The Dos and Don’ts of Storing Electronics in Self-Storage

The Dos of Storing Electronics

1. Do Use Climate-Controlled Storage Temperature and humidity can wreak havoc on electronics. Extreme heat can melt internal components, while moisture can lead to corrosion and permanent damage. Always opt for a climate-controlled storage unit to maintain a stable environment and protect your devices.
2. Do Clean Your Electronics Before Storing Dust and dirt can cause components to deteriorate over time. Before storing your electronics, wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth and make sure all vents and crevices are dust-free. For more delicate parts, like camera lenses, use appropriate cleaning tools to ensure nothing is left behind.
3. Do Remove Batteries Batteries can corrode and leak, causing damage to your devices and nearby items. Remove all batteries from your electronics before placing them in storage. Consider storing the batteries separately or disposing of them safely.
4. Do Use Proper Packing Materials Protect your electronics by using original boxes and packaging whenever possible, as they are designed to fit perfectly. If you don’t have the original packaging, use anti-static bubble wrap to cushion your devices, and place them in sturdy, labeled boxes. Avoid using regular bubble wrap, as it can generate static electricity that may damage your electronics.
5. Do Label All Cables and Accessories It’s easy to get cables mixed up, especially when you have multiple devices in storage. Use twist ties or Velcro straps to keep cables organized and label each one so you know exactly which device it belongs to. Store cables in zip-lock bags and keep them close to their corresponding device.

The Don’ts of Storing Electronics

1. Don’t Store Unprotected Electronics Directly on the Floor Even in climate-controlled units, the floor can be a risky spot for electronics. Moisture and dust can accumulate over time, potentially damaging your devices. Always place your electronics on shelves or use pallets to elevate them off the ground.
2. Don’t Wrap Devices in Plastic Wrapping electronics in plastic can trap moisture, leading to condensation and water damage. Instead, use breathable materials, like moving blankets or specialized fabric covers, to protect your devices while allowing airflow.
3. Don’t Forget to Back Up Your Data Before storing laptops, external hard drives, or any other devices that hold important information, make sure to back up your data. Even with the best packing practices, accidents can happen, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Use cloud storage or an external backup device to keep your data secure.
4. Don’t Stack Heavy Items on Top of Electronics It may be tempting to maximize storage space by stacking items, but heavy objects can crush screens, warp casings, or damage internal components. Keep your electronics separate and avoid placing any weight on top of them.
5. Don’t Leave Devices Plugged In If you’re storing devices like uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) or surge protectors, make sure they’re completely unplugged. Leaving them connected can create a fire hazard, even if they seem harmless.

Keeping Your Electronics Safe and Functional