How to properly store electronics

In today’s conditions, we tend to buy electronic equipment often. With technological advances, it seems that the lifespan and usability of our electronics get shorter and shorter. However, we tend to keep old electronic equipment. We hold on to certain items for some reason. It might be the sheer cost of the item or some sort of sentiment but we tend to get overwhelmed by their number of these items. Old computers, phones, TV-s get to be too much to handle over time. So, whether we decide to move or simply want to keep our electronics but don’t have space we may need to put it in storage. As it tends to be fragile the question becomes, just how to properly store electronics?

Why use storage

Using storage for electronics makes a lot of o sense. There are quite a few reasons to do so. Using storage facilities is a lot safer for your electronics. Storing them in the attic or basement is a recipe for disaster and can lead to damage. At the same time, your electronic equipment can deteriorate rapidly in conditions that you can’t control. Humidity, temperature, and moisture can vary in home conditions damaging your precious items. So, using a storage facility that can regulate and control these conditions makes sense in the long run. It will keep your stuff well protected and safe from the elements. At the same time, this facility provides much better security and provides insurance for your items thus protecting your investment even further.

Wall shelf full of electronic devices. — Storing electronics properly is necessary if you want to keep and protect it

How to properly store electronics – advice

There is some advice that can help you properly store and protect your electronic items. Some of the basics incorporate:

Declutter
Checking and cleaning
Proper packing
Taking pictures
Labeling properly

Declutter

Make sure to declutter first. Some of the items may not fit your need to keep and store them. Declutter by giving items away, selling them or recycling them properly.

Checking and cleaning

Checking your electronics prior to packing and storing is critical. Check for every insertable item like a CD, Tape or cartridge. These items should be stored separately to avoid the damage they can cause in the long run. Removing batteries is also a must as battery leakage can cause considerable damage.

VCR, and vcr tapes you can secure if you know how to properly store electronic. — Make sure to clean and remove all of the removable items from your electronics

You should also clean and remove any dust as it can accumulate over time and scratch the item. Dust can cause considerable damage to TV and monitor screens. It can also trap humidity which is dangerous.

Packing

Its always good to pack electronics in their original packaging as it will provide the best protection to the item. If its not available make sure to provide adequate boxes to fit your equipment. Also provide sufficient padding and protective packing supplies like bubble and plastic wrap, Styrofoam, and other materials. Also, buy anti-static foam to protect fragile screens and prevent items from bumping and scratching each other.

Pictures

Make sure to take pictures of all of your electronic items for insurance and inventory. Also, make sure to take pictures of any accessories and cables. This will help you match and reconnect and reconnect the items later.

Label everything

Make sure that all of the cables, accessories, and items are kept separately protective bags. Make sure to develop a simple and understandable labeling system. You can also tape the bags to each item of equipment so they don’t get lost.

Also, keep in mind to find a suitable storage facility and get an adequate sized unit to save money. Keep the electronics at the back and avoid putting them on the floor or putting something over them. Follow this advice to properly protect your electronics both for short term or long term storage.