Besides glass and jewelry, it's hard to think of other items that possess both, a high level of fragility and value. Rust, mold, cracking, breakage, flooding, and other disasters highlight your electronics' worst nightmares. Computers and electronics provide some of the most valuable services in the world, but they can be taken away just as easily. So how do you store these items when they are not in use? Here are ten tips to help you:
1. Select a self-storage unit that offers climate-controlled storage, especially if you are storing in facilities located in regions of extreme cold and hot temperatures. Usually, climated-controlled storage units are kept between 50 to 80 degrees in order to prevent any damage to electrical components.
2. Select a self-storage unit with moisture control. Water is another one of electronics' worst nightmares. Climate control may reduce moisture to some extent, but look for a facility with a dehumidifier in order to ensure a dry storage environment. Avoid ground-level or subterranean units.
3. Back up all data in different modes, such as cloud-sharing, USB, etc.
4. Make sure any storage devices are removed from electronics, such as CDs, DVDs, USBs, videotapes, etc.
5. Cover equipment with a cotton sheet. This prevents dust bunnies, while maintaining a steady air flow.
6. Do not store any electronics in a plastic module or container. Anything trapped in plastic gathers moisture.
7. Try not to store electronics on the floor. Rent/buy board or pallets that you can store electronics on top of.
8. If possible, keep electronics in their original packaging or boxes. For example, if you are storing a PS3 and you still have the box, put the PS3 in its original box and store it.
9. Use bubble wrap/foam to provide a cushion for your electronics. In case they move or touch with other objects, a bubble wrap/ foam protective cover provides a cushion for error. Also, mark glass parts as fragile.
10. Do not keep any equipment plugged in while it is stored. For example, if you are storing a fan, do not plug in the fan and leave it on to keep your electronics cool.
