Best office filing supplies according to redditors
We found 124 Reddit comments discussing the best office filing supplies. We ranked the 64 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 124 Reddit comments discussing the best office filing supplies. We ranked the 64 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
I put my sandpaper in an expanding file folder like this. Works well for me.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Expanding-File-Letter-Size/dp/B01B25NN64/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1517588893&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=expanding+file+folder&psc=1
I strongly reccomend:
For my graduate degree I started using accordion folders instead of binders. I could get one accordion folder and put each class for an entire semester into a different slot, then I could put the completed semester on my bookshelf for easy reference later on. It's a great way to organize your notes and you'll never have to deal with the metal ring of doom again.
An expanding file for paperwork.
Super simple. Completely fits my need to store some documents, but being limited in size, it forces me to deal with things immediately when they arrive and then scan and/or shred.
I use something like this and just put it in the drawer where the rest of my files are.
I have this, and I just stick all the receipts in the appropriate month and forget about them unless something comes up. It's not too bulky (at all), so it takes up like no room. My parents were uber anal about keeping them when I lived with them (my mom's loosened up a bit, realizing it's not gonna be easy to return two month old eggs..) so it's just kind of a learned behavior. IIRC they chuck them after two years or so.
^(They're self employed so that might explain it? They also analyze bills like fucking crazy, so they check all purchases with the receipt.)
Setup time is about as quick as imperial assault, we split sorting tokens and setting up the map etc, but I've gone for the cheap and quick home-made solution rather than the wooden boxes.
The lid doesn't sit flush any more, but for about ยฃ30 I can't complain.
So I cut out the foam that came with the game -
http://i.imgur.com/04Ufc7e.jpg
Base of the box uses the standard insert, with a little bit of plastic removal around the road event cards -
http://i.imgur.com/QxTp8gJ.jpg
The foam inserts stack nicely -
http://i.imgur.com/Y9upzxg.jpg
These 3D printed bases have been the most time saving thing of actually tracking HP on the enemies, seriously, if you have the chance they're amazing. -
https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/145269/3d-printed-standee-base
I use a file folder for all of the map tiles, which makes it really quick as they are in A-Z order. -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-Expanding-File-A4-Size/dp/B01B25NN64/
Check the Y.A.S.S solution on bgg it uses plano boxes for storage. Additionally get an expanding file folder for the map tiles.
I use 48"w x 18"d x 74"h wire shelving, 5 shelves, with 1/4" wood liner shelves. Each unit holds 25 short boxes, and they are easy to get on and off the shelves. I just added a second shelf unit tonight so I have a picture handy:
http://imgur.com/BTytifp
Edit: Here are the shelves I use:
I can't find a link to the wood I use for shelf liners, but it's fantastic - it's a reddish-stained smooth plywood which comes in a 4'x8' sheet for about $14 - it's sold as 1/4" but it's closer to 1/8". I cut it to 17" x 46.75" shelves, and then cut off about 1.25" inches off of each corner so that the liners sit right into each wire shelf. Short boxes slide in and out very easily.
While I'm at it, I highly recommend using business card holders and printable business cards to label your short boxes, it's really improved everything for me... recommended:
I also use a sharpie on the backs of old business cards to help organize whatever boxes I'm using for filing.
Congratulations in moving into your first apartment!
I would suggest in buying a few microwaveable tupperwares (or takeaway containers) for dividing up food when cooking to take to work/classes or for a easy quick meals at home.
Get a folder organiser like this to manage all the letters/bills you receive. Set up automatic payments if you can for things like the gas/electricity, internet etc and regularly check your bank balance online via online/phone app.
Set a day once a week to clean your laundry and other cleaning duties i.e. cleaning the bathroom/kitchen/floors etc.
Check out these subreddits for ideas on decorating /r/InteriorDesign /r/DesignMyRoom
Best of luck!
Wago lever nuts are the best for this imo. Stranded doesnt like to get good grip if your wire nut isnt sized just right. You can do it, but i feel a lot more confident with lever locks especially on something that might have a bit of mechanical vibration.
https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ
Bag
Stationary
Tech/Media
MOE
Traffic
On-Person Kit
Comfort/Personal
I have a problem, although to be fair a lot of it is either stuff I always carry on me/use for other stuff, presents or "acquisitions" from colleagues at work who may be retiring, moving etc.
