Bind It, Shred It, Laminate It, Finish It: A MyBinding.com Blog

Head Back to School with These Helpful Supplies

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …Head Back to School with These Helpful Supplies. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

It's just about September which means that students across the country are heading back to school. If you're going to start the new school year, you can ensure your success by having the right supplies. Here are a few that you'll find helpful:

• The GBC BindMate.  The BindMate is a really helpful, dual-action device. This machine functions as a three-hole punch as well as a comb binding machine. It's easy to use the three-hole punch so you can store your work in three-ring binders. And the comb binding part of the device will come in handy when you have an important report or paper to turn in. The BindMate will work with combs that are up to 5/8” in diameter so your papers can be up to 125 pages long. Also, this device has a carrying handle and it's lightweight so you can use it wherever you need to.

• Clear overlay binders.  Every student can benefit from using clear overlay binders. These binders have a clear sheet of plastic over the front of the book so you can use customized title pages. Clear overlay binders can store varying amounts of sheets depending on which one you use. You can use these supplies to store your class notes, prepare for exams, and so on. You should also make sure to get index tabs so you can organize your papers.

• A Swingline stapler.  Swingline makes some of the best staplers available and they produce a number that are perfect for school use. If you need a desk stapler, there are many to choose from such as the 747 which comes in several different colors and can staple up to 20 sheets. Swingline also makes compact staplers so you can carry one with you to class. One of them is the Tot Slim that has a built-in staple remover and the ability to fasten 12 sheets. The Tot Slim even has a clip so you can attach it to your backpack.

School is just around the corner, so be sure to stock up on the supplies you need today. By doing so, you'll be able to take on the new school year with a vengeance.

Organizing Paper Documents: The Tools and Supplies You Need

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … Organizing Paper Documents: The Tools and Supplies You Need. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Although digital documents are quickly replacing their paper counterparts, the former are still very common. It can be difficult to keep paper documents organized, so having the right tools is essential. Keep reading to find out what tools and supplies can help you get – and stay – organized.

1. A hole punch. One of the most important things to have around when organizing your documents is a good hole punch. Depending on the supplies you're using (i.e. three-ring binders), you'll want either a two- or three-hole punch. (Or both.) A manual punch is helpful although you may want an electric one if you have a lot of paper to deal with. An electric device can really help speed things up.

2. File folders. A good supply of file folders is essential for proper document organization. There are many styles and sizes available so you'll be able to find ones that are perfect for both letter- and legal-sized documents. There are even files that have prongs in them so you can can secure your items. It also doesn't hurt to have labels on-hand. You can use your computer to type up the labels and then print them. They'll make your files look great. When you're done creating the files, you can either store them in a box, filing cabinet, or bookcase.

3. Three-ring binders. When you're organizing your documents, you'll probably find that three-ring binders are some of the most helpful supplies available. You can use individual books for different topics. For example, you can use one for tax information, another for veterinary records, and so on. Or you could also just use one big book so all of your information is in the same place. Think about what would be best for your needs and get as many binders as you need for your organization project.

4. Index tabs and sheet protectors. When you divide your documents up as necessary, it can be helpful to use index tabs. They can be used with binders so it's easy to access a particular type of information. (You can also use index tabs with folders, although it's helpful to use ones that have tabs on the short side of the sheet.) You should also think about using sheet protectors so certain documents (i.e. marriage or birth certificates) will stay in good shape.

5. A paper shredder. Finally, there are going to be some items that you just don't need to hang on to. Instead of recycling or tossing them, they should be run through a paper shredder. That's because the documents likely contain information that an identity thief could pilfer including your name, Social Security number, and so on. Identity theft is devastating on many levels. Luckily, shredding items before getting rid of them can prevent you from becoming a victim of this crime.

Organizing your documents can be time-consuming and challenging, but the results will be worth it. You'll be able to find things more easily, keep track of your budget, and more. The supplies discussed above can help make things easier, so think about getting some of them for your organizational needs. Good luck!

Five Ways to Stay Focused at Work

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … Five Ways to Stay Focused at Work. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

 One of the most challenging things about work is staying on-task. It's easy to get distracted by co-workers and gossip, or maybe you find yourself visiting the breakroom every five minutes to sample the goodies someone brought in that day. Maybe you get distracted by Facebook or text messages from your friends. Whatever the distraction might be, it's important to stay focused at work so you can meet deadlines, make your boss happy, and be seen as a productive, reliable employee – especially in today's difficult job market. Here are five ways you can stay focused:

1. Keep your desk clean. It can be hard to focus when your surroundings are awash in chaos. You should keep on top of filing so that your desk doesn't become stacked with paper. (Also, shredding the paper you don't need is a great idea. As is storing important documents in three-ring binders.) Be sure to take your pop can or coffee mug back to the breakroom at the end of the day to keep your desk's surface clean. And perhaps once a week, maybe on Friday afternoon, do a clean sweep and put everything away. That way, your desk will be clean and ready for you on Monday morning.

