In our modern world, electronics are fairly disposable. Just about everyone has old cell phones, computer components, televisions, radios and other electronic devices that they no longer use. Many of these can be recycled (although far too many are just thrown out in the trash). Many others still work perfectly and end up being saved for later use. Some would argue that this has always been an issue: that people have always had a lot of old junk lying around that they don’t want to throw away, but the problem seems to get particularly bad with electronics. Technology is progressing faster than ever these days, and many people replace their computers or smartphones annually even though their old devices still work.
Although some of these older electronics simply get thrown away, many are reluctant to just get rid of something that works just fine, so they take the time to find self storage and save them. The problem with this strategy is that electronics are often delicate and easily damaged, and many people who store them carelessly find that they are damaged and worthless years later.
It is entirely possible to store electronics, but it must be done safely. Throwing them in boxes haphazardly and putting them in a basement or storage locker isