How to Store Paper So Printing Problems Don’t Happen

Paper jams and printing problems are huge sources of frustration for employees, IT staff and employers. Productivity decreases when staff members must focus their attention on clearing paper jams or troubleshooting a printer. Proper storage of printer paper can help prevent these issues from occurring. All staff members should be trained and aware of these guidelines. When the office works together and is adequately educated on the equipment, productivity will remain high by eliminating unnecessary printer repairs.

1.Locate an area to store printer paper. “You need a space that stays cool and dry. Heat and humidity will cause the paper to curl up; this is what can cause paper jams. Printer paper needs to be perfectly flat, with not even the slightest curl to be properly fed into the printer,” says Mike Canaan, a senior PC technician for Dewberry and Davis in Raleigh, North Carolina. Examples of good storage spaces include a cabinet near the printer or an indoor storage closet. A room that is slightly cooler than the office environment is ideal.

2.Place the printer paper in the desired spot. Reams can be stored vertically or horizontally. When not in their boxes, reams should be stored in orderly stacks on flat surfaces. Uneven surfaces might press a bend into the paper, perhaps causing a paper jam. “People in office environments frequently make the mistake of placing single reams of paper on uneven surfaces or on top of objects,” Canaan says.

3.If possible, load the printer with full reams of paper. Partial ream storage exposes exposed paper to the chance of deterioration, which will cause printing issues later on.