Records

To set up a storage area for your office records, in-house or in off-site self-storage, there are a number of questions you need to answer:

1) If in-house, where will you find space (either by crowding existing space or by leasing extra expensive space)?
2) Where will you purchase proper shelving that a) meets safety standards for anyone working around them, b) is designed specifically for the storage of document boxes, and c) will not interfere with security and fire systems?
3) Where will you purchase strong, document-specific, manageable boxes to hold the records and documents?
4) How will you protect them from theft (this is also a privacy issue)?
5) How will you meet fire codes for your building (storing large amounts of paper in one area) and protect them from fire, and therefore also from water damage if there is ever a fire?
6) How will you protect them from flood or from dampness, mildew, etc?
7) How will you protect them from insects and rodents?
8) How will you protect them from temperature extremes that have a degrading effect on paper and other substances?
9) How will you manage them so that a document can be found when required?