Protect Your Valuable Electronics: Best Practices for Storing Electrical Items in Self-Storage
Are you looking for a safe and secure solution to store your valuable electronics? With the increasing popularity of self-storage units, it’s no surprise that people are turning towards them as an option. However, storing electrical items in these units requires some careful considerations. Let’s check out the best practices for storing electronic items in self-storage and see how Go Box Self Storage’s reliable solutions can protect your treasured electronics!
The Popularity of Self Storage
Self-storage has become an increasingly popular option for individuals and businesses alike who require extra space to store their belongings. When it comes to electrical equipment specifically, many people find themselves with outdated gadgets or devices that still have value but take up too much space in their homes or offices. Self-storage units provide a secure and convenient solution where these items can be stored safely until needed again.
How Go Box Can Help
Go Box Self Storage offers top-notch security systems to protect your valuable electronic equipment from theft, damage, and unauthorised access. With our state-of-the-art facilities, you can rest easy knowing that your electronics are safe and secure.
The Vulnerabilities of Electrical Equipment
Sensitive electrical equipment is vulnerable to various elements that can cause damage over time. Dust is a significant threat that can accumulate within electronic devices and clog fans or vents, causing overheating problems.
Pests are also a considerable risk for stored electronics, as rodents and insects may find their way in and chew through cables or nest inside equipment. These pests could leave behind droppings or debris that could exacerbate existing issues like dust accumulation.
It’s vital to consider these vulnerabilities when storing valuable electronics like computers, televisions, cameras, or any other delicate items susceptible to damage from environmental factors. Proper preparation before storage will help prevent potential risks from occurring while ensuring your equipment stays safe during its downtime in self-storage.
How Inactivity Can Damage Circuitry
Electrical equipment, particularly delicate circuitry, needs to be used regularly to stay in good condition. When left unused for extended periods of time, the components can begin to degrade. This is due to a combination of factors such as humidity levels, temperature changes and dust accumulation.
Furthermore, if electrical equipment remains inactive for too long without proper maintenance it could lead to issues like dry solder joints which won’t conduct electricity properly when turned on again after storage.
This is why it’s crucial that anyone planning on storing electronic devices take steps towards preserving their valuable electronics before placing them into storage.
Batteries Not Included!
One important tip for preparing electrical items for self-storage is to remove the batteries whenever possible. This will help prevent leakage and corrosion, which can damage delicate circuitry and render your devices useless.
Even if you don’t plan on using the devices immediately after retrieving them from storage, it’s still a good idea to remove the batteries as a precautionary measure. Batteries left in electronic equipment can leak over time, especially if they are exposed to humidity or extreme temperatures.
To avoid potential problems down the road, take some extra time before storing your electronics to carefully remove any batteries that may be inside. If you’re unsure about how to do this safely, consult with the manufacturer’s instructions or seek advice from a professional technician.
Back Up! Back Up!
One essential tip to consider when preparing electrical items for self-storage is to take a backup of crucial data. Safeguarding irreplaceable information should always be a top priority, especially when dealing with sensitive electronic equipment.
Before storing your devices, make sure to transfer all important files and documents into an external hard drive or cloud-based storage. This way, you can ensure that your valuable data remains safe and accessible even when the original device is in storage.
It’s also advisable to label the backup accordingly so that it’s easily identifiable and distinguishable from other backups you may have stored elsewhere.
Thoroughly Clean the Equipment
Before storing your electrical items, it is important to give them a thorough cleaning. Dust and grime can accumulate on the equipment over time, causing damage or corrosion. Start by wiping down the exterior of each item with a dry cloth to remove any surface dust.
For more stubborn dirt and grime, use a soft cloth dampened with water or rubbing alcohol. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage delicate circuitry. Take extra care when cleaning screens and monitors as they are prone to scratches.
If you’re storing small electronics like cameras or audio players, consider removing any detachable parts such as batteries or memory cards before cleaning. This will make it easier to reach every crevice without damaging anything in the process.