I also need a decent pair of sunglasses that I can replace the lenses on easily, maybe add some leg restraints if we have a spare set at work.
edit: Do I earn this?
Large filing thingie, accordion style with dividers built in. Each pocket can hold one set of needles. You can label each pocket with the size and length for easily location.
Quick edit: http://www.amazon.com/Pendaflex-Portafile-Expanding-Organizer-Black/dp/B000DN85LA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1394604567&sr=8-7&keywords=alphabetical+file+organizer
This is great advice. I learned in AI that writing things down is one of the few actions we know helps form memories, as there is a sort of feedback loop created. Doing it more than once is a great idea.
Organization is also key as you mentioned. I used a simple organizer like this my last 2 years of undergrad and it really helped me stay on point. I also took notes on plain printer paper so I could organize what I wrote however I liked (landscape was ideal for math and physics, for example).
I use bags like these. They aren't 100% waterproof at the zippers, but I have never had a problem with my work getting wet. These ones are the ones I bought because it came with different sizes. I keep my thread in one, needle and scissors in another small one and put them and my frame in one of the larger bags.
I use an expandable accordion file organizer like this one to store the map tiles. It makes putting together the maps much, much faster, however it wont fit back in the box unless you get very creative.
There are apps like Gloomhaven Campaign Tracker to track the scenarios you unlock, so you really don't need to even use the stickers for the main map if you don't feel like it.
A friend of mine has the Broken Token organizer, which is really nice. I didn't want to spend so much, so I went with a Plano solution. His setup is definitely faster than mine, but mine's not too bad. I also save a lot of time by using an accordion filer for the map pieces (I used https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0186K7ASK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 but it's nothing special). The last thing that I've done to save time (and probably the most impactful) is use https://ninjalooter.de/gloomhaven for tracking the world and party state, and https://www.gloomhavenguild.com for tracking monster bits during combat.
Totally agree mate. Iโve only had a handful of sessions but already been finding that digging out bags of monsters and tokens slows things down considerably! Thanks for the comment too.
Hope this helps and if there is anything else I can answer then please ask!
If you can afford it, the Broken Token insert is great. I tried using baggies at first and the insert is such a huge improvement. It not only reduces setup and tear down time, but it also keeps components well organized during game play. I recommend having some wood glue handy when assembling it, as there were several spots that needed it for mine. I also recommend watching this video after assembling it to see how everything is designed to fit in the box.
The only part that isn't great is the map tile storage tray. Everything fits in it, as advertised, but unlike most parts of the insert, it does little to help with the efficiency of setup and tear down. So instead, as many others have done, I'm using an expanding file to store the map tiles (outside of the box), and using the storage tray to store my custom standee bases and the dice I use to track monster health.
Part1 (sorry it's long post)
Thanks for sharing your struggles.
Have you ever been assessed by an expert for ADHD? While it could of course be a symptom of autism (with comorbid anxiety), to me personally it screams ADHD (a lot of people on the spectrum suffer from ADHD as well). What you are describing sounds like the story of my life, and probably a lot of autistic / adhd affected people suffer from exactly this. So first thing first: Don't be too harsh on yourself if somehow possible. It's really easy to slip into depression because of underperforming in everyday-life. Just happened to me this year and it takes soo long to get out of the hole after depression caught you.
