Self Storage and Electronic Devices: The Best Way to Do It
Keeping your electronics inside a storage unit is a great option when there might be a bit of a lag period before you move from one home to another. Having said that, you need to make sure your electronics will emerge from storage in perfect working condition, so you need to get them ready for their time inside the storage unit.
A Storage Room
If you're going to be renting a unit for the sole purpose of storing your electronic devices, you should probably forget about the shed-style units. There's nothing inherently wrong with storing electronics in one of these facilities (and you'll learn the best way to do this shortly), but there can be more convenient options. Consider renting a unit housed inside a main storage building, where it's more like you're renting a room. These rooms, though generally smaller than a shed-style unit, are within a secure, insulated building that is less likely to be affected by the climate. But perhaps such a storage room cannot be located, or perhaps you already have a shed-style storage unit with enough available space for you to squeeze your electronics inside.
A Shed-Style Unit
When using a shed-style unit, your electronics cannot be placed directly on the concrete floor inside. Giving them even a minimal amount of elevation will protect them from the elements. Perhaps there are already shelves or a table inside the unit that will create a suitable platform. If not, then a few wooden pallets will do the trick. It's just important to keep them off the ground, which ensures that they won't come into direct contact with any moisture that might seep under the door after rain. It's not all that likely to happen, but it needs to be avoided to prevent your storage unit from becoming a graveyard for your precious (and expensive) devices.
Prior to Storage
Regardless of the type of unit you use, your electronics need to be adequately prepared before storage. With televisions and computers, take a photo of the device's cables before you disconnect them. This is going to make it a lot easier to reconnect the devices. Label the cables if you need to. You might not have held onto the packaging for the devices (since nobody is likely to retain the box their TV came in), but if you can track down appropriate packaging, then this is going to be easiest. You could ask at an electronic shop, and they might have a suitable box with protective polystyrene inserts. Otherwise, a (dry) cardboard box large enough to contain the device should work. Seal the box with tape. Drape a plastic drop sheet over the box (the same kind that you would use when painting), to protect the box from dust and moisture.
Your electronic devices represent a sizeable investment, so you need to protect that investment, even when they need to be stored. Contact storage facilities in your area for additional advice.
Share