It can be a real hassle when you’re out of the house or working remotely and suddenly realize you need to print a document. Whether it’s for travel, work, or personal reasons, the need to find a printer can arise unexpectedly. If you’ve ever been in this situation, you’re not alone. Many people face the same challenge of needing physical documents without having a printer readily available. Luckily, there are several convenient locations where you can print documents when you’re away from your home or office.
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Top Locations to Print Documents Outside of Home
So, exactly Where To Find A Printer when you’re not at home or the office? Here are some reliable places you can consider:
1. Local Public Libraries
People browsing shelves in a quiet public library
You might be wondering, “Do public libraries really have printers?” The good news is, yes, most public libraries offer printing services to the public. Libraries are community hubs designed to provide resources and assistance, and printing is often a key service they offer.
While it’s unlikely you’ll find libraries offering free document printing, the fees are typically very reasonable, often just pennies per page. For specific pricing and services, it’s best to check your local library’s website or give them a call. University libraries are another excellent option, especially if you are a student or can access the campus. They generally provide printing services, usually for a small fee, to students and sometimes to visitors.
2. Print and Copy Shops
Woman assisting a customer at the counter of a print shop
Print and copy stores, though perhaps less ubiquitous than in the past, are still in business for their namesake: printing and copying documents for individuals and businesses. These specialized stores are designed to cater to on-the-go printing needs.
Many print and copy shops are locally owned businesses, so using them often means supporting your local economy. Prices can vary depending on location and the complexity of your printing job, so it’s a good idea to search online for print shops in your vicinity and compare their services and prices.
3. Shipping and Courier Centers
UPS Store exterior signage against a blue sky
Major shipping and courier centers like FedEx and UPS frequently provide printing services alongside their shipping offerings. These locations are equipped to handle a range of printing needs, from large-format prints like banners and posters to simple document printouts like reports or presentations. While some locations are designated as full-service business centers, even standard shipping centers can usually assist with smaller, immediate printing needs.
Printing costs will vary depending on the number of pages and whether you require color printing. It’s worth noting that computers and printers in these public business centers are accessible to staff, so they might not be the ideal choice for printing highly sensitive or confidential documents.
4. Your Workplace (With Permission)
Woman in a modern office using a shared office printer
If your workplace has printers available and your employer has a flexible policy regarding their use, you might be able to print personal documents at the office. It’s always essential to ask for permission before using company resources for personal use. The most likely outcome is a polite “no,” but you might be pleasantly surprised with a “yes.” Always seek approval first before using office printers for personal documents.
Privacy is another consideration in an office environment. Unless you have a dedicated personal printer, office printers are typically located in shared areas. This means there’s a chance someone could inadvertently see or even pick up your printouts. If you are granted permission to use your office printer, it’s best to avoid printing anything that’s highly personal or sensitive.
5. Office Supply Retailers
Man shopping for office supplies in a store aisle
Office supply stores like Office Depot, Staples, and smaller local stationery shops often provide printing services. Many offer online printing services where you can upload your documents and then pick them up in-store. Alternatively, you can visit the store with a USB drive or access your documents online via their in-store computers and have them printed on the spot.
Beyond basic printing, office supply stores often offer additional services like binding, stapling, and lamination. Some may even offer home delivery of your printouts, though this isn’t usually cost-effective for small, single-document printing jobs.
These suggestions are excellent solutions for occasional printing needs or if you regularly frequent these types of locations. However, if you find yourself needing to print documents more frequently and have a bit of budget and space, there’s another option worth considering:
6. Invest in an Affordable Printer
Black and white printer in an office setting printing graphs
When we say “affordable printer,” we’re often referring to refurbished printers. Purchasing a refurbished printer can be a smart way to get a high-quality printer at a significantly lower price than a brand-new model. Refurbished printers are typically restored to like-new condition. Reputable suppliers, like inkjets.com, often offer refurbished printers that even include genuine OEM ink cartridges, providing both cost savings and quality.
