Storage Selection And Preparation For Computers And Electronics

Many objects can be left behind without much prep work. Furniture may need to be covered and some paperwork may need to be in boxes, but preparation for those belongings are barely more work than the carrying and stacking that all belongings require. If you're storing electronics such as computers, there are a few things that you need to consider before and after storage to make sure that your devices are working properly. Take a look at a few ways that things could go wrong and what you need to do to keep your belongings in good shape.

Risks With Long Term Storage Of Electronics

The main problem with putting things in storage is the dust. Unless the facility is airtight, dust will settle in any building, no different than if it were in your house. The difference is that you won't be visiting storage as often to brush things off, unless you plan on using the storage on a regular basis.

Using computers as the main example, you need to consider all of the openings that a device has. The ventilation areas, decorative vents and other openings allow dust to settle inside the computer. Settling dust isn't a problem in and of itself; the big issue is what happens when you turn the system on.

Dust acts as an insulator, and is often made of flammable material. Bits of cloth, dried vegetation, dirty, sand, paint chips or anything in the area contributes to the problem, and if there's carpet in the room you may have a flammable insulator that binds together as a blanket.

When the computer or similar device turns on, it generates heat. Computers have specific heat management parts, but with a thick coating of dust, they may overheat too quickly. While computers have auto-shutoff functions, dust can also burn due to the heat and damage the electronics.

Humidity is also an issue, so if the storage facility is in an area with regularly humid weather, corrosion and sticky, hard-to-clean dust may be an issue as well.

Securing Electronics From Dust Hazards

It's possible to install air filters or dehumidifiers in a storage unit, but you may have to pay for the electricity usage either on your own or as part of your storage bill. Some storage facilities may already be air conditioned, which means that at least there's moving air that is filtered to some extent.

You could also place electronics inside containers. The containers don't need to be airtight, but they should feature a rubber or similar seal that will keep most dust out. Avoid wrapping devices in plastic, especially in humid areas due to the condensation that may build up inside the semi-trapped air.

Contact a secure self storage facility to discuss available services such as air conditioning and filtering, as well as any existing equipment for sealing your belongings. For more information, talk to a company like Ventu Storage Center.