Electronics Storage Tips

With new technology developing faster than ever before, many people are finding that their electronic items are accumulating rapidly and yet they hesitate to part with them.  As soon as we purchase a new computer or camera, a more advanced version is introduced.

This explosion of new technology development has created interesting and unique storage issues 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 store an electronic device, however, make sure you’ve taken the following steps to protect it from damage during storage:

Climate Control

One of the biggest benefits of choosing one of our Lexington Mini-Storage facilities is the availability of climate-controlled 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.

Lexington Mini-Storage has been serving satisfied customers since 1999.  In fact, many of our first customers happen to also be our current customers as well!  

All storage facilities are not alike.  Please visit our facility at 285 Ruccio Way (near Fayette Mall) or our Hamburg facility at 2081 Bryant Road (at the intersection with Pleasant Ridge Drive). We promise you'll be glad you did.