With technology developing at a breathtaking rate, many people are finding that their electronic gadgets are piling up faster than ever. As soon as we get a new computer or camera, a better one comes out.
This explosion of new technology has created interesting electronics storage problems for many consumers. For example, are you going to hold onto your old laptop once you get a new one? If you’re a college student, are you really going to lug your desktop computer to and from school every semester? And what are you going to do with all the portable media that contains your family’s memories?
For many people, self storage is the perfect solution for these problems. If you’re going to utilize electronics storage or electronics parts storage, however, make sure you’ve taken the following steps to protect it from damage during storage:
Climate Controlled Electronics Storage
One of the biggest benefits of choosing one of the Lock Up self storage facilities is climate-controlled self storage. Most types of electronic devices can break down when the weather gets too hot, cold or humid. Climate control helps your electronics turn back on even after they’ve been sitting unused for years.
Store in Original Packaging
If you still have your electronic device’s original packaging, reuse that package for self storage. The package was designed to keep the device safe during transportation and storage.
Avoid Plastic Wrapping
Because plastic traps moisture and moisture can cause mold, you should avoid wrapping your electronics in plastic. Instead, use a breathable fabric like cotton to store protect your electronic devices.
Protect Glass
Protect the glass in your monitors, cameras and scanners from breaking during transportation by taking a few extra seconds to cover it with foam, bubble wrap or cardboard.
Store Batteries Properly
Lithium-ion batteries used in devices like laptops generally lose their charge much faster when they are stored either fully charged or completely empty. Most experts recommend storing these batteries with a 40% charge to get the maximum use out of them.
Back Up Media
Whether it’s stored in a storage facility or your basement, always make sure the software, pictures, music and video you want to keep is backed up somewhere. A jump drive, external hard drive or stack of CDs should be all you’ll need to make you’re your digital media remains safe.
Start Computers at Room Temperature
Many computers that have been sitting for a long time do not respond in cold temperatures. Because of this, computers should only be started once they’ve been allowed to warm up to room temperature. While this shouldn’t be an issue if you’ve stored your computer in a Lock Up climate-controlled unit, you could still run into a problem if you’ve transported your computer in extremely cold temperatures.
This article has been provided by The Lock Up, a national storage leader with self storage facilities across the country. Visit their website today to find a secure self storage unit near you.