Ok, so I'll just write down some coping strategies that I was thinking about (as I'm troubleshooting exactly the same thing at this current moment). However, keep in mind if I'm talking about medical topics: I'm not a medical doctor, always speak to your therapist/doctor to clarify these things and take anecdotal advice on the internet with a grain of salt! To me: I'm 30 years old, was sure to be on the spectrum, but was just diagnosed with ADHD+major depression+anxiety disorder some months ago. First of all, I very much like to think about "procrastination" (work/private live things, does not matter) as a symptom of anxiety. The reason why a lot of people cannot get started is that they only see the huuuuge mountain of things they actually need to do and then they are pretty much paralyzed by anxiety and stress and just 'decide' not to start at all. I can recommend some videos by Mel Robbins talking about procrastination to illustrate what I'm talking about (video1, video2). There exist a lot of strategies to avoid showing that reactions to tasks. The most obvious one is to break the mountain down into several sequential chewable, enjoyable hiking-routes that are not overwhelming but you can tackle each one individually and rest after each and everyone a bit and before you notice after some hikes you realize that you're up the mountain. Sorry for using metaphors, not a fan actually, but for this, I guess it kind of illustrates what I'm wanting to say. However, this is general advice that is supposed to work for all type of brains out there and it is not too autism/adhd specific. And I'm also really frustrated about everyday NT-advice like "pull yourself together", "just do it", whatever. It's not helpful at all. So let's stop with theory and dive into applying it in our lives: What ADHD-lers and people on the spectrum helps a lot are checklists, plans, and routines. You're all aware of that, I know. So you could try something like that: first just observe: observe your behavior for some time (like a week or two or so) and carry a notebook where you write down what tasks you struggle to start with. After having a list I'd advice tackling them one by one (small hiking routes, don't climb the mountain in one leg). Let's say you take: "paying bills". Then in your notepad write down, in case you know, what stressed you about paying bills, or why you suspect you're struggling with paying bills. For me it usually would be something like (as I'm highly disorganized): My letters are just all over the place and I don't want to sort through all of them and first have to even find the bills in order to actually be able to pay them. Thus, in order to not struggle in the future with the tasked you piked out to troubleshoot, you have to set structures in place that make it easier for you to start doing it (by removing the things you listed during brainstorming reasons why your struggle with a certain task). For the bill example and my personal life: I bought one these file folders (something like this) and put it right on the piece of furniture in the entrance hall where I just usually drop the letters. So I decided that it's way easier for me if I just put the letter in the corresponding slot in the file folder every single day right after picking them up from the mailbox (slots like "bills to pay", "bank documents", "insurances" etc.). Like this, I do not end up with a pile of documents (the metaphorical mountain to climb) that I need to organize before actually being able to pay bills (the behavior I wanted to make easier for me). Anyway, sorry for being too detailed, that's actually my ADHD at work, sorry about that. Long story short: Pick one behavior you struggle with starting. Think about why you struggle with it and how you can make the task easier for you. Then implement these changes and still observe how it's affecting your willingness to start a task (it's ok and to be expected that is not just fixed right away, maybe you need 2 or 3 iterations of putting tools and structures in place for you in order to make a task easier, but that's fine).
As long as your projects aren't bigger than a sheet of paper, you could store them in an accordion file.
Example from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Expanding-File-Letter-Size/dp/B01B25NN64
I use this and it helps me keep organized easier than just stuffing things in my backpack.
http://www.amazon.com/Globe-Weis-13-Pocket-Fabric-Letter-84087BLK/dp/B000RMU6S2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1346114874&sr=8-3&keywords=accordion+binder
i use one of these, you can get them for $1 at the dollar store or target: http://www.amazon.com/C-Line-13-Pocket-Expanding-Includes-58412/dp/B004Q9VJGK/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1382701750&sr=8-7&keywords=coupon+organizer
i seperate them into simple categories.
i have also been known to use a shoebox.
Still hunting but this is a link to the kind you've got in your image. clicky
Edit: everything else I've found is multipage instead of two ๐
1.) Something that is grey.
2.) Something reminiscent of rain. (It sprinkles all over you!)
3.) I've heard these are delicious
4.) For my best friend because birthdays! Also he loves superheroes!
5.) You must read this because I mean... V for Vendetta. The movie was fantastic, this will blow you away
6.) Well, it can be... ;)
7.) I am the crazy cat lady, so...
8.) I mean... It's beautiful
9.) Not the actual movie
But seriously, everyone needs to see this movie. It changed my life, really. I mean, it changes how you perceive things. Even your littlest actions. Not to mention, fantastic movie score... 10/10 would recommend.
10.) May not be real, but it still shoots...
11.) Definitely this or this but they're wicked expensive. The lens would absolutely change my photography career so much because photography is a lot more about equipment than people like to admit. The Macbook would help me with my photo editing, music mixing, and even my coding and programming. These things would open up so many possibilities for me...
12.) Ugh, stupid add-on... I just want to cure my chapped lips! :(
13.) This is the most expensive and I'd love it for photography... The MacBook, my second dream item, is only $100 less...
