In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to forget about paper files. Many people think, “Why do I need all this old stuff?” But your old records—like contracts, photos, and blueprints—tell important stories. They hold value, history, and sometimes even legal proof. Let’s explore why keeping and protecting your documents still matters.
Paper Isn’t Dead
You may hear people say, “Everything is online now.” That’s not always true. Many businesses, schools, hospitals, and governments still rely on paper records. In fact, over 70% of businesses say they still use paper daily, according to a 2023 report by AIIM (Association for Intelligent Information Management).
Paper records can include:
- Birth and death certificates
- Medical records
- Financial documents
- Old family photos
- Historical archives
If these records get damaged or lost, they might be impossible to replace.
The Risk of Doing Nothing
Imagine this: A flood hits your office. Paper files in cardboard boxes soak up water like a sponge. Mold grows. Ink runs. Years of hard work, gone overnight. Sadly, disasters like this happen more than people think.
According to FEMA, about 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster like a flood or fire. Often, it’s because they lost important files they couldn’t recover.
Storing papers in closets or basements might seem easy. But if you don’t store them right, you’re risking everything.
Digital Isn’t Always Safe, Either
You might say, “No worries! I’ve scanned everything!” That’s great—but where did you store those digital files? On a flash drive? A laptop? The cloud?
Digital storage comes with its own problems:
- Computers crash
- Files get hacked
- Passwords get lost
- Formats become outdated
One shocking study by Backblaze found that 22% of hard drives fail within four years. That’s nearly 1 in 4! If your only copy is on that hard drive, your data could vanish.
That’s why having safe backups—both paper and digital—is smart.
Bridging the Old and the New
Some companies have figured out how to handle both paper and digital worlds. One of those trusted names is FileBank. For over 35 years, they’ve been helping schools, hospitals, businesses, and government offices protect their important files.
Instead of just stacking papers in a warehouse, they scan, organize, and even use smart tools like AI-driven search and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to make old documents easy to find. It’s like turning a dusty paper pile into a smart, searchable computer file you can use anytime.
Brad Copeland, the President of FileBank, puts it simply:
“Our goal is simple: save our clients time, space, and money while enhancing their access to critical information.”
Stories Hidden in Boxes
Think about all the stories that can be told from one box of papers. A teacher’s career. A family’s history. A town’s journey. These stories don’t belong in dusty corners. They belong somewhere safe—where they can be used, remembered, and shared.
Here are just a few examples:
- A local library saved its 100-year-old newspapers by scanning and protecting them.
- A doctor found missing patient records in time for a lawsuit—because the records were properly stored.
- A school digitized decades of yearbooks so alumni could enjoy them online.
With help from companies like FileBank, these stories don’t just survive—they thrive.
Saving Space and Time
One big reason people store files off-site is to save room. Offices can get messy fast. By moving files to a secure location, you free up space for things you actually need every day.
Also, trying to find a paper buried in a pile of boxes can take hours. But if your files are scanned and organized, you can find them in minutes.
Companies like FileBank use advanced tracking systems to make it easy. Every box is labeled. Every document is tagged. You need it—they find it, fast.
It’s Also About the Law
Depending on your business, you may be required by law to keep certain documents for years. Medical offices, for example, must keep patient records for at least 7 years. Schools, lawyers, and banks have rules too.
If you throw away the wrong paper—or can’t find it when needed—it could cost you big. Fines, lawsuits, and lost trust.
Using a secure record-keeping service helps you stay safe and follow the rules.
A Boutique Approach to Information
What really sets FileBank apart is their “boutique” style of working. Unlike giant companies that treat every customer the same, they customize a plan just for you. Whether you’re a school district preparing for an audit, a federal agency moving offices, or a hospital updating patient records, they build a smart plan that fits your exact needs.
Instead of just storing paper, they help turn static files into valuable data you can actually use. It’s not just storage—it’s a way to unlock the true power of information.
As Brad Copeland says,
“We believe information should never be a burden—it should be an advantage.”
Their services help organizations move toward the future, without losing the valuable lessons of the past.
Saving the Planet, Too
Keeping documents safe is good for the Earth. When papers are scanned, you save trees by making fewer new copies. When old files are shredded properly, the paper is often recycled.
Companies like FileBank also use green energy and sustainable practices to make sure they aren’t just protecting your data—they’re protecting the planet too.
A Smart Investment
Keeping your records safe might not seem exciting, but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make. It protects your past. It saves time in the present. And it gives peace of mind for the future.
Think of it like insurance. You hope you don’t need it—but when you do, it can make all the difference.
Reference FileBank, manages the entire lifecycle of documents from paper to digital to destruction.
Instead of boxes in a closet, imagine a system that:
- Keeps files dry and safe
- Lets you access anything instantly
- Protects private info
- Saves you time and stress
That’s the future FileBank is building for its clients, every single day.
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