Bruce Small, post: 402593, member: 1201 wrote: My motto is: If in doubt, throw it out (but not actual survey records).
I kept very few paper bits, except for 2 drawers of record maps. My scanner only accepts paper up to 8-1/2" wide, and I don't want to pay a service bureau to scan all those maps, so I'll hang onto them. At $7.00 a sheet from the County Recorder, they're worth storing.
I've been playing around with a bulk file re-namer so that I can get all my disparate digital files in a regimented pattern. It's pretty fun!
Florida only requires us to keep records for six years. For my type work that's five years too long.
Shelby H. Griggs PLS, post: 402535, member: 335 wrote: attorneys tend to move on toward more productive places
That was a very eloquent description. My translation to same is "Attorneys are financial sharks and start with whomever has the deepest pockets". 😉
Bruce Small, post: 402593, member: 1201 wrote: When I was faced with buying more filing cabinets two years ago I instead went through the file folders and tossed all the thousands of docket copies, knowing that if I ever need a copy my friends in the title business will send it over by return e-mail. Took a while to toss them all because I didn't want to overload the recycle barrel, but now I have plenty of room. My motto is: If in doubt, throw it out (but not actual survey records).
I had 45 flat file drawers of drawings I had inherited and produced over the years - I just couldn't deal with them anymore. They are all on 1 DVD now - with backups on our server and a portable hard drive.
Jim Frame, post: 402386, member: 10 wrote: I purged -- I bought a document scanner and scanned everything I could to PDF. The only paper I keep now are maps or other documents that don't fit in the scanner. And I'm not waiting 10 years, either -- as soon as I'm done using it I scan it, then the paper goes in the shredder or the recycling.
This is what I did. Hired someone to scan and enter the data. Got a program and now everything is cross indexed by municipality, address, or subdivision and lot number.
Considering all our work is within about 5 towns in a 5 mile radius, it makes initial research really fast and easy.