In this article we look at how to store technology properly ensuring it remains undamaged and is stored in the best possible way.
Technology is something most of us prioritise over other household possessions. This is for a number of reasons including the fact it costs so much, and we interact with it more than anything else. Sometimes, we may need to store our technology. Perhaps it is safer to store it whilst going on holiday, or travelling than leaving it in a house. Perhaps you are a university student who needs somewhere to store tech between semesters. Maybe you collect vintage or unusual technology and use self storage for your hobby.
Whatever your reason for storing technology, one thing is clear, you need to store it right. Electronics are extremely sensitive. They have lots of components and are extremely dynamic in the way they function. Although some technology might be OK in a box with no special care, lots of other items won’t fare so well. The climate and humidity in the self storage environment is a particularly important factor to consider.
To help you care for your technology well whilst it is in self storage, we have compiled these useful tips on the subject.
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So here are our tips to help you prepare your tech for storage:
Back It Up
All electronics should be backed up before you store them. Any that have a memory or server must be backed up. This means you have the data ready to access yourself, and you have it just in case the device does not start up again after storage, or it gets damaged in transit. With family photos, sentimental documents and scanned documents, you really cannot risk losing them.
Data Security
With the right self storage, you have no reason to worry about climate control, environmental factors or theft. You do have to have insurance of your items whilst they are in storage. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for the worst when it comes to data security. In any worst case scenario, however unlikely it may be, your personal data could be stolen or taken by someone else. This could be detrimental to you. Sensitive information, financial information, passwords – the list is endless. Make sure you either remove sensitive information from your devices completely (after backing them up) or you protect them using encryption.
Component Protection
Tech contains lots of bits and pieces which form part of the device as a whole, and all the pieces that might go with the item, like the charger, headphones, controllers etc. Where possible if an item can be stored separately it should be. Plugs especially should be protected and stored separately if possible. Any memory cards, CD’s, DVD’s, covers, lights and additional extra’s should be removed and stored separately.
Clean Well Before Storing
Before you store your items, clean them properly. Use a compressed air gadget to clean out your items, as dust and debris can cause a lot of damage to electronics over time, and it’s amazing how many crumbs can end up in the gaps in your keyboard, especially if you like eating while you’re browsing the internet or working. You might also want to give items a dry wipe down (or using polish if applicable) so they are clean before storage.
Cover Everything
Do not leave electronics or technology gadgets and devices out in the open in your unit. No matter how clean it is, there will be dust and that dust will settle onto and into every item that is not adequately protected. You’re unlikely to have the original packaging, but if you do, use that. Alternatively wrap items in a breathable cloth or padding and then place in a sturdy box labelled ‘breakable’ or ‘handle with care’. You should never store your item in plastic because that will likely lead to moisture build up which will damage your item.
Store It In A Climate Controlled Unit
Self storage comes in many forms, but the best type is climate controlled. Lots of different climate issues will affect your tech over time, so it is important to ensure the climate is right. Wind or draughts will bring particles through to the equipment building up and causing damage. Heat will warp plastic, ruin batteries and damage components. Humidity can either cause excess static discharge or condensation depending on the levels. Cold will cause issues with the components of the device.
Follow Specialist Instructions
If you have specialist tech or equipment it is extremely important you store it correctly. Look for specialist advice on how to take the item apart and store it. It would not be pleasant to store the item incorrectly and see its value decreased massively because of damage that could have been avoided.
Label Everything
One thing many people forget when storing electronics is labelling. Labelling is particularly important when it comes to electronics and tech, because there are so many different parts. If you can store everything in the same box (wrapped separately) that is ideal, then you can label the box with a number or word, then write down the box contents in your log book. You might even want to draw a rough diagram of each part and what it is for. Always allow for misplacement during transit or times when you need to shift things around in the unit.
Consider Placement In The Unit
Don’t forget to think carefully about where you place the item in the unit. Placing it on top of unstable items might well cause the item to fall off and break. Placing it underneath heavy items might cause it to become crushed (this can happen slowly over time). Make sure the item is fully secured and placed in the unit where it can be clearly seen, isn’t getting crushed and isn’t liable to become unsteady.
Hopefully the tips in this article will help you store technology properly and keep it safe and in excellent condition. Happy storing!
