Hello World! Welcome Friends! Please help me welcome Patrick Hawkins to the site today. He is an electronics and appliance repairman who is always looking for industry trends and tips. He enjoys sharing info about the importance of electronic components with others by posting on homeowner and DIY websites.
Electronics are expensive and useful but not always immediately needed. People store game consoles, televisions, and other electronics then notice things do not work after storage. It’s because electronics need special storage attention. Otherwise, associated wires, chipboards, and other components get damp, chipped, and rotted. Here’s how to keep electronics intact and valuable after long term storage.
Save Your Data
Electronics are designed for regular use and are not engineered to sit for long periods. While it’s possible to store electronics safely, it’s best practice to backup your data, especially if devices contain crucial tax information or priceless pictures and video. Major suppliers like Google and Yahoo offer free and paid cloud storage. For a small fee, you’ll never have to worry about perished data again.
Clear the Dust
Electronics deserve regular cleaning for optimal operation. Fans and crevices collect dust which will not ruin a device but contributes to issues such as overheating. Cans of compressed air address dust between keyboard keys and in other hard to reach crevices. Quick drying solvents keep screens clear and surfaces free of debris.
Remove Batteries
It’s probably the biggest error in storing electronics. Batteries and long-term storage don’t mix. You know this if you’ve ever opened a battery casing to find a mess of battery acid. The batteries are ruined at that point, and worse, so is the electronic device. Recycle old batteries and don’t buy new ones until you intend to use your stored electronic device.
Keep the Original Packaging
This requires a bit of added storage space in the garage or attic, but maintaining storage boxes ensures safer and better storage. Manufacturers fit electronics in boxes specifically designed to maintain the integrity of the load. The packaging keeps the device dry, cool, and undisturbed.
Avoid Moisture
Moisture is another enemy of electronics. Some owners accidentally attract moisture through the use of plastic sheets It would make sense to use plastic sheeting to keep moisture out but unfortunately plastic keeps it in too. Small silica packets help soak up moisture, so you may want to invest in some of those before sealing up a device.
Choose a Storage Facility
While one could go through all the proper motions of electronic storage, floods, and other unforeseeable disasters happen. Choose a storage facility rather than keeping items in your home. Basements flood and attics get very humid in the summers. While you want boxes out of the way, you may be placing your items in harm’s way. A storage facility, however, is suited to keep things at optimal temperatures and free from water and other natural damage. Insure stored valuables as you see fit.
Keep Items Upright
Be sure to mark boxes depending on the stored direction of the item. You don’t want to go through all the trouble to pack a television only to place it upside down while resting idle. This goes for transportation too. Modern televisions are lighter but have odd shapes, making them difficult to carry, but don’t turn a television upside down to carry it. Also, it may seem practical to place a ‘flat screen’ television flat on its face but that position is bad too. Store all items the way you would set them in working condition.
Know What Needs Temperature Control
Wood warps and cracks depending on temperature. Certain conditions ruin leather too. Don’t make a mistake when storing electronics. Err on the side of caution. Electronics need special attention. Temperature control is especially important in locales that host extreme conditions, such as states on the Canadian border or southern states like Georgia and Florida that experience high humidity. Read more about temperature controlled solutions at https://www.hollywoodselfstorageaugusta.com/climate-controlled-storage/.
Use Unmarked Boxes
While you should indicate which side is up, don’t label boxes by name. Doing so would only invite the attention of thieves. Leave items unmarked but use numbers and a list rather than writing the name of what’s inside on the box. Also, fill empty spaces with newspaper. Also, be strategic in timing when you drop off and pick up items from storage. It’s best to go during the day. Otherwise, see if your chosen storage facility has 24-hour security guards, cameras, etc.
Store the Plugs and Wires
While some place associated wires and plugs in with an electronic device, others fold plugs neatly into a circular formation and place them in smaller storage containers. Otherwise, you could wind up with a frayed or damaged cord, which is just as inconvenient though less expensive as unearthing stored items to find a device damaged beyond repair.
Thank you, Patrick for the valuable information!
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