How to Store File Boxes
Even as we move toward that illusive "paperless world," the documents keep piling up, requiring file boxes to store them. Legal hard-copies -- such as court proceedings and legislation -- may always be with us, requiring safe, secure storage, as they are permanent records. File boxes are generally made of heavy-duty corrugated cardboard or plastic. Designed to be stacked on top of each other, they come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Although they were originally designed to store files -- and, hence, the name -- they can address a multitude of storage needs, such as clothing, books and stamp collections. So while file boxes help us sort our belongings, storing them can become problematic.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Gather all the file boxes you have to store in a central location. Eyeballing the file boxes will give you an indication of the space you are going to need to store them. If they are in various places -- be it in different departments or different rooms in the house -- you won't be able to do a proper space calculation.
-
2
Research the file box storage requirements if you work in a business. There may be specific regulations as to what type of material the file boxes must be made of and how long the records have to be kept. This is particularly important when it comes to storing file boxes of medical records, for instance.
-
-
3
Specify who has access to the stored file boxes. If privacy is an issue or the file boxes are in an archive, there may be policies in place.
-
4
Determine the storage space options for your file boxes: a storeroom at the office, the basement, the garage, hired storage, space under your bed. You may want to keep the file boxes containing things you use on a regular basis in your home office, while relegating unused and not-likely-to-be-required file boxes to the garage.
-
5
Label your file boxes. Clearly identifying the contents of your file box will save you time and energy when it comes to locating things you later need. If you have 10 file boxes in the basement that all look the same, it could take you quite a while to find the deed to your house, but if you mark it "Legal Papers" your search will be easier.
-
6
Be creative about storing your file boxes. If you have to store your file boxes in a place where they are visible -- such as the back wall of your office -- hang a curtain in front of them to hide them from constant view or put a folding screen in front of them.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit fruit boxes image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
