At some point in our lives, we may have to put items in storage for a long time. Whether it is for a move, job changes, financial worries, or decluttering, storing items properly can help limit stress in your daily life. Learning how to properly store your electronics can prevent them from becoming damaged or developing shorts. Here are the dos and don’ts of storing electronics in a storage unit.
Clean Before Storing
Cleaning up electronics before you pack them will remove any bacteria that could continue to grow while in storage. Remove dust, grime, and oils from the electronics to prevent internal damage. Dust and moisture can also cause external deterioration and warp the screens or external components.
When cleaning handheld devices or computers, use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from the screen. Compressed air can also help clean small crevices that accumulate debris.
Remove Batteries
Batteries are often overlooked when electronics are placed in storage, but leaving them in can lead to significant risks. Batteries can corrode over time or leak acid into other parts of the system. When corrosion occurs, it can render the device unusable so it is best to remove batteries or leave rechargeable batteries at 50%. Storing electronics fully charged could reduce their overall lifespan, especially if you are planning to leave them in storage for the long term.
Once batteries are removed, it is also important to properly store them. Batteries should be kept in a cool, dry place and away from heat. Keeping them in good condition will allow you to use them for years on different devices.
Label And Organize Cables
Leaving your cables in a jumbled mess can lead to frustration in the future when storing electronics. One of the best ways to ensure that your electronics and accessories last is to properly organize cords before putting them in a storage unit. Label each cord or accessory with tape or a label maker about what device it belongs to. Group cords together in a ziploc back or pouches so they aren’t tossed in a bin and weave together. Organization is key when it comes to cables for all electronic devices.
Don’t Wrap In Plastic
While people have good intentions when they wrap up their electronics, it is not a good practice to keep out dust. When storing electronics, people want to protect them from scratches and debris, but they also need to have air circulation. Wrapping electronics in plastic can lead to condensation that could damage circuits and internal components.
Plastic can also block airflow to the electronic which can cause overheating. Overheating and moisture are common when you wrap up electronics in materials that don’t foster circulation. If you feel the need to wrap electronics, opt for breathable materials or electronic storage bags.
Don’t Leave The Device Plugged In
When a device is plugged into an outlet and power source, it is subject to power surges. Putting electronics in long-term storage subjects them to multiple power surges and outages. Unplugging electronics before putting them in a storage unit will prevent battery swelling and overheating which will shorten the battery life of the device.
Don’t Neglect Security
High-value electronics stored in storage should have enhanced security. A secure location, unit, and facility will ensure that your valuable items can be used in the future. Choosing a facility with security and advanced locking systems will prevent theft. Putting electronics in a storage box inside the locked storage unit is also a necessary measure of security.
Storage Options From 700 Block Storage
Our team at 700 Block Storage is proud to offer many storage solutions for different residents. Our units come in varying sizes and are climate-controlled in order to protect fragile items. Having climate-controlled storage is especially important when storing electronics. This will help limit humidity and moisture growth that can ruin electronics, documents, wood furniture, and art pieces.
Our facility is located right off of I15 in Salt Lake City, which makes it convenient for those moving to the state or students attending a local college. We want to serve many different communities with easy-to-access units and high-end security. No matter what kind of items you need to store, we are here to help you every step of the way. Pack and store with ease when renting a unit from 700 Block.
