5 Tips For Keeping Electronic Equipment In A Storage Unit

When you need to put your belongings in storage due to a move or other reason, you may have electronic equipment you need to store too. Special treatment is needed for electronics so they survive their time in storage. Here are five tips for storing fragile electronics like televisions and computers.

1. Consider A Climate-Controlled Unit

You could store electronics in a unit without climate control depending on the time of year and weather conditions. However, if you'll be keeping your equipment in a unit during the winter or during the summer when it's humid, then climate control is a good idea. This keeps electronics from being damaged due to freezing temperatures and it also helps prevent rust of metal parts due to high humidity in hot weather.

2. Disconnect Attachments

Disconnect cords and other attachments and place them in a plastic bag before wrapping or boxing your equipment. Place the bag in the box with the device the cables go to so you don't have to search for parts or figure out what goes where when you unpack.

3. Use Protective Wraps

If you have the original boxes complete with foam protectors, you can use those to pack your equipment for storage. Before you seal the boxes, drop in a few desiccant pillows to absorb humidity. If you don't have the original boxes, then wrap your television or computers in bubble wrap or foam so they won't be scratched or broken. Check the owner's manuals if you still have them for the right procedure for storing your equipment. For instance, you may need to store a TV upright rather than flat.

4. Store Off The Floor

The floor of a storage unit can draw dampness. Plus, in the event of heavy rain or a broken water pipe, water could seep in under the door. Keep electronic equipment off the floor if possible so it stays completely dry. You could put a shelf system in your unit to hold the equipment or place them on a dresser or table that's in storage. Cover them with a sheet for protection from dust.

5. Mark Boxes With Electronics 

If you put your computers or TV in a plain cardboard box or plastic tote, be sure to label the box. You may forget what is in each box when you return to your storage unit, and you might give a box with a fragile computer rough treatment if you don't realize you have sensitive electronic equipment inside. Also, when storing the boxes, make sure they're stable and protected so they won't get knocked over if your stacks of stored items shift and fall.