The Hidden Risks of Storing Business Records in Self Storage

When office space gets tight, many businesses consider self storage as a quick fix for their growing collection of documents. While it might seem like an economical solution, storing business records in self storage units can expose your company to serious risks that far outweigh any initial savings.

Why Self Storage Fails Business Needs

Self storage facilities weren’t designed with business records in mind. These units lack the specialized features necessary to protect sensitive corporate information from theft, environmental damage, and regulatory violations.

Most self storage units offer minimal security beyond a basic lock, leaving your confidential documents vulnerable to theft or unauthorized access. Unlike professional records storage services, self storage facilities typically don’t conduct background checks on staff or maintain detailed access logs.

Environmental Hazards Threaten Document Integrity

Connecticut’s humid summers and freezing winters create the perfect storm for document destruction in uncontrolled environments. Self storage units rarely offer climate control, leading to:

• Moisture damage causing pages to stick together or become illegible
• Mold and mildew growth destroying entire boxes of records
• Temperature fluctuations that make documents brittle and prone to tearing
• Pest infestations that can contaminate or destroy valuable paperwork

These environmental factors can make documents completely unusable, potentially costing your business thousands in recreating essential records.

Security Vulnerabilities Put Your Data at Risk

Self storage facilities often have security gaps that would be unacceptable for business records:

• Multiple people share access codes to buildings
• Surveillance systems may be outdated or have blind spots
• Staff turnover can compromise access control
• No tracking of who enters your unit or when

Compare this to Infoshred’s secure records storage, where every access is logged, monitored, and tracked with state-of-the-art security systems.

Compliance Nightmares Await

Storing business records in self storage can create serious compliance issues. Industries governed by regulations like HIPAA, FERPA, or SOX require specific security measures that self storage simply cannot provide.

Consider these compliance requirements:

• Controlled access with detailed audit trails
• Environmental controls to preserve document integrity
• Professional handling by trained, background-checked personnel
• Systematic organization for quick retrieval during audits

Violating these regulations can result in hefty fines and legal complications that dwarf any savings from choosing self storage.

The Hidden Costs Add Up Quickly

While self storage might appear cheaper upfront, hidden costs can make it more expensive than professional records management:

Time Lost: Searching through disorganized boxes in a remote storage unit wastes valuable employee time. What happens when you need that contract from three years ago for a legal dispute?

Document Replacement: Environmental damage often requires recreating lost documents, involving legal fees, administrative costs, and business disruption.

Compliance Penalties: Regulatory violations can result in fines ranging from thousands to millions of dollars.

Security Breaches: Data breaches from inadequate security can result in significant financial losses, legal fees, and damage to your business reputation.

Professional Records Storage: The Smart Alternative

Infoshred’s records storage services offer everything self storage cannot:

• Climate-controlled environment protecting documents from Connecticut’s weather extremes
• Advanced security systems with biometric access and 24/7 monitoring
• Professional organization using our computerized tracking system
• Regulatory compliance meeting all industry standards and requirements
• Easy retrieval with same-day delivery available throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island

Our NAID AAA certified facility ensures your records receive the same level of protection whether stored or eventually requiring secure destruction.

Don’t Gamble with Your Business Records

As Connecticut’s trusted records management provider since 1993, Infoshred understands that your business records are irreplaceable assets. While self storage might seem like a bargain, the risks to your documents—and your business—are simply too great.

Our Connecticut certified Minority/Woman-Owned Business provides personalized service that treats your records with the care they deserve. Unlike self storage, we’re available when you need us, with professional staff ready to help retrieve your documents quickly and securely.

Protect your business records today! Call Infoshred at (860) 627-5800 or request your quote today to learn how our professional records storage services can safeguard your valuable documents while ensuring compliance and easy access. Don’t let self storage put your business at risk—trust Connecticut’s premier records management experts.