2. Keep water and a few snacks at your desk. If you're someone who likes to nibble through the day, keep a stash of snacks at your desk so you don't get tempted to hit the vending machine or take a Starbucks break. (This will help you save both money and time.) Make sure to choose healthy snacks. Some options include energy bars, bits of cheese, and carrot sticks. Also, keep bottle of water handy so you can stay hydrated and avoid trips to the water cooler.

3. Set time aside for e-mail. E-mail is great for communicating but it can really add up fast. You should set aside a designated amount of time for e-mail. During that time, answer the really important messages but leave the other ones for later. If you're not careful, you could end up spending all day answering e-mails and get nothing else done.

4. Listen to music. If listening to music helps you concentrate, you may want to take your MP3 player to work with you. Experiment with the different types of music on your player to see which one helps you concentrate the most. (Some genres like hard rock may actually help you concentrate. If you gravitate to heavier music, make sure to keep the volume relatively low so you don't disturb your co-workers.) Also, depending on your mood, you could just stick the earphones in and not turn music on just to muffle the sounds around you. This is helpful if you work in a noisy environment.

5. Save Facebook, blogs, and so on for your breaks. The Internet is vast and fascinating, but it can also eat up a lot of time that could be spent doing something more productive. Save the surfing for your breaks or after work so you don't get sidetrack by celebrity gossip or FarmVille when you have a report due at the end of the day.

There are lots of ways to stay focused at work. These are five of the easiest so you can get start with them right away. Give them a try so you can enjoy more productive workdays. Good luck!

Office Tools and Supplies You Should Have at Home

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … Office Tools and Supplies You Should Have at Home. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Even if you don't have a home office, there are several office tools and supplies you should have at home. These items can help you protect documents, get organized, and even help shield you from identity theft. Let's take a look at what they are....

1. A supply of self-sealing laminating pouches. At some point in your life, you may need to laminate something important. It could be a birth certificate, a memento, or even a special photograph. While you could purchase a laminator to protect you item, it's more cost-effective to use self-sealing laminating pouches. Just buy a package and keep them in your desk so you can laminate your documents in minutes. Some of the best ones are made by GBC, so be sure to look for them.

2. A good stapler. You should have a stapler at home because chances are good you'll need to use it at some point. (For example, you may need to staple documentation to your tax returns.) You don't need to purchase an exceptionally fancy one – a good, basic Swingline stapler will be just fine. A Swingline stapler will last for years so you'll always be able to use it when you need to.

3. A well-made paper shredder. If you're like most people, you're probably somewhat worried about fraud and identity theft. The best way to protect yourself is by shredding your private papers. There is a terrific selection of personal-sized shredders and they're made by great manufacturers such as Fellowes. (Swingline is also now making shredders.) You can use the shredder to shred items like old tax returns, canceled checks, and anything else you want to safely dispose of. This will help keep your personal information secure.

4. A good pair of scissors. Like the stapler, you should have a good pair of scissors because you'll need them at some point for various activities (i.e. sewing, wrapping gifts, crafts, etc.). A lot of different companies make scissors but you really can't go wrong with a pair made by Dahle, a German manufacturer. They make a variety of scissors and they feature Solingen steel blades, so they're very durable. Their scissors also feature sturdy plastic handles and they're available in different lengths so there's definitely a pair that's right for you.

5. Three-ring binders and a durable hole-punch. Three-ring binders are terrific supplies that can help you stay organized. You can use them to store schoolwork, recipes, trading card collections, photographs, and more. It doesn't hurt to have a couple on-hand so you have them if you need them. Companies like Wilson Jones make particularly good binders. You should also have a three-hole punch so you can get your paper ready to go in the binders. Swingline makes some of the most durable punches, so you can be confident you're getting a great product.

These are all office tools and supplies you should have at home. They'll be helpful for a variety of different tasks and they can also help you keep things organized. A paper shredder will definitely help you protect yourself against fraud, as well. Get these tools and supplies today so you have them when you need them.

