A method for file handling in a hierarchical storage environment includes receiving a new document for storage, and triggering and/or initiating a new document notification process upon receipt of the new document. The new document notification process includes scanning the new document for a set of keywords and/or references; creating enhanced metadata for the new document, wherein the enhanced metadata includes the set of keywords and/or references from said scanning; storing the enhanced metadata in a file system; and evaluating the enhanced metadata via a relationship analyzing process to produce a priority list defining a likelihood of possible access. The method also includes storing the new document in a storage tier of a hierarchical storage environment according to the priority list.