How to Keep Safe Documents Storage
Everyone has important documents that they need to keep safe, from birth certificates to bank records. It is possible to keep important documents safely in the event of an disaster or emergency with a little planning organization, organization, digitizing and storage tools.
The most common place to store key originals is a safe deposit box. It’s fairly inexpensive and provides a good level of security. However, you have to go to the bank during working hours to get your documents when you require them.
Another option is a quality waterproof and fireproof document safe. The Honeywell 1104 is a great option, but it’s about the size of a mini-refrigerator and costs more than $125. It can hold hanging file folders for as long as 1 hour at temperatures of up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit. It also guards against water intrusion for several hours.
Whatever container you use to keep your documents in for long-term storage, you should keep them flat and not fold them or roll them. This will stop the documents from becoming damaged and warping, or fading over time. It is also important to avoid using paper clips or rubber bands to hold the pages together as they can tear, cause corrosion and stains, and degrade the integrity of the document.
People who want to be even more cautious about their paper document storage can buy archival storage boxes and sleeves that are made from materials that won’t deteriorate over time, like polyvinyl chloride (PVC). You can purchase these items at hardware or office supply stores. The PVC material will also help protect your documents from moisture, which can cause damage to them.