How To Store Computers And Electronics In Self Storage

When my youngest child moved out, I was left living in a large home by myself. Weekend visits from the grandchildren only filled the space part of the time. The home became more of a burden as each day passed. It was not until I was working with my real estate agent to sell my home and find a smaller home did I realize that there were so many others in the same position. I created this blog to help other empty nesters explore their options for downsizing and to provide guidance on finding a new home that fits in more with their lifestyle.

How To Store Computers And Electronics In Self Storage

How To Store Computers And Electronics In Self Storage

30 January 2015
 Categories:
, Blog


If you're going to be placing computers and other electronics into self storage units, you'll want to be sure that they are properly protected. Dampness, breakage, mold and dust can all turn an expensive piece of equipment into a pile of useless junk. Below are some steps you can take to ensure that the equipment you put into storage will still be in working order when you get it back out.

Choosing the Right Storage Unit

A key part of protecting your electronic equipment is controlling the temperature of any location where it's stored. This means if you're going to be storing this equipment in an area that experiences extremely cold or hot temperatures, you should try to find a self storage facility that provides climate controlled units. Climate controlled units use heat and central air to make sure that the temperature is maintained at a level that won't damage electronics.

Note: If you do have electronics that are exposed to freezing temperatures, allow them to return to room temperature for 48 hours before you attempt to turn them on.

Just as important as temperature control is how effective the facility is at controlling moisture. While heating and cooling a storage unit can help to minimize moisture problems to a degree, dehumidifiers are essential in a humid climate or in an underground storage facility. In fact, when you are choosing a storage unit for your electronic equipment, it's best to entirely avoid any ground-level or underground units.

Additional Precautions

Here are a few other things you can do to help protect your electronics while they're in storage:

  • Make sure that you backup any data and store copies in multiple locations.

  • For any VCRs, camcorders or computer drives, remove any tapes, CDs or DVDs before placing the equipment in storage.

  • Keep dust off your electronic equipment by covering it with a canvas tarp or cotton sheet.

  • Avoid wrapping your electronic equipment in plastic while it's in storage, since plastic will help to trap moisture and encourage mold growth.

  • Position wooden pallets inside your storage unit and place your electronic equipment on these pallets. This will provide you with a safety margin in case of minor flooding.

  • If you still have the original boxes and packing materials that came with the electronic devices, put them back into these boxes before storing the electronics.

  • Any fragile parts, such as screens, monitors and scanner glass should be protected with bubblewrap, cardboard or foam held down by tape. Make sure that you mark these packaged components as fragile.

For more storage tips, contact a company like Colfax West Self Storage. 

About Me
Home Buying Tips for Empty Nesters

When my youngest child moved out, I was left living in a large home by myself. Weekend visits from the grandchildren only filled the space part of the time. The home became more of a burden as each day passed. It was not until I was working with my real estate agent to sell my home and find a smaller home did I realize that there were so many others in the same position. I created this blog to help other empty nesters explore their options for downsizing and to provide guidance on finding a new home that fits in more with their lifestyle.

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