Bind Your Important Documents Without a Binding Machine

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … Bind Your Important Documents Without a Binding Machine. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Binding your important documents is a great way to make them look professional. Doing so can impress a lot of people ranging from your boss to your customers, your teacher to your friends and family members. One of the most common ways to put a book together is by using a binding machine. There are many different types available (plastic comb, twin-loop wire, thermal, and so on) but they all have one thing in common: they can be pricey. Luckily, there are a few ways to bind your documents without a binding machine. Here's a quick look at them....

1. Color coils. Make no mistake about it: color coil binding is easy to do with the right machine and there are lots of them on the market. However, you can also use color coils to but your documents together manually. You'll need to make sure that your paper is properly punched (it requires 43 or 44 holes) or else you can use pre-punched sheets to make things easier. When your document is all copy-edited and printed out, just spin the coil through the holes. Make sure to fold in the ends of the coil so the binding doesn't come undone. Color coils are always great to use because they're available in many sizes and colors. There's definitely going to be some that are right for your documents.

2. Screw posts. If you want to give your documents a bit of a different look, using screw posts is a terrific way to do so. Screw posts are pieces of metal that you poke through the pages of your book. They come in several different lengths and are particularly good for thicker works. (There are screw posts that are 5” long. You can also get extenders if needed.) You will need to punch holes in your paper to use these supplies, so having access to pre-punched sheets or a good three-hole punch is necessary. (If you're assembling a lot of books, a paper drill would be especially helpful.) One major advantage to using screw posts is that they're easy to find and are really affordable. They're a great choice if you're trying to save some cash.

3. Three-ring binders. Finally, using three-ring binders is always an option and it doesn't require any particular technical knowledge or special equipment. (After all, just about everyone has used a binder at some point.) Three-ring binders come in various thickness and a lot of them have a clear overlay on the front cover and spine so you can customize them to some degree. If you're concerned about spreading germs, there are even binders that have been treated with antimicrobial solution. Best of all, three-ring binders can be inexpensive so you can put together a lot of books and not break the bank.

These three methods are all helpful if you want to bind your documents but don't have a binding machine. They're all pretty easy so you can put your work together quickly. Try binding your work without a bookbinding device today.

Getting Organized: Some Tools You Can Use

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … Getting Organized: Some Tools You Can Use. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

There's only a couple more weeks left in the year, so it's a good time to start thinking about New Year's resolutions. One particularly good resolution is getting organized. Being organized entails keeping track of appointments and deadlines, as well as dealing with paperwork and the like. If you want to get organized in the coming year, here are some tools you can use. Check them out!

• A three-ring binders and some index tabs. These are extremely important supplies to have around if you want to get organized. You can store just about anything in a three-ring binder. For example, if you're into cooking, you can keep your recipes in one. (This is much more convenient than writing them on those little index cards and storing them in a box.) If you're into photography, you can organize your proofs in binder as well as slides. And, of course, binders are perfect for storing and organizing school work, correspondence, bills, and more. Index tabs can help you divide up your materials as necessary so you can flip to the right section to quickly find what you need. Be sure to have a good three-hole punch handy so you can prepare your materials for the binder(s).

• A whiteboard. A high-quality whiteboard is a terrific organizational tool for just about any environment including the kitchen, home or professional office, classroom, and so on. While you can definitely use this type of device to communicate ideas with others, you can also use them to make lists and keep track of appointments (doctor, dentist, parent/teacher) and deadlines (bills, school assignments). Whiteboards come in all different sizes; there are even ones that are small enough to fit in tiny locations such as lockers. And if you really want to stay on top of things, there are whiteboards that have calendar grids printed on them. (These have the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. You won't have a paper calendar to get rid of at the end of the year.) Just make sure you only use dry-erase markers on your board. Other types of markers can stain it.

• A paper shredder. Another great tool to help you get organized is a paper shredder. This is especially true if you have a lot of old correspondence and bills piled up. It can be dangerous to just throw those things in the garbage or recycle them since they contain a lot of personal information. Becoming a victim of identity is no fun, so shredding is a great way to protect yourself and get organized. Then, as time goes on and more bills come in the mail and receipts pile up, just run them through the shredder. It will reduce the amount of clutter in your home and you get to enjoy peace of mind as well.

These are some of the tools you can use you help you get organized in the new year. By getting organized, you'll save time, protect your identity, and be able to find those important items. Good luck and enjoy the new year!

Things to Consider When Choosing a Three-Ring Binder

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …Things to Consider When Choosing a Three-Ring Binder. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Three-ring binders are some of the most helpful office supplies around. These products make it easy to organize your documents and then store them away for future use. If you need binders for whatever reason (storing legal or financial documents, organizing school papers), there are several things you should consider when choosing your supplies. Here they are.