14.) Definitely bigger than a bread box...
15.) Earring are small.
16.) This smells glorious
17.) Because neurology <3
18.) This would be extremely helpful!
19.) I CAN'T STOP. I also may or may not have already finished the second volume...
20.) THIS COMIC OMFG but seriously, it is one of the best comics ever (according to statistics)
Thank you for the contest! :) <3
EDIT: Bonuses
fear cuts deeper than swords.... muahahahahaa!
I'm a huge fan of accordion folders for their compactness and organization structure. Here's a link if you'd like to check them out! https://www.amazon.com/Five-Star-Expanding-Expandable-72387/dp/B003OCW75W/ref=sr\_1\_6?keywords=accordion+folder&amp;qid=1550756190&amp;s=office-products&amp;sr=1-6
I store mine in an expandable file organizer like this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B25NN64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Z3n3DbH8MGWP1
Just a heads up, 3-way smart switches wire differently than normal 3-ways. Take a look at the directions and if you're unsure still, there are tutorials online. I've wired 3-way smart switches a couple times before, and yet I still managed to screw up the wiring on a switch I put in last year. Turns out that switch only controlled 1 room, but had like 3 or 4 rooms connected to it. My uncles an electrician and it still took him like an hour to fix it.
Also, when you're doing smart switches, wire-nuts are a MAJOR pain in the ass! Space is at a premium, check out Wago lever nuts. They save space and are easier to install. https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ
Whoops, sorry I didnโt mention that. I keep my map tiles in an accordion folder like this one.
It comes with little paper tabs where you can write down the letters of the alphabet. Since the map tiles only go to M there are just enough slots in the folder, and theyโre very easy to access
Very nice! Yeah we picked this up after playing on TTS for a while and fell in love.
The app makes thing so much easier but having the trays for everything is still super worth.
What I would recommend is getting an accordion folder for the map tiles like this it makes setting up maps soooo much easier!
This from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Expanding-Organizer-Folder-Letter/dp/B01B25NN64/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=basic%2Bexpanding%2Bfolder&amp;qid=1568766781&amp;sprefix=basic%2Bexp&amp;sr=8-4&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1
13 pockets; I put most of them two letters per pocket. Pockets for a ziploc with frequently used stuff (dials, attack mods, active events, elements, etc), scenario, rules, records...works perfectly
Yeah. The game is a beast. The game's main appeal is also a big part of its annoyance. Every time you play you'll be embarking on a new dungeon with different features & different monsters who have different abilities. With that amount of variability, also comes the need to organize and set up new content every time you play. When I play with my groups, I ALWAYS determine our scenario path beforehand, and get everything set up and ready before people arrive. I have also bought a couple Plano organization boxes, An expanding file for the map tiles, CD sleeves for the monster cards, and small dice to replace the monster damage counters. That all helps speed up setup & play a bit, but it's not necessary.
What type of rules do you have questions about?
I highly recommend using the New Player content that's out there, such as the First Game Setup Guide and doing a search on /r/Gloomhaven to read a couple threads of frequently missed rules.
> but I needed (wanted) to use the connectors
Can't fault you there. They look pretty awesome. I added them to my Amazon cart for "later" hoping something will come up in the near future where I can justify ordering them.
I ordered these Wago connectors a few weeks back and I'm just waiting for an excuse to use them.
Glad to answer:
Yes, you should hold some back for taxes. Since you are in a lower tax bracket, I would suggest you keep 20% of your earnings from your Uncle gig, or roughly $60 per month.
As a sole proprietor, you also need to be making quarterly payments in April, June, September and December to the IRS. You will be penalized if you don't. If you have not paid yet for this year, backpay what you should have paid.
In your case, I would make a $180 quarterly payment. You can do that here:
https://www.irs.gov/payments
Yes, you should be saving receipts and recording your mileage (use google docs). Use this to help you save your receipts:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q9VJGK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Hope this helps.
These ones work great with stranded wire!
Since they look like pretty thin packages, I'd suggest an accordian style container. I probably wouldn't get a regular accordian file folder, because I think it would be too small and cluttered. I like the look of this one, though. It looks a lot bigger. And if need be, you can get two! Use each little section for different types of tea :)
thanks for the contest!
