Resources Blog

November 18, 2020

An average cellphone user replaces their unit every 18 months.

Because of this, our homes become overrun with old electronics that we either can’t use or don’t know how to fully recycle. Luckily, you can store your electronics, so your home stays clutter-free.

If you’re unsure how to store electronics, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know.

Backup Everything

Regardless of how long you're storing electronics for, all data must be backed up. Either invest in external hard-drives to save your data or sign up for a monthly cloud subscription if you don't have space.

Once everything is backed up, you know your data is secure in storage.

Clean Off Dirt and Dust 

Dirt may not damage your devices overnight, but it could lead to issues later on. Before you pack anything, wipe down the device’s surface to remove contaminants.

Focus on air vents as dust or debris get stuck and create humidity, which could destroy your devices. You should also remove CDS, DVDs, ink cartridges, and other materials as they may get damaged during the move.

Find the Original Packaging

Before storing your electronics, review the device’s original manual to see whether there are instructions about storing it. If your device is still covered under warranty, listen to the company’s advice about storing the item, so you don’t compromise the warranty.

No electronics storing guide is complete without mentioning the importance of original packaging for long-term storage. That is because manufacturers specifically designed the box and internal supports to protect the device in lorries and warehouses for an extended period.  

You should also make a list of everything within the box so you can reference it later on.

Consider Static-Free Bubble Wrap 

Don’t worry if you’ve misplaced or thrown away the original packaging. When storing electronics in storage units, wrap them in anti-static foam as it protects TVs, internal computer parts, or monitors, so they don’t bump against one another.

And if you can’t access anti-static foam, wrap larger devices like TVs or kitchen appliances in blankets. Find tape that’s waterproof and that they’re securely wrapped so dust or insects can’t get in.

Be mindful of where you’re placing your devices. Electronics with a screen must be placed on their side rather than face down or squeezed between other stored items.

Never Wrap Electronics in Plastic

Every guide to storing electronics says you should never wrap your devices in plastic sheeting. Even though it seems it’s an effective waterproof material, plastic can also trap moisture, which is the biggest threat to electronics in storage. 

If you’re worried, add sachets of silica gel to soak up humidity, so your devices stay safe. It’s a good idea to hold on to these packets from your previous electronic purchases.

Take Pictures of Connectors 

Before removing any electronic wires, take a picture of the back of every device, so you know where each wire goes. You can use this to help reassemble your TV or computer later on. 

It’s also wise to keep accessories that go with your device like keyboards together. Color code the wires, so you know which accessories go with and store them with the electronic device. 

You may have a drawer filled with extra cords, so check whether they work and keep them with the device that’s getting stored.

Untangle the cords and wrap them around the relevant machine to save time. It also prevents the protective casing from splitting after being bent or pressed down.

Remove Batteries 

Never store batteries in storage, especially in the device because when it’s left inside, the battery container could leak, destroying your electronics. High-quality integrated batteries in laptops or cameras may survive, so remove these.

But if you have cheap AA batteries, they’ll eventually burst, and everything will be covered in battery acid, which is dangerous. To avoid this, recycle old batteries and buy new ones when you retrieve your electronics.

Store by Category

Not sure how to store electronics in the storage unit?

Keep them in categories, so when you’re retrieving your electronics, you’ll know all your computer equipment is grouped. Organizing devices is often overlooked, but it will save you the stress of hunting down your laptop’s charger later on.

Always keep electronics at the back of the storage unit for ultimate protection and never leave large items on the floor. Instead, keep them leaning against the unit’s wall, so they’re safe.

Find a Reputable Storage Company

Find a company that has robust storage units to ensure your electronics are safe. At The Storage Box, we have optimized our Storage Boxes, so they’re weatherproof, pest-proof, and have an anti-mold interior, so your electronics are safe.

Unlike traditional moving companies, we deliver our Storage Boxes so you can pack and store your electronics, saving you time and effort. We then safely pick up the Storage Box and keep it in our climate-controlled warehouse.

That's How to Store Electronics

Now you know how to store electronics safely.

Pack electronics in its original packaging and remove batteries as it could compromise your devices. Then, contact The Storage Box company, and we’ll deliver a Storage Box so you can pack your electronic devices, keep them organized, and we’ll send them to our warehouse to keep them safe.

If you're interested, we'd love to help. Contact us here for more information.