Looking for camera gear storage tips? Whether you have a vintage piece or modern digital camera, it’s important to properly store it to keep it running smoothly and ensure its longevity. Check out these six tips for storing a camera!
Clean & Inspect Gear
Inspect your camera for scratches, build-up from fungus or moisture, and other signs of wear. If you do detect moisture, consider taking the piece to a camera repair agent and have it properly cleaned. One of the best methods for cleaning a camera’s exterior is wiping it down with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth, though it will depend on your camera type—make sure to do additional research on how to clean your specific model. If you own a vintage camera, take extra care when cleaning it, as its components are sensitive and more likely to have dust build-up. After cleaning and inspecting your camera and the gear, leave it out to dry before storing it.
Protect Camera Batteries
It’s best to remove the batteries while storing your camera to prevent leakage and corrosion, which could damage other camera components. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure no moisture is present to ruin the batteries themselves—silica gel packs are commonly used to absorb excess moisture, keeping your equipment dry when not in use. It’s recommended to use a cup of silica gel per half cubic meter of your camera storage case. These simple precautions can help prevent serious damage to your camera batteries and extend their life.
Label & Organize Your Gear
Labeling and organizing camera equipment before putting it in storage makes it easier to access the next time you need to use it—especially if you have a lot to store. If you have many different types of cameras with their own unique components, an industrial shelf might be best, while a single camera case or bag with different compartments may be sufficient for a casual hobbyist. Organize and label your SD cards, lenses, external hard drives, and film canisters to make them simpler to locate, and consider storing photos separately in a photo storage box for easier access and preservation.
Invest in a Protective Bag or Case
Protective camera bags and cases can shield cameras from damage and combat dust and humidity, offering the best preservation for your gear. Consider getting a semi-indestructible hard shell camera case with foam padding, which can allow you to securely fit different types of equipment. Or opt for moderate protection with a camera shoulder bag or sling bag, which are great for on-the-go protection. Choose whichever option works best for your needs to help protect your expensive investment.
Use a Dry Cabinet
Another alternative for ensuring proper storage conditions for your equipment is to invest in a dry cabinet for your camera. Dry cabinets are moisture-sensitive boxes that can help control the humidity levels and temperature your camera equipment is stored in. Additionally, a dry cabinet can prevent fungus growth and dust, minimizing the amount of time you’ll spend cleaning your camera and lenses.
Store Camera Gear in a Climate-Controlled Environment
Avoid storing your camera equipment in areas with frequently-changing conditions, like basements, attics, and garages. If you must store in one of these spaces, invest in a dehumidifier to help prevent mold growth and damage from trapped humidity within the mechanism. It’s best to store sensitive items like cameras in a dark environment with low humidity and a consistent temperature—such as a closet, well-ventilated room, or monthly climate-controlled storage unit. Keeping your equipment in the proper conditions is the best way to ensure its longevity and quality—especially if you’re considering long-term camera storage.
***
Need a secure place to store your camera equipment? Extra Space Storage offers climate-controlled storage units at over 3,000 locations in the U.S. Find monthly self storage near you!