If they are all on the same breaker you should be able to wire them all into one smart dimmer. (probably keep the exhaust fan separate) Most likely you would put all the blacks into one wire nut with a jumper coming out to the new switch, all the neutral's into one nut and do the same, and then same with the grounds. this many wires coming together will be a bit of a mess so I prefer these instead of wire nuts https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1518965173&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;keywords=wago+lever+nut&amp;psc=1
You could buy a new trim cover then with blanks in it to get rid of the extra holes. However not sure if they are all on the same breaker or if there are any unusual circumstances why you couldn't do the above.
https://smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Expanding-File-Letter-Size/dp/B01B25NN64/
https://smile.amazon.com/Evelots-Magazine-Holders-Assorted-Multi-Colored/dp/B01345OFV2/
https://smile.amazon.com/Pendaflex-Decoflex-Desktop-Black-23013/dp/B0012VIJGS/
Something like these, depending on what you're trying to do. I guess I should've phrased it as some kind of container for your manuals/boards. They don't necessarily have to be folders, but it does make it easier to find things.
One of these?
https://www.amazon.com/Five-Star-Pocket-Expanding-73921/dp/B06Y1WGHCN/ref=sr_1_19?s=office-products&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1502611735&amp;sr=1-19&amp;keywords=expanding%2Bfile%2Bzipper&amp;th=1
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https://www.amazon.com/Globe-Weis-Pendaflex-13-Pocket-Expanding-84087BLK/dp/B000RMU6S2/ref=pd_sim_229_3?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_i=B000RMU6S2&amp;pd_rd_r=97HVR0TM8NWD1PV1MNZ5&amp;pd_rd_w=BndpS&amp;pd_rd_wg=q3QD7&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=97HVR0TM8NWD1PV1MNZ5
--------------
https://www.amazon.com/Pendaflex-Fabric-Expanding-Pocket-84087DBL/dp/B000GAXFYC/ref=pd_sbs_229_10?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_i=B000GAXFYC&amp;pd_rd_r=97HVR0TM8NWD1PV1MNZ5&amp;pd_rd_w=bunon&amp;pd_rd_wg=q3QD7&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=97HVR0TM8NWD1PV1MNZ5
Edit: I'm on mobile, sorry.
I was thinking of using a plastic file organizer but not sure if there are enough slots, maybe for the big pieces.
Something like this: Smead Step Index Poly Organizer, 12 Pockets
Here's what I'm using right now:
I can close the box with the binder outside, and setup is super fast with only the enemy folders labeled. I had some of the stuff already, I think I'm all in for <$50. I think game night tensions would run too high without some good organization. Our first mission was hell partly due to not knowing what anything was, or being able to find anything at all.
This isn't chemistry, this is you're using a non-water tight container. Try using a water proof container.
https://www.amazon.com/APLANET-zy-7-Size-Zipper-File/dp/B073TX8TXZ/ref=sr_1_6?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrMHsBRCIARIsAFgSeI1hQtR2uB2ALbI-ADpo5t6PYIH_p8KnkIfGCUu8e39Z78FWQoCeDlcaAuOHEALw_wcB&hvadid=241908726849&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9029733&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17422081416070288059&hvtargid=kwd-66267251&hydadcr=24660_10400764&keywords=waterproof+bags&qid=1569821605&s=gateway&sr=8-6
I hate spirals.... two strategies:
I have used the plastic sheet protectors to organize loose leaf pages. I create a coversheet and slide the related content behind the coversheet. Holds up well in a binder over time.
Other way I've done it is in a [accordion folder] (https://www.amazon.com/Smead-Organizer-Pockets-Closure-70902/dp/B0085IQ05I/ref=sr_1_4?s=office-products&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1491389428&amp;sr=1-4&amp;keywords=accordion+folder) that had many slots. Then one slot per topic.
For receipts and/or paperwork that I have to keep for an extended period or for tax purposes I use one of these.
We use one of these expanding file folders for Gloomhaven terrain. I imagine it could work just as well for player boards, if they aren't took thick/big.
