My method is based on my current situation:

— Pile: (stapled) sets of non-essential documents to re-read .. internet/intranet articles, or book photocopies, or course handouts, or brochures

I generally keep them in clear display folders inside ring folders.

Document Retrieval pattern: no on-demand retrieval.  I won’t keep 100 sets of docs. I think 20-40 sets are practical. Once a few months I would /prune/ this pile — maintenance legwork.

— Pile: SOA [i.e. “statements” of account] from large organizations

I generally punch them and keep them in a ring folder.

Most SOA have an electronic copy. The paper copies don’t need long-term storage. Therefore, this pile looks like a small pile so far, and mostly related to mortgage.  Therefore, this pile doesn’t need a dedicated physical folder. If I need to keep them in the same folder along with other piles, then I need to keep this pile physically separated from other piles as much as possible.