nonradioactive high-quality material
Cons
- Minor issues with the button snap for closing
2. Amazon Basics Expanding Organizer File Folder
AmazonBasics has manufactured a lot of excellent products for home, school, and office, and this is one of their most popular expanding organizer file folders, on the market.
It is made from a super-durable poly material that is designed to be tear-resistant and waterproof, which helps with the integrity and safety of your documents.
This expanding file folder is capable of holding up to 900 sheets of standard-sized paper, and it has a total of 13 individual pockets that are excellent for helping you keep all of your documents organized.
It has a full-size flexible flap and a cord closure, which makes traveling with this file folder easier.
Most consumers that purchased this expanding file organizer liked that it was made from a strong durable poly material and that it is capable of holding up to 900 sheets of paper. However, they have expressed concerns that the dividing tabs are set low on the pockets, and they sometimes get hidden even when placing standard-sized paper into the folder pockets.
Pros
- Made from a super-durable poly material
- The material is waterproof and tear-resistant
- Holds up to 900 sheets and has 13 individual pockets
- Cord closure and full-size flexible flap
Cons
- Dividing tabs are set to low.
3. Five Star Expanding File Folder with Pockets
Five Star is a well-known manufacturer of different types of office and school supplies, and this is one of their top expanding file folder models. It is made from durable plastic that provides you with a sturdy place to keep all of your papers in one spot.
This folder also comes with 2 loops for convenient pen storage, which makes traveling with your documents easy. It has a clear cover that will allow you to put a cover letter at the beginning of the folder.
The fold comes with 6 different pull tabs that you can customize to fit your documents, and you can choose from a variety of colors, which makes it excellent for personalizing things.
However, it is important to note that when you order this file you can’t specify a specific color, they are chosen at random.
Many consumers looking for an expandable folder, and they like that it has a total of 6 pull tabs to help organize all of their documents. Plus, they enjoy that it can be zipped closed and has 2 loops to help for convenient pen storage for being on the go. However, they have expressed that they wished they could order a specific color, but they are random colors.
Pros
- Made from sturdy durable plastic
- Clear cover for professionalization
- Contains 2 loops for convenient pen storage
- Color choices are random
Cons
- Can’t choose a specific color
4. Expanding File Folder Important Document Organizer Fireproof Document Bag-A4 Size
This expanding file folder has a lot of excellent qualities that set it apart from other folders.
This one is designed with a non-itchy liquid silicone-coated outer cover, and it contains a total of 25 individual pockets that are excellent for keeping your documents organized and separated, as required.
It is designed to be water-resistant, and it can withstand fire up to 1,832 degrees, which will provide you with an extra layer of protection.
Most consumers who purchased this folder were looking for the accordion folder, and they liked that this file fold is both fireproof and water-resistant. Plus, the cover is made from a non-itchy liquid silicone, but some consumers ran across a few minor issues with the quality of the zipper used in this file folder.
Pros
- Can withstand fire up to 1832 degrees and is water-resistant
- Has a non-itchy liquid silicone-coated outer cover
- Has a fireproof zipper to assist with added security and safe transport
- Contains 25 individual pockets
Cons
- Minor issues with the zipper breaking
5. Pendaflex Heavy-Duty Expanding File with Extra-Thick Cover
Pendaflex is a well-known manufacturer of expanding file folders, and this is one of their top expanding file folder models.
This file folder is made from heavy-duty red rope, which makes it durable for travel, and it will help to keep all of your documents safe.
It has a total of 21 individual pockets, and each pocket has two tabs, one with the alphabet and one left blank for personal labels.
Finally, this expanding file folder uses a flap and elastic cord for closing and securing your documents.
Most consumers who were looking for an expanding file folder wanted one with expanding file pockets, and they liked that this one is made from heavy-duty material, and they like that each pocket could be labeled. However, they did say that the folder was on the narrow side.
Pros
- Made from heavy-duty red rope
- Uses a flap and elastic cord for closure
- Has 21 individual pockets
- Each pocket is labeled with a letter and a free tab for personalizing the pockets
Cons
- A little on the narrow side
6. Five Star 6-Pocket Expanding File Organizer
Five Star is a popular manufacturer of expanding file folders, and this is just one of their many popular expanding file folder models.
This folder has a total of 6 individual pockets that are designed for organization, and each one has tab inserts that will allow you to personalize the labels for your individual needs.
It comes in an assortment of colors, but you cannot choose they are sent randomly.
This folder has a one-piece construction, and it is made from durable materials, which makes it excellent for traveling.
Most consumers who purchased this particular expanding file folder liked that it allowed them to personalize labels for each tab, and they liked that it was made from durable material and had a one-piece construction. However, they did express some concerns about the dividers not reaching the bottom of the pockets, which leaves some room for papers to slide.
Pros
- Has 6 individual pockets for organization
- Made from durable materials and has a one-piece construction
- Comes with tab inserts for personal labeling
- Available in an assortment of colors
Cons
- Folders don’t connect to the bottom of the expanding file pockets
7. C-Line 13-Pocket Poly Expanding File
Unlike the other expanding file folders in this article, this folder is designed for smaller paper documents, like receipts and checks.
It has a total of 13 pockets and 12 tabs that allow for personal organization.
