Keeping Electronics Clean And Safe During Storage

If you're putting away computers, televisions, entertainment systems, or other consumer electronics for long-term storage, you may not have the time or ease of access to perform upkeep. Dust and humidity can build up over weeks of storage, and corrosion can begin faster depending on how humid the area is. To keep these maintenance needs as low as possible, and to keep an eye on security for your belongings, here are a few preparation methods and storage facility features to keep in mind.

Find Storage Units With Sealed Climate Control

Humidity can corrode or rust the internal metal components of electronics. Dust can increase heat of electronic devices as they operate, and can trap in humidity to create a double threat of damage over time. To keep your devices from building up additional damage over time, clean them first, and then find a storage facility with climate control.

A basic air conditioning service that reaches every storage unit in the facility is a good first step. Air conditioning keeps temperatures from getting too hot or too cold (relative to outside temperature) to cause condensation or lead to humidity. 

The filter in an air conditioning unit can also greatly reduce dust. The facility doesn't need the most expensive, intricate, pollen-reducing filter on the market, but you should at least make sure that the filter is replaced on a regular basis by asking to see the filter area. 

If the storage unit isn't properly sealed, the air conditioning system won't be as effective. Outside air can leak in and humidity can become a slight problem, and dust can enter the room as well. Be sure to look for any cracks in the walls, door frame area, and pay close attention to how completely the door closes. Weather stripping and sealant can be applied to fix these problems, but be sure to check the sealed areas to make sure that the cracks aren't expanding.

Personal Sealing Just To Be Sure

In addition to using the storage facility's protective features--or if there aren't such features available in your facility of choice, a box can help. Unfortunately, not every box will do, so you need to find the right set of features.

Cardboard boxes are absolutely out of the question. They deteriorate rather quickly, either becoming weak after a few months from humidity, leaving dust in the form of cardboard fibers, or allowing outside debris into the box through pores.

You should use a box that clamps down to form a rubber/plastic-assisted seal or a lid that closes completely around the edges of the opening. A watertight box isn't necessary, so don't feel the need to spend money on the most protective boxes on the market.

Contact a self storage facility to get a description of climate control, security, maintenance, and other features in their storage units for rent.

Share