1. Ring style. The first thing you should consider is what kind of ring style you want. There are really only two types of binders: round-ring and D-ring. Generally speaking, round-ring binders can't hold as many sheets as a D-ring book, so they're ideal for shorter documents. These supplies are extremely common and many of them are very affordable. If you need to organize and store a lot of paper, a D-ring book will fit the bill quite nicely.

2. Thickness. Naturally, you're going to want to choose a binder that can hold just the right amount of paper. Binders can range in thickness from 0.5” to 4”. There are even some 5” products on the market if you have a large stack of papers you need to store. Be sure to choose a book that can easily store all of the documents you need to organize with some room to spare if possible.

3. Size. When we talk about the size of a binder, we're referring to the size of paper it can hold. A lot of the most commonly found books are designed to organize and store letter-sized paper (8.5” x 11”). This is convenient since letter-sized paper is used more than any other type of paper. However, there are binders that are designed for use with other paper sizes including half-letter (5.5” x 8.5”), tabloid (11” x 17”), legal (8.5” x 4”), and so on. Unfortunately they can be a little bit harder to find and you may have to even special order them.

4. Cover. Binders have a number of different types of covers. There are many books that just have straight vinyl covers while others have a clear overlay on the front (and sometimes the back as well). The clear overlay is very handy if you want to customize your book with a title page, photograph, etc.

5. Color. If you want to project a professional image, using a black, white, or blue binder is your best bet. Nonetheless, there are some other colors available including gray, green, and burgundy.

6. Brand. A number of companies manufacture three-ring binders and there are even some office supply retailers that sell their own store-brand supplies. Some of the best manufacturers include Wilson Jones, Avery, and GBC. All three of these companies produce excellent binders that are very durable and come in assorted sizes and colors.

These are some of the things you need to consider when choosing the three-ring binder that's right for your needs whether you require one for school, work, or even personal use. If you keep these items in mind, you're definitely going to find the perfect binder for your important documents.

Five Things to Consider When Choosing a Presentation Binder

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … Five Things to Consider When Choosing a Presentation Binder. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

There are a lot of ways you can present information to an audience. Some of them include a dry-erase board, binding your documents with a high-quality binding machine, and using an easel. Another option is by using a presentation binder. These supplies can help you organize your work and then present it in a way that will impress your audience. To select the right binder, you should consider 5 things including size, color, and ring style. Here they are.... 

1. Ring style. There are a number of different ring styles available and the two most common are D-ring and round ring, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. D-ring books tend to be better for larger documents because the pages are easier to turn. (The same goes for ez-load binders.) So the length of your document will probably influence your choice.

2. Thickness. It wouldn't hurt to measure the thickness of your work with a ruler so you can choose a binder that's appropriate for it. Presentation binders are available in a number of different thickness with the largest ones having rings that are 4” in diameter. (The smallest ones are typically 0.5” across.) One thing to keep in mind is that the spine of the book will be a little bit larger than the diameter of the rings, so don't be surprised if it winds up taking up more room on a bookshelf than you were expecting.

3. Size. Another important consideration is the size of your document. Is it letter-sized? (That would be 8.5” x 11”.) Larger? Smaller? The vast majority of the binders you can buy are for letter-sized works, although there are some different sizes available. However, you may need to special order them and they may not be in the color or style you want. So really, letter-sized is the way to go.

4. Color. Color is definitely a consideration because, after all, you are trying to impress your audience. A lot of clear overlay binders are only available in white. However, the overlay will enable you to customize your cover so you can make it as colorful as you want. Black and navy are very common colors, but if you want something a little bit more colorful, you may have to have them custom ordered.

5. Quality. Finally, you should choose binders that are of the highest quality so you can get a lot of use out of them. (And even reuse them at some point in the future.) You should look for items that are made out of heavy chipboard and good vinyl that won't become coated with ink from your documents. Remember that it's sometimes smart to go with a more expensive product so you won't have to replace it down the road.

It's important to choose the right presentation binder for your work so you can get it properly organized and then impress your audience with it. By looking for the 5 things listed above, you'll find it easy to select the binder that's right for your needs.

Binders - Tips for Choosing the Right 3-Ring Binder for Your Organization

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … Binders – Tips for Choosing the Right 3-Ring Binder for Your Organization. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Three ring binders provide an effective and simple solution for organizing your documents. They are the perfect choice for housing your training materials, product specifications, and bulky reports. This is why many organizations choose clear view binders. Also known as a clear overlay binder, they include clear pockets on the front and back covers, as well as the spine. This allows you to create custom covers and spines quickly and easily. This article outlines a few things to keep in mind when shopping for three-ring-binders for your documents.

