The Dos and Don’ts of Storing Electronics

Electronics are valuable investments that require special care, especially when it comes to long-term storage. Whether you’re storing old gadgets, seasonal devices, or just decluttering, following the right storage practices can protect your electronics from damage and extend their lifespan. Here are some essential dos and don’ts to keep your electronics safe and functional.

The Dos

1. Do Clean Your Electronics Before Storage

Dust and dirt can have a surprisingly detrimental effect on your electronics over time. These small particles can infiltrate crevices, buttons, and ventilation ports, causing internal components to overheat or malfunction. Dust buildup, for example, can clog cooling fans in devices like computers or gaming consoles, reducing their efficiency and potentially leading to permanent damage.

To prepare your electronics for storage:

• Wipe down all surfaces with a soft, lint-free cloth. This minimizes the risk of scratching delicate parts like screens or plastic finishes. Microfiber cloths are particularly effective for removing dust and debris without causing abrasion.
• Use compressed air to blow dust out of hard-to-reach areas, such as keyboard keys, ports, and inside fans. This step is crucial for preventing dust accumulation in tight spaces.
• For screens, avoid using standard household cleaners that can damage the coating. Use a screen cleaner specifically designed for electronics to keep your display surfaces pristine and free of residue.

2. Do Use Original Packaging

Your device’s original packaging is designed to protect it from physical damage during shipping and handling, making it the ideal storage solution. The fitted foam or plastic inserts found in original boxes help cushion electronics, protecting them from shocks, bumps, and pressure.

If you don’t have the original packaging, recreate the protective setup by using the right packing accessories for your stuff:

• Use bubble wrap or anti-static foam to wrap your electronics. These materials absorb impact and prevent items from shifting inside storage boxes.
• Securing small parts like remotes, chargers, and adapters in separate padded compartments or ziplock bags. Avoid placing them loosely within larger boxes, as this can lead to scratching or accidental damage.

When packing, make sure to cushion both the bottom and the sides of the box for added protection during movement or storage.

3. Do Store in a Climate-Controlled Environment

Electronics are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations and humidity levels. Extreme temperatures can cause materials like plastic and metal to expand and contract, potentially damaging internal circuits or casings. Meanwhile, high humidity can introduce moisture, which can corrode sensitive parts or lead to condensation inside the device.

Here’s how to create a safe environment for your electronics:

• Choose a storage space that maintains a consistent temperature, ideally between 50-80°F (10-27°C). Basements, garages, or attics are often unsuitable because they are not climate-controlled and can experience extreme variations in temperature.
• Monitor the humidity levels to keep them below 50%. This can be achieved by using a dehumidifier if necessary, especially in tropical or humid regions. Preventing moisture from entering the storage space will help avoid rusting and electrical shorts caused by condensation.

A climate-controlled storage unit or a designated indoor storage room within your home is the best option to protect your electronics from environmental damage.

4. Do Remove Batteries

Batteries are often overlooked when preparing electronics for storage, but they pose a significant risk. Over time, batteries, particularly alkaline and lithium-ion types, can leak acid or swell. This leakage can cause corrosion on battery contacts and internal circuitry, rendering your device unusable.

To prevent damage:

• Remove all batteries from your devices before storing them. This includes both internal and external batteries, such as those found in remote controls or wireless devices.
• Store rechargeable batteries at around 50% charge. Storing them fully charged or completely drained can reduce their overall lifespan. If you’re planning long-term storage, remember to periodically check and recharge the batteries every few months to avoid deep discharge.

In addition, store the batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat to ensure they remain in good condition.

5. Do Label and Organize Cords and Accessories

One of the most frustrating aspects of unpacking stored electronics is untangling cords and figuring out which accessory belongs to which device. Proper organization at the time of storage will save you time and prevent the loss of important components.

To keep things in order:

• Label each cord or accessory with the name of the device it belongs to. You can use masking tape or cord labels for this purpose.
• Group cords and small accessories together in individual ziplock bags or pouches. This prevents cables from becoming tangled or mixed up with unrelated items.
• If your storage area has drawers or shelves, consider using storage bins or dividers to keep everything neatly separated. This method ensures that when you’re ready to retrieve your electronics, you’ll be able to find all necessary components quickly and without hassle.

