Self Storage For Your Business

Whether your business is run out of a separate office or out of your home, you know how much space your documents can take up. Filing cabinets and document boxes can take up space better used to create a nice waiting area for your clients.

Tip: Store away office items that your business needs to access only a few times a year.More ››

When you’re looking to create more space in your office and still keep your records organized and safe, you should consider moving your office storage to self storage!

Storing Important Documents

Proper document storage is more than just purchasing a good organizational system and sturdy storage containers. When deciding on your document storage needs consider the types of documents you’re storing:

• Are these backup documents?
• Do you have additional copies?
• Is the information sensitive?
• Do the documents need special care prior to storage?
• Are these archives or just being held for tax purposes?
• Will you need to dispose of old records eventually?

Fireproofing is another major consideration when storing sensitive, irreplaceable documents. Even though most self storage facilities are equipped with fire safety measures, you can never be too careful. Climate control for humidity is also critical, as moisture is the most common cause of damage for stored documents.

Your storage containers will also play an important role in document storage options. If using boxes, make sure they are made of acid-free materials to prevent yellowing. For individual document storage, acid-free sleeves are available for extra protection.

Organizing Your Business Storage for Future Use

If you’re storing items for future use, make sure that the cabinets containing the items you are least likely to need are placed in the back of your self storage while the most current documents are stored in the cabinets closest to the front of the unit. Avoid placing boxes directly on the floor; in the event of a flood they will be much safer when kept off the ground.

If your document storage is being done for annual record keeping, and you need to purge old records, consider a self storage facility that offers document disposal services. There are companies that offer secure document disposal and provide on-side shredding and destruction of materials.

Storing Office Equipment

When replacing old office equipment, you can utilize self storage to store your old equipment for emergency use. It’s always great to have a spare copier or printer stored away when your current unit needs repair. When storing electronics such as printers, it’s best to remove the ink and toner cartridges to avoid leaks. Materials that are not used often such as trade how displays or folding chairs can be easily stored in a self storage unit until they are needed.

Controlling Employee Access

Many self storage facilities specialize in corporate storage and will provide accommodations for multiple-employee access. Your company should decide on whether or not one main employee will have access to the self storage unit. You should consult with your self storage facility to learn what access options they have and whether or not it is advisable for multiple employees to have access to your storage unit.