Is It Safe to Put Your Electronics in Long-Term Storage?

Modern electronics can easily get damaged if put in the wrong environment. In today’s post, local moving company Around Town Movers answers a question frequently asked by customers: is it safe to put electronics in long-term storage?

Factors to Consider Before Storing Your Electronics

There are a few factors that you need to consider before deciding whether you should put your electronics in long-term storage.

• Consult the user guide. First, check if the manufacturer has recommendations or warnings regarding storage. Most user guides will have instructions on ideal environment conditions, such as ambient temperatures, humidity levels and exposure to sunlight. If you can’t find the user guide, the manufacturer may have a downloadable one on their website. Proper storage is particularly important if the device is still within its warranty period.
• Climate control. Many types of electronics don’t work well outside of residential or office spaces because of the indoor climate control. Typical storage facilities do not have this option, which means electronics are more likely to get exposed to conditions similar to a garage; no air conditioning, heating or humidity control. Make sure that your devices are rated to withstand prolonged exposure to such conditions.
• Packaging. You may be able to protect your electronics with proper packaging. Retail packaging is designed to be stacked and stored in warehouse conditions, and is your best option if you must pack your electronics for long-term storage. Do not store batteries with them to prevent potential leakage and damage. Use anti-static packaging materials, such as bubble wrap or foam, to protect your devices from static electricity buildup, which can harm internal components.

Climate-Controlled Storage Facilities

We’ve briefly mentioned above how a storage facility with a controlled environment is the best option not just for electronics, but also for fragile items like antiques, record collections and paper products. It goes without saying that storage with climate control costs more than those without, but it can be a worthy investment when you consider the peace of mind it will bring.

Learn more about the benefits of climate-controlled storage spaces by giving our team at Around Town Movers a call at (703) 682-5922. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve clients in Sterling, VA, and Washington, DC.