I have to disagree with the GTD party line on the hanging folders issue. When I started doing GTD in April of 2001, I was using hanging folders. I switched to regular manila folders for about 18 months based on David Allen's recommendation. I switched back to hanging folders and have been using them ever since. Why?

1) I can find things faster with hanging folders. With manila folders, I usually had to physically flip through the folders to find the one I was looking for. With hanging folders, I can just scan the tabs and pick out the folder I want.

2) Labeling a hanging folder takes no longer than labeling a manila folder. I keep a supply of 3" clear tabs in my desk drawer right by my label maker.

3) Hanging folders always stand up straight. They don't slide down when there's excess room in the drawer. That keeps all the tabs lined up, making it easier to find things.

That's not to say I don't have any use for manila folders. If I'm taking documents to a meeting, I'll probably slip them in a manila folder. I keep manila folders in an organizer on my desk for paperwork related to active projects. But for general reference filing, I find hanging folders much easier to deal with than manila folders.