They are excellent for keeping things separated by month, and it has a durable front flap with an elastic string and button closure that makes it possible to take the folder with you on the go.
Many consumers who purchased this expandable folder with dividers liked that it comes with 13 pockets for organizing, and they also enjoyed that it has tabs that they could customize with their labels. However, they did run into a few minor issues if they had to return the model because the return policy was poor and made it not worth returning.
Pros
- Has 13 pockets with 12 tabs
- Designed small for checks and receipt organization
- Has insertable tabs
- Has a front flap with elastic string and button closure
Cons
- Has a poor return policy that makes it not worth returning
8. Advantus Expandable Paper Organizer, Accordion File Organizer
If you are looking for a smaller file folder, then this might be the best option for your needs.
It has 12 tabbed pockets that make organizing easy, and this model is capable of holding approximately 200 sheets of standard paper.
It comes with a Velcro closing mechanism that makes it easy to travel with, and it also has a convenient carry handle to assist with travel.
Many consumers purchased this 12-pocket accordion folder with hopes of being able to organize all of their documents, and they like that it has a convenient carry handle for traveling. However, they have expressed having a few issues with making this file folder stand up like other models.
Pros
- Has 12 tabbed pockets
- Can hold up to 200 sheets of paper
- Easy to open Velcro closure
- Convenient carry handle for traveling
Cons
- Minor issues with it being able to stand up
9. Ultra-Large Accordion File Organizer with Tabs & Stickers
This is an excellent expanding file folder that is designed specifically to help file and organize various types of documents.
It has a total of 24 pockets, the outer cover is made from durable material, and it is capable of holding approximately 3,000 sheets of standard paper, as needed.
Most consumers who purchased this document organizer folder liked that it comes with 24 pockets and that it is made from durable material. However, they did express having a minor issue seeing the tabs if they stored standard-sized paper.
Pros
- Can hold up to 3000 sheets of standard paper
- Comes with 24 pockets
- Made from durable material
- Has metal reinforced corners to keep it from being damaged
Cons
- The issue with seeing the tabs when a standard paper is placed into the pockets
10. ThinkTex Important Document Organizer
This file organizer comes with a 1-year warranty, which provides peace of mind on the purchase, and it is capable of holding approximately 600 sheets of standard-sized paper.
It was designed from material that is both fireproof and waterproof, and it was designed to be used in multiple occupations, which is excellent for anyone who might have multiple uses in mind for this expanding file folder.
Many consumers liked that this model comes with a 1-year warranty, and they liked that it was designed for multiple occupations had can hold approximately 600 sheets of paper. However, some expressed concerns about the inner pocket dividers being sticky, which makes it difficult to put papers in and take them out of the folder.
Pros
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Can hold approximately 600 sheets of paper
- Contains fireproof and waterproof technology
- Designed for multiple occupations
Cons
- Minor issues with the folder material being sticky
Factors to Consider
When considering these types of folders, you have to consider more factors than a basic file folder, and here, we will discuss a few of the most common factors that you need to take into consideration before making the final purchasing decision for your needs.
Durability:
If you are looking for one of these file folders, you have important documents that need to be organized and kept safe.
Therefore, you need to ensure that the file folder you purchase will be made from durable material. The more durable the folder is the safer your documents will be.
Resistance and Proofing:
You never know what will happen in the future, and it is important to have the security of knowing that your documents are protected against any sort of disaster that might occur.
Therefore, you might want to consider purchasing a folder that is fireproof and waterproof. Even though this does not mean that your documents will always survive a fire or flood, having this type of folder will help to increase your chances.
Number of Sections:
These expanding file folders are designed to hold multiple documents, and they all have a different number of sections.
Some are already labeled alphabetically, and some have tabs that are customizable for your specific needs in organizing.
You should always consider the number of sections that these folders have to ensure that you purchase one big enough to suit your needs. You should also consider future needs for additional documents that you will get.
FAQs
Some people might think what is there to know about expanding file folders? Aren’t they simple things to purchase? In general, this might be the case, but for anyone who needs expanding file folders, there are still questions that they should know before making a purchasing decision.
How much can be put into an expanding file folder?
The answer to this question all depends on the size and thickness of the folder. Some are designed for only a few documents that need to be kept together, while others are larger and built to hold a mass amount of documents.
Does the manufacturer matter when purchasing an expanding file folder?
Usually, the manufacturer is not a big issue. Expanding file folders is a cheaper investment. Therefore, instead of worrying about the manufacturer, you will want to pay attention more to the materials that they are made from.
What size paper can the expanding file folder hold?
Most file folders are capable of holding normal-sized computer paper, but if you have documents that are printed out on longer sheets, you need to consider this before purchasing your file folder.
Although you can fold the papers to fit, this can make the pages flimsy. Therefore, you want to make sure that the field folder will be able to hold the sized paper that you have now and in the future to help ensure the integrity of your documents.
Conclusion
After reviewing all of the above expanding file folders, we have concluded that the expanding file folder is the AmazonBasics Expanding Organizer File Folder.
This file folder provides several features that other folders do not. For instance, it has a higher paper holding capacity, and it provides more pockets for better organization.
However, this does not mean that it will be best for your needs. Before making your final purchasing decision, it is important to make a list of things that you need for your folder. The AmazonBasics model does have a lot of excellent qualities, but you might find one that better suits your individual needs.