While clear overlay ring-binders are most often found in white, you can also purchase them in black. Sometimes you can find navy, but any other color would need to be special ordered and manufactured especially for you. This could be costly, so if color choice is important, you can either print colorful covers and spines to insert into black or white binders, or you can think about using a different binding method with a larger selection of available colors (such as color coil binding).

Three-ring binders come in three varieties: round-ring, D-ring, and ez-load D-ring. Round ring binders tend to have the rings joined to the spine. D-ring and ez load D-ring options are constructed with the rings affixed to the back cover. They work well for more sizeable documents, while round ring options are better suited to smaller ones.

Most binder rings are manufactured in half inch increments. The smallest ring diameter available is ½", and the largest is 4". Binders with diameters over 3" come only with D-rings. Please remember that ring diameter does not indicate the width of the binder on your shelf. You will need to measure the actual spine of to know how much space you will need.

Most clear view binders hold standard 8.5" x 11" sheets. That doesn't mean that is the only size available. You can find options for legal sized documents or 11" x 17" publications if you persevere. You may have to special order them, but they are available if you plan ahead.

Clear overlay binders can vary in quality due to differences in components, such as the grade of vinyl used for the spine and covers. A common problem that users experience is the transference of toner from cover and spine inserts onto the inside of the vinyl pocket. If you buy a higher quality product, you will not see this toner transfer problem on the covers and spines. Thus, buying a higher quality product can often save you money since you will be able to reuse it for multiple documents or reports. If you are looking for a high quality binder you should also look for heavier chipboard and deeper interior pockets. You might also look for products that include sheet lifters. Higher quality ring-binders stand up to being used over and over, so be sure to look for these features.

The information included in this article should serve as a great basis for helping you find the best clear overlay or clear-view-binder for yourself or for your school or business. Lower-quality choices are okay for single-time use, but for a product that will stand up to reuse without transferring toner onto the vinyl overlay, look for quality instead of bargain basement pricing.

Twelve Great Uses for Three Ring Binders

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … Twelve Great Uses for Three Ring Binders. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

We all have them, and we even use them sometimes. Not only are binders easy to find and use, they portable and secure. They are the perfect choice for an array of projects you have been meaning to get to work on. You can use binders to organize all sorts of information around the house. Organized information helps you build an organized life and lower your stress levels. Take a look at some ways you can put binders to work for you.

Collections

• Encase your sports card collection to protect your investment. Tip: If you buy your cards in boxes, cut the box apart and insert the lid and sides into the clear vinyl pockets for a perfect quick cover.
• Create information sheets for your collectibles. Describe each item, including its size, quality, origin, date and amount of purchase. Take digital photos of your collectibles and paste the photos onto the information sheets.
• Display your collection of international coins and bills.

Crafts

• Create your own educational books. Use the computer to print out pictures and words and slide the pages into page protectors. You can easily update content as your child masters the content.
• Make your own recipe book by pasting your recipes and their photos on sheets and inserting them into page protectors. These customized recipe books are a thoughtful and personal gift that's easy to make.
• Sort your photos and plan your layouts for scrapbooking. Once you've selected photos or embellishments for your scrapbooking page, drop them into a page protector and keep them together until you're ready to get started.
• Customize school binders for your kids, or, better yet, let your kids customize their own binders for school. Get out the markers, scissors, stencils, and glue and see what kinds of creative designs your family can come up with.

Record Keeping

• Divide your binder into monthly sections and save copies of all your bills for each month. Consider keeping grocery and other receipts to build a complete financial picture. This yearlong record can help you with budgeting and can even be used to teach your kids about finances.
• Track your sales and shipments for items you've sold online. Think about using tab dividers to group sales by site (EBay, Half.com, etc.), month, or item type.
• Don't leave it until January to organize your receipts for the accountant. File your documents monthly into meaningful sections of your binder. You can tape the receipts onto sheets or just insert them into page protectors or specialty pocket pages.
• Make a notebook to house your pet's immunization records, veterinary information, microchip documents, and AKC registration and pedigree.
• Keep a notebook for each of your children's artwork, report cards, and examples of their schoolwork. They grow so quickly that if you drop all of their work into the same drawer, you may not be able to tell what belongs to whom later on. These notebooks are also a great way to remind struggling kids about how proud you are of them and all that they have accomplished.