If you have some electronics that need storing but you are wondering how to store electronics so they remain in good condition, this is the guide for you. Read on to find out more. 

Over the last few decades, most homes have begun to have much more electronic items. It started with televisions and record players, refrigerators and landline phones. Nowadays, we must add computers, laptops, iPads, mobile phones, shavers, toothbrushes and much more to that list. 

If you find yourself in need of storing your electronics, you need to make sure to do it properly so your electronics stay in working order whilst in storage. 

Within this article, we will guide you through how to store electronics so they are kept safe and in good condition. 

Why Proper Storage Of Electronics Is Important

Electronics are sensitive and vulnerable items that are prone to damage from the elements, such as humidity, temperature and dust. Electronics can also provide ideal conditions for pests to set up homes in. In everyday use, this isn’t a problem. The heat of the device when it is running, and internal fans can help keep your device free of this type of problem.

But when devices are switched off for long periods and stored, if they are stored in the wrong place, problems can begin. The wrong storage and conditions can quickly cause delicate circuitry to erode and render expensive equipment worthless. Even in clean and dry self-storage units, the humidity present in the atmosphere can do untold damage.

This is why taking the proper precautions when placing electrical items into  self-storage is highly important. 

How To Store Electronics In A Self Storage Unit

So, the right storage is important but it is also important that you prepare your electronics for self storage. Within this section, we will guide you through how to store electronics in a self storage unit so they remain in good condition and working order. 

Clean And Prepare Your Electronic Devices

Before storing any electronics, it is extremely important that you clean them all thoroughly. Dust, grime, and/or fingerprints left on devices can attract more dirt over time, which can damage surfaces or stop the electronics from working properly. Use a soft cloth to wipe down screens, keyboards, and external surfaces.

Take A Backup Of Data

It is always very sensible to back up your data on your electronic devices, no matter the circumstances as devices can stop working at the drop of a hat. You want to make sure your data is protected and backed up. 

In the case of extremely sensitive data, it is a good idea to remove the data altogether before storage.

It is worth bearing in mind that storage mediums, like hard drives, memory cards, and USBs, are amongst the most delicate of components so, once your data is backed up, make sure you store your hard drives/memory/USBs in a safe place too.  

Take Out Batteries, If Possible

This is particularly relevant when considering older electronic equipment that uses alkaline batteries. But it is also good practice to do this whenever batteries are easily removable.

The major problem that this addresses is battery leakage. The most common cause of battery leakage is lack of use and, if your electronics are going into self storage, they are not going to be used. 

When alkaline batteries leak, the substance that “oozes” is called potassium hydroxide. This can easily corrode and destroy delicate circuitry.

The problem isn’t so critical with modern lithium batteries. However, their performance can be depleted if they are not stored correctly. Most battery manufacturers recommend that batteries not in use should be stored with between 50 and 70% charge. It is also important when storing lithium batteries to make sure they are stored somewhere dry and away from heat sources.

Protect Screens 

Screens and monitors need a lot of protection when placed in self storage as they are prone to cracking and scratches with even the slightest contact. They are also another element of electronics that are highly susceptible to the effects of temperature, dampness and humidity.

There are many solutions which will help to keep your screens safe during storage. One way is to cut a sheet of good quality cardboard to the correct size and tape it over the viewing surface of the monitor, then wrap the entirety in a cotton sheet. 

Bubble wrap is another option but you will need to remember to leave some breathing space to let any trapped moisture get out.

Use The Right Packing Materials

Original packaging is ideally the packaging you would use when storing electronics because it’s designed to fit and protect each device perfectly. If you no longer have the original boxes use sturdy boxes and bubble wrap, and anti-static materials to keep devices safe. Anti-static wraps are particularly important for sensitive items like computers or hard drives, as they prevent static electricity from causing damage.

Label And Organise Cables And Accessories 

Along with storing the actual electronic devices, you need to keep track of all the cables, charges, power cords and accessories such as remote controls. 

Use cable ties to keep all the cables organised, place them into separate bags and label them. Label all the accessories and store them in a box. 

Don’t Overstack Electronics

When you are placing your electronics into your storage unit, make sure that you don’t over stack items and that you don’t place anything heavy on top of the electronics. Ever sturdy electronics such as microwaves can be damaged under weight. 

Stacking anything too high could also lead to the stacks falling over which could lead to damage. 

Make Regular Checks On Electronics 

If you are storing your electronics for a long-term period, you should make regular checks to your storage unit. You should be on the lookout for moisture, dust buildup, or any signs of damage. Addressing issues early can help avoid more significant problems later.

How To Store Electronics In A Self Storage Unit 

Storing electronics is something that you must do properly if you want your electronics to still be in working order when you remove them from self storage. 

There are some simple, easy things you can do to make sure that they stay in working order and good condition such as giving them all a good clean before placing them in storage, using the right packing materials and making regular checks on them once they are in the storage unit. 

We hope you have found this article helpful. If you would like to know more about our storage units, please click here.