Once cleaned, let everything air dry completely before packing them away for storage. Moisture can lead to rusting and other forms of corrosion if not allowed enough time to evaporate.
Protect Screens and Monitors
When it comes to storing electrical items, screens and monitors are some of the most vulnerable components. They are susceptible to scratches, cracks, and damage from dampness or moisture. To protect these sensitive parts, consider wrapping them in protective materials such as cardboard, cotton sheets or bubble wrap.
Cardboard is an excellent option for protecting flat-screen TVs and computer monitors during storage. Simply cut a piece of cardboard that is slightly larger than the screen size and place it over the front of the device. This will help prevent any accidental bumps or scratches during transport.
Cotton sheets are ideal for shielding electronics against dust build-up while in self-storage units. Cover your devices with clean cotton sheets before placing them into boxes or on shelves.
Bubble wrap offers cushioning protection that can shield screens from impact damages caused by drops or knocks when moving your possessions around the facility’s corridors while transporting them between locations.
Use Quality Packing Materials
When it comes to storing your valuable electrical items, using high-quality packaging materials and boxes is crucial. Not all boxes are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in protecting your equipment from damage.
It’s essential to use sturdy cardboard boxes that are specifically designed for packing delicate electronics. Avoid using used or damaged boxes as they may not provide adequate protection against moisture or impact.
Make sure you choose boxes that fit your electronic devices snugly without leaving too much extra space. Loose-fitting items tend to shift during transport, leading to scratches and other damages.
Consider investing in bubble wrap, foam padding, or other cushioning materials for added protection. These can help absorb shock and prevent damage caused by bumps or jostling during transportation.
Label each box clearly with the contents inside so you can easily identify them later when needed. This will also help ensure that fragile items receive proper.
Seal Gaps and Vents
When it comes to storing electronic items, sealing gaps and vents is an important step to ensure their protection. Gaps and vents can allow dust, dampness, and pests to enter the equipment which may cause irreparable damage.
It’s essential to inspect each item thoroughly before storage so you can identify any gaps or exposed areas that need sealing. Use high-quality tape or sealant to cover all vents.
For larger items like refrigerators or air conditioners, use foam insulation around the edges where there might be a gap between the unit and the wall. This will prevent moisture from getting in during humid weather conditions.
Also, make sure that all wires are neatly wrapped up and secured with zip ties or twist-ties. This way they won’t accidentally come loose during transport or while being stored.
Avoid Overstacking
When preparing to store your electrical items in a self-storage unit, it’s essential to avoid over-stacking. Storing too many items on top of one another can lead to damage and accidents that could have been easily avoided.
Firstly, over-stacking can put unnecessary pressure on the lower items. This pressure can cause them to become damaged or even break entirely, rendering them useless when you eventually come back for them.
Secondly, over-stacking increases the likelihood of accidents occurring when accessing your storage unit. Trying to retrieve an item from a precarious stack can be dangerous and may result in injuries such as cuts or bruises.
To prevent these issues, it’s best to stack your electrical items carefully and with enough space between each item so they don’t touch or rub against each other during transport. Ensure any fragile equipment is placed at the top of the stack so that no heavy objects are weighing down on delicate components.
Go Box Self Storage is committed to providing secure and reliable storage options for all your valuable possessions, including electronic equipment. With state-of-the-art facilities equipped with advanced security features such as CCTV surveillance, alarm systems, and access control gates, you can trust that your items are always safe.
We Deliver, You Pack, We Store
Packing or moving doesn’t need to be stressful. At GoBox Self Storage, we offer great value self storage in the Greater Belfast area (stretching as far as Bangor, Lisburn, Crumlin, Templepatrick, Ballyclare and Carrickfergus). Our storage services have been specially designed to make your move simple, secure and convenient..it’s as simple as 1,2,3!
To book your storage solution, go to:
W: goboxselfstorage.com/domestic-storage-service/
E: [email protected]
T: 028 9600 5005
NOTICE: We cannot store Food, Flammable Liquids (including Aerosols, Paints & Varnishes), Firearms or Illegal Substances.
