What is Document Storage?
Anyone who needs to store documents, whether a business or an individual, should take special care in where and how they save this data. Documents require special care when they are placed into storage. Fire safety is imperative, but special precautions should also be taken to avoid even small amounts of moisture as this also can destroy documents. A little humidity may be enough to cause documents to mildew when they are not stored properly. In addition, documents worthy of the expense involved in placing them into storage may be important enough to require strong security measures.
Document storage may be arrange at different types of facilities. Archival companies will pick up documents, file them, store them and remove them upon request. Some will locate a document in storage and have it express mailed to you in a matter of hours. This type of document storage company may work great for large volumes of material, for highly sensitive material or for items that must be stored for extended periods of time. On the downside archival facilities can be expensive and can limit your ability to review your forms quickly. For many businesses, this type of facility is unnecessary. A self storage unit may be the answer for those who would like to remove document clutter from their workplace or home but who want greater personal control at a lower price.
Self storage facilities allow you to remove documents from your business or home and store them at a secure location. Storage facilities come in many forms. Those planning to store documents should look for more than just a room that protects goods from wind and weather.
- Look for a self storage unit with adequate security. Consider features like lighting, cameras, fencing, onsite management and security guards.
- Find a facility that offers climate control features like temperature and humidity control. Find out if the unit has individual controls or if the entire facility is adjusted by management.
- Consider pest control. Ask the facility how they deal with this potential problem and look around the facility to see if it is clear of weeds, foundational cracks and other signs of trouble.
- Be sure you can access the unit whenever you might need to review your stored documents.
- Look for self storage facilities that specialize in document storage.