For organization, an accordion folder is great for the map components. Something like this: https://www.amazon.ca/AmazonBasics-Expanding-File-Letter-Size/dp/B01B25NN64?psc=1&amp;SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&amp;tag=duc12-20&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;camp=2025&amp;creative=165953&amp;creativeASIN=B01B25NN64
Then for the shop, I found the Ultimate Guard Mini American Flexxfolio was a great organizer. You can fit every card in its own pocket, no need to double up, and just flip them over when they're unlocked: https://ultimateguard.com/en/flexxfolio/mini-american-flexxfolio
I carry around an accordion folder when I go to class. It gets bulky later in the semester, but I stuff as much class-related stuff in there, like old homework assignments, handouts, etc.
I leave everything in my office though. Only that folder and my pen pouch come with me to class. I also try to leave my phone in my office so I'm not tempted to derp off during class.
Would tape not work on the wall? You could put one piece of tape on the top, and if you need to scan the back you can just flip it up. You can put a backing board up to tape the coupons to if you're worried about using tape on the wall. Maybe something like a piece of plastic put up with poster tack.
Or, just use poster tack for the coupons. It's reusable. You won't be able to flip them over though.
Other ideas:
I use these Wago wire connectors instead if wirenuts flir the past 3 years after having an I same amount of service calls for loose wire in a wire nut(not my installs) they have been great.
Wago 221 Lever-Nut Assortment Pocket Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0LRTXZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wGYsDbZ1HZ5RY
Fair number of options.
Well, you could always upgrade to WAGO levernuts.Anywhere from 12-24awg, solid or stranded, 2, 3, or 5 conductor configurations (New ones accept 10-22 awg I think). Can probably find at a better price than the link, just provides picture.
I got this combined M & N since it's one pocket short. But for $6 can't complain.
AmazonBasics Expanding File, Letter Size - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B25NN64?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Get an expanding folder organizer like this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B25NN64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_6vGrDbP12R35J
Label tabs for days of the week and load it with your handouts, test, etc. Or get 2 and preload a week ahead.
I wouldnt focus on the color- I think that varies by manufacturer. Your wires are most likely going to be 12 guage. Do just buy an assortment pack and use the one that's appropriate for the number and guage of the wire you have. If you want to make life easier, grab some of these this style: Lever-Nuts
https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=lever+nut&qid=1570645403&sr=8-3
Once you use them, you'll never go back to wire nuts.
Back in high school I'd always get a multi-pocket folder like this so I could just have the 1 thing to carry for papers for all classes instead of swapping out a bunch of folders. I'd have a multi-subject notebook as well for the same reason.
http://www.amazon.com/Five-Star-6-Pocket-Expanding-72391/dp/B003OCQOLA/
I was also a fan of the Fisher Space Pen
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Space-Bullet-Pen-Matte/dp/B000WGD13U/
Of course the Pilot G2 is also a nice writing pen.
http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Retractable-Premium-Roller-Point/dp/B001GAOTSW/
Those things, my books, and a calculator for math class were about all I had.
I'm not really sure how much school has changed since I've been out though. Depending on your school maybe you just need a tablet or laptop and that's it...
I always did a combination of these collapsible folders (https://www.amazon.com/Smead-Organizer-Pockets-Closure-70902/dp/B0085IQ05I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1502462258&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=collapsible+folder) and then put the instructions into clear 3 ring binder sheets and file them into the folder based on labeled tabs. The larger sets with big instruction books fit perfectly into the clear pages. Ive had mine for 15 years like that and all are still mint. That way I can just buy a new one folder as needed when one starts filling up. My Harry Potter, Indiana Jones and Star wars all have separate folders.
A "sackpack" with a folder for character sheets inside (use an accordion folder for lots of sheets/games). Pencils and a plastic bag of dice in the secondary pocket of the backpack. Water bottle in the side pocket.
This was the first year where I really felt like I had our shit together. I have a filing cabinet full of tax related stuff from the last few years, but it's certainly not organized and I probably fudged some numbers here and there for receipts that may or may not have been business related.
I used something like this Amazon Expanding File in both of our work trucks and my personal vehicle as well as one at home all year. Labeled nicely to make it as idiot-proof as possible.
Those combined with work binders that keep track of scheduling, individual estimates and jobs, each job's expenses, etc. and I have a good reference for what we should have receipts for in each expanding file. I try to permanently record and file everything once a week. It's a lot easier than waiting until you start getting tax forms in the mail.
But I think it's all about finding a system that works for you.