Although your business has probably made strides towards going paperless in recent years, this is not always 100% feasible. Paper documents are necessary, and legally required, in many instances for recordkeeping, so it’s still important to learn how to properly store these items. Use the guide below to ensure nothing happens to your printed records no matter how long they sit in storage. 

Packing

To begin with, organize your documents into categorized and labeled folders. Place these inside an acid-free, file box. Make a note of each folder and the documents inside it, so you can add a clear label—which should include a unique number along with the type and year of records—on the exterior of the box before it goes into storage. This will allow you to use internal notes and track down files quickly when they are needed in the future. 

Storing

To preserve your documents, keep them in a storage area with temperature and humidity control and minimal to no sunlight exposure. Extreme temperatures and high humidity will cause the papers to degrade and invite paper-eating pests, like silverfish. Also, use pallet boxes or shelving units to keep the boxes off the ground in the event of a flood. 

When organizing your storage area, place the most important documents closest to the door and in front of other boxes. This will prevent digging and accidentally damaging containers. From here, keep similar types of boxes together and arrange these groups based on the year of the records.

If you need a place to keep your business documents safely protected from the elements, contact Treweek Mini Storage in Kalispell, MT. They have over 300 units to meet the self-storage and commercial storage needs of residents and companies throughout the Greater Flathead Valley. They also offer U-Haul® truck rentals and packing materials at affordable rates. For more information about their units or to get help with your move, call them today at (406) 752-2835. You can also visit their website to learn more about their team.