It’s a good idea to keep important financial and personal documents in a central location where you can easily access them as needed. Storage units provide excellent security and easy access, but you also need to consider how to organize and house those documents within your unit. Here’s a brief guide to help you do just that.

4 Tips for Storing Essential Documents in Storage Units

1. Organize By Category

The point of keeping your documents safe is to ensure you can access them quickly when needed. Separate the papers into different categories, such as “financing” and “insurance,” and place them in labeled or color-coded folders so you can just find the relevant folder right away rather than sifting through boxes and boxes of papers.

2. Use Sturdy Containers

Once they’re in folders, keep those documents in file cabinets or boxes so they’re protected from the elements. Ideally, they should also be raised off the ground so they’re protected from flooding or similar issues. If you’re not using a secure storage unit, you should at least consider a locking file cabinet or safe for any sensitive personal or financial items.

3. Back Up Digitally

Though it is necessary to keep many documents in hard copy format, it doesn’t hurt to also have digital backups just in case. Scan your most important items and store them on your hard drive or using a secure cloud storage service. This ensures you can access the information quickly and gives you some extra insurance in case the hard copies are lost or destroyed.

4. Find Climate Controlled Storage Units

Moisture and humidity can potentially damage paper documents, so look for heated storage units. These control the humidity of the space and protect against drastic temperature shifts, ensuring your belongings stay in optimal condition.

If you’re looking for secure storage units where you can keep your important documents, look no further than International Self Storage in Anchorage, AK. The self-storage facility provides secure units for everything from paper documents to cars and RVs. The company has been serving area residents since 1987 and works hard to keeps prices affordable for both short and long term customers. Contact the team online or call (907) 563-3287 to reserve your next unit.