Organizing cables and accessories ahead of time prevents confusion and minimizes the risk of losing small but critical pieces when you return to using your devices.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t Store Electronics in Damp or Unprotected Spaces

Basements, attics, and garages may seem like convenient storage spaces, but they present significant risks for electronics. These areas are often prone to fluctuating temperatures and high humidity, which can severely impact the integrity of electronic devices.

• Humidity is a major concern because moisture can seep into electronics and lead to condensation inside the devices. This moisture can cause corrosion on metal contacts and circuits, leading to short-circuiting, permanent hardware failure, or rusting.
• Temperature fluctuations can cause materials within the electronics, like plastic and metal, to expand and contract, which might lead to cracking or warping. This is particularly problematic for delicate devices with precise internal mechanisms.
• Pests such as rodents and insects are more common in unprotected spaces like basements and attics. These pests can chew through wires or leave debris inside your electronics, rendering them unusable.

Instead of storing your electronics in these vulnerable locations, opt for a climate-controlled area that is dry and insulated from pests. If you are using a self-storage facility, make sure it offers climate control to prevent moisture buildup and extreme temperatures. Also, read our storage guide to help you choose the best self-storage facility for your needs.

2. Don’t Stack Heavy Items on Top of Electronics

Electronics are not designed to support heavy weights. Stacking boxes, books, or other heavy objects on top of your stored electronics can cause significant damage.

• Pressure damage can crack screens, distort cases, and damage internal components. For example, excessive weight on a flat-screen TV or a laptop can cause the display to crack or the casing to bend, potentially ruining the device.
• Stacking heavy items also risks crushing sensitive components such as ports, buttons, or cooling fans. This can lead to malfunction or even render the device inoperable.

To avoid these issues, always store electronics on top of other items or in designated storage areas where they are not at risk of being squashed. If stacking is unavoidable, place lighter items on top and ensure they are stable.

3. Don’t Wrap Electronics in Plastic

While it may seem logical to wrap electronics in plastic to keep out dust, doing so can actually trap moisture inside the wrap, leading to condensation. This moisture can cause serious damage to electronic circuits and components.

• Condensation forms when temperature differences cause water vapor to condense on the surfaces of wrapped electronics. When trapped under plastic, this moisture has nowhere to go and can corrode internal parts, short out circuits, or even lead to mold growth.
• Plastic also blocks airflow, preventing your electronics from “breathing” and increasing the chances of overheating or moisture buildup.

Instead of using plastic wraps, opt for breathable materials like fabric covers or specially designed electronic storage bags. These options provide protection from dust while allowing air circulation, reducing the risk of moisture-related damage.

4. Don’t Store Devices with Residual Power

Leaving electronic devices partially powered on during storage can have detrimental effects on the device’s battery and performance.

• Residual power drainage can cause batteries to be completely drained over time, especially in devices with standby modes or background processes. When left at 0% charge for extended periods, rechargeable batteries may lose their ability to hold a charge, which can be difficult or impossible to recover from.
• Devices that are not fully powered down may also overheat if left in a confined storage space, further damaging internal components.

Always ensure that your devices are fully powered down before placing them in storage. Remove batteries when possible, and if you are storing rechargeable batteries, charge them to around 50% capacity before storage. This reduces the risk of deep discharge, which can degrade the battery over time.

5. Don’t Forget to Backup Data

Data loss is a real concern when storing devices for long periods. Even if the hardware remains intact, data stored on hard drives, SSDs, or other internal storage mediums can degrade over time due to environmental factors, lack of usage, or hardware failure.

• Hard drives and other storage media can become corrupt or fail without warning, leading to the loss of important files, photos, or documents. Magnetic storage media, in particular, are susceptible to data degradation if left unused for extended periods.
• Hardware failure can happen unexpectedly when a device is taken out of storage after years of disuse. This makes it difficult to retrieve any data stored on the device.

To prevent this, back up your data before storing your electronics. Use cloud storage for important documents and files, or create an external backup on a reliable external hard drive. This way, even if your device suffers from data loss, your information will remain secure and accessible.

Conclusion

Properly storing electronics is crucial to maintaining their functionality and longevity. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll protect your devices from physical damage, moisture, and other common storage-related hazards. When in doubt, prioritize climate control, cleanliness, and organized storage to keep your electronics in top shape.

If you’re looking for a secure, climate-controlled space to store your electronics, reach out to Urban Space Self Storage today. We offer the ideal environment to protect your valuable devices. Ready to reserve your space or need more information? Contact us now! Stay connected on Facebook and Instagram for the latest storage tips and updates.