How to Store Electronics in a Storage Unit
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May 13th, 2016
Electronics facilitate our daily lives in numerous ways. For example, only a few hours into this Friday morning, a cell phone has woken me up on time, a TV has provided me with live news and weather reports, and a laptop is allowing me to write this very blog post! So if you need to temporarily store electronics, it is important that you protect them by preparing them properly and selecting a first-rate, short-term home. Use the tips below to learn how to store electronics in a storage unit.
HOW TO STORE ELECTRONICS IN A STORAGE UNIT
Remove batteries. Batteries corrode over time. If you leave batteries in your remote controls, game controllers, radios, etc., they may corrode and destroy the electronic components.
Remove media items and ink cartridges. DVDs, tapes, game cartridges, ink jet cartridges, and other media items can become warped or damaged if left in electronics. They can also wreck the components of the electronic equipment, so be sure to remove them prior to storing the electronics.
Detach accessories (but keep them close). Remove electronic accessories and peripheral equipment before storage. Although it might seem convenient to keep your computer and its peripheral equipment connected, the prolonged contact can cause issues. However, be sure to keep these accessories close to the primary electronic so that they aren’t lost. For example, you may wish to store your TV’s remote control and cables in a plastic bag taped to the back of the TV.
Back up important data beforehand. If you’re storing a computer, phone, or storage device, be sure to back up any important information beforehand. Although damage is unlikely if you store the electronics properly, it is always best to be prepared and will give you peace of mind.
Use the original packaging (if possible). If you saved the original packaging for your electronics, give yourself a pat on the back! (For those of you who didn’t, remember this for next time!) These boxes will fit your electronics perfectly, and they may contain foam pieces and custom inserts to keep everything safe and secure.
Use sturdy boxes and soft packaging. If you don’t have the original boxes, use sturdy cardboard boxes with plenty of space. Do not use plastic containers, as they can trap moisture in and foster the growth of mold and mildew. Pack the electronics with plenty of styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap, or towels for protection. And if you can’t fit an item in a box (an enormous flat-screen TV, for example), wrap it in a padded moving blanket and store it against a wall. Finally, mark boxes “fragile” if they contain sensitive parts, like glass.
Raise the boxes off the floor. Using pallets or boards, lift your equipment off the floor to keep it away from moisture and insects.
Choose a climate-controlled storage unit. Heat and humidity can drastically damage electronics. For example, they can expand parts and place stress on connections. However, very cold environments are also a bad idea, as they can freeze displays and cause parts to contract. So if you’re going to store electronics, you absolutely must invest in a climate-controlled storage unit. In addition, be sure the unit has moisture control to keep out dampness.
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Finally, if you live in southwest Missouri and you’re wondering how to store electronics in a storage unit, be sure to check out Eastway Storage. Our climate-controlled storage units are the perfect place to store your TVs, stereos, and computers. The temperature will always remain below 90 degrees Fahrenheit and above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity is 65% year-round. Our climate-controlled storage units are also very affordable, and the extra cost will be well worth the assurance that your valuable electronics will be kept safe while they’re in storage. Give us a call today at 417-864-7867 to learn more.
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