A Guide To Storing Electronics In A Storage Unit

There are many different ways to protect your belongings during storage. This guide will help you know what to do when packing up your electronics for storage to ensure everything is safe and sound!

What you need to know before storing your belongings in a storage unit

Like everything else, electronics don’t last forever. However, there are some elements that can really speed up the degradation of electronics. These include humidity, dust, and heat.

Humidity

Humidity can often lead to condensation. This creates a thin film over the surface of the components that could lead to short-circuiting once the device is used. Corrosion, such as rust, can occur in areas with high levels of humidity. When this happens, parts inside electronics can lose conductivity or resistance factors which will eventually lead to all sorts of malfunctions.

Though unassuming, high levels of humidity can do some serious damage to your electronics. It’s important to keep this in mind when storing any devices and take measures to protect them from the harmful effects of humidity.

How can you protect your electronics from humidity during storage?

• If you can, store items in a room with low humidity levels. For example, if the storage unit is inside a building with air conditioning, humidity can be low enough to avoid damage to your belongings.
• To help combat condensation and rust, place silica gel packets inside your electronics cases.
• Make sure to keep electronics away from windows, where the humidity can be very high.

Dust

Dust can be a major problem for electronics. Not only can it clog up the internal components, but it can also lead to static electricity, which can fry your device.

How can you protect your electronics from dust during storage?

• If you can, store items in a room with low humidity levels. For example, if the storage unit is inside a building with air conditioning, humidity can be low enough to avoid damage to your belongings.
• To help combat the build-up of dust, place anti-static bags or boxes over your electronics.
• Make sure to keep electronics away from windows, where the dust can be very high.

Static Electricity

One of the main problems with dust is that it can lead to static electricity. Dust can be so fine that it can easily produce an electrical charge. If these charges are not discharged, they can build up and eventually damage your electronics.

How can you protect your electronics from static electricity during storage?

• To help prevent the build-up of static charges, place anti-static bags or boxes over your electronics.
• When moving, use a non-conductive item, such as rubber or plastic, to move electronics. If possible, put the item in an anti-static bag or box before transporting it.

Heat

Heat can also be very damaging to electronics. It can cause the components to warp, which can lead to short-circuiting. It can also cause the colors on the screen to fade and the device to overheat.

How can you protect your electronics from heat during storage?

• If you can, store items in a room with low humidity levels. For example, if the storage unit is inside a building with air conditioning, humidity can be low enough to avoid damage to your belongings.
• To help keep electronics cool, place them in boxes or bags made of materials that breathe, such as paper or cloth.
• Make sure to keep electronics away from windows, where the heat can be very high.

What to do before packing your electronics for storage

Before packing your electronics for storage, there are a few things you should do to help protect them from damage:

•  If the electronics contain data, make a backup to ensure you have the data if something happens to the item. Devices like digital cameras, laptops, computers, phones, tablets, etc. may have important data that you don’t want to lose.
• If possible, clean the devices and remove any stickers or labels.
• If the device has a battery, remove it and store it separately. Batteries can release harmful gases when they overheat. They also may expand or crack over time, ruining your device.
• Take an inventory; write down each item and what goes with it. Possibly label items if there are a lot and you may not know what goes with what later on.

What to do when packing up your electronics for storage

When you go to pack up your electronics for storage, you’ll want to make sure you consider the following:

• Make sure all cords and cables are detached or unplugged, tightly wound, and secured. You may want to label them so you know what goes with what later on.
• Cover any screens. When storing electronics, it is important to protect the screens from scratches and cracks. One way to do this is by covering them with a material such as cotton cloth, canvas, or cardboard. You can also use a screen protector made out of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or laminated tempered glass.
• Cover any vents. When the device isn’t in use, these vents are just a way for dust to get inside.
• Place each device in its own individual container, like a box or bag. If you have the original packaging that the device came in, that often is best.
• If you can, place silica gel packets inside the containers to absorb any excess moisture.
• Use bubble wrap for extra protection.
• Make sure the boxes are sealed tight. You don’t want dust to find a way to get inside.

Where to store your electronics to keep them safe

As covered above, you want to store your electronics somewhere they’ll be safe. As humidity, dust, and heat are all the enemies of electronics, you’ll want to choose a storage unit that is inside a building.

While climate control would be ideal, not many storage units have it and those that do are typically more expensive than those that don’t. Climate control may not be necessary if the storage unit is indoors and protected from the elements. It likely doesn’t get too wet or hot in an indoor environment.

Dust is always an issue, but can be prevented by sealing your items up tight in boxes and packing materials.

Electronics storage with Ace Self Storage San Diego

It can be nerve-wracking to store your electronics, especially if you’re not sure how to do it properly. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to store your electronics in a storage unit. By following our tips, you can help protect your devices from damage and keep them safe during storage.

If you have extra items you are looking to store, consider using Ace Self Storage in San Diego, California.  We have a brand new facility in Miramar, we offer great rates, including move-in specials, we have month-to-month contracts with online bill pay, and we provide awesome customer service. Contact Ace Self Storage to enquire about availability today!