Step 1: Declutter Your Electronics

While it might be tempting to keep every electronic you own, be honest with yourself. If you don’t think you’ll ever need it again because it’s outdated technology, or it doesn’t have a sentimental value, it’s best to get rid of it.

Step 2: Sell or Recycle Unneeded Electronics

Don’t throw unneeded electronic equipment in the trash. Instead, find new homes for the electronics by selling (via online marketplaces or garage sales) or donating to charitable organizations. Some retailers, including Apple and Best Buy, offer free recycling for certain electronics, or your city may provide e-waste recycling programs.

Step 3: Back Up Data

Create digital backups of data on electronic items like phones, computers, and video gaming systems just if something happens to your equipment during transport or storage.

Step 4: Label Cords & Accessories

Electronics often come with multiple cords and accessories that aren’t easy to identify on their own. Keep the confusion down by labeling everything that goes with a particular piece of equipment with colored tape or labels.

Step 5: Check Inside

Take any cassette tapes, videotapes, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays out of all players. Not only will this keep these items safe, but it’ll prevent them from getting lost.

Step 6: Clean Devices

Clean all screens before moving devices to storage to prevent buildup and damage using a dust cloth or cleaning wipes/spray explicitly made for electronics.

Step 7: Pack Items Into Boxes or Containers

If possible, it’s best to store electronics in their original boxes and packaging. If that’s not possible, first remove all cords and cables from electronic devices, then use cardboard, bubble wrap, foam, and tape to protect screens and glass. Do not wrap electronic devices in plastic, as this traps moisture and fosters mold and mildew. Add silica gel packets to boxes and containers to provide even more protection against moisture.

Step 8: Find a Secure Self Storage Facility

Peace of mind is everything when it comes to storing valuable electronics. That’s why it’s crucial to find a storage facility that offers exceptional security. While you’re comparing self storage facilities, look for locations that provide one or more of the following security features:

Fencing around the property perimeter
Video surveillance throughout the facility and property
Electronic gate access with private keypad entry codes
Indoor storage units with controlled access
Secure access to your floor only (if it’s a multi-level storage facility)
A facility manager living on-site
Individually alarmed storage units

Step 9: Rent a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

Extreme heat and cold can wreak havoc on electrical components, so it’s a good idea to find self storage in a temperature-controlled environment. Extra Space Storage offers climate-controlled storage units, ensuring storage units maintain internal temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees throughout the year to protect sensitive belongings. In some cases, you may need dehumidified storage instead of climate-controlled storage. While climate control can reduce moisture somewhat, dehumidified units are ideal for protecting your items from humidity. We recommend this for those living in wet, humid climates and those considering renting a storage unit on a ground-level or underground level.

Step 10: Carefully Store Your Electronics

Once you’ve found the ideal storage facility for your electronics, you need to move them to your climate-controlled storage unit with care. Place all boxes and storage containers off the ground—like on a pallet or shelving unit—near the back of your storage unit. Make sure all labels are positioned outward so you can quickly identify what’s inside each box. It’s also a good idea to protect all large electronics, not stored in boxes from dust with a large cotton sheet or canvas cover. Don’t lean heavy objects against electronic devices because this can damage the components. Also, don’t forget that electronic equipment cannot be plugged in while in self storage.

How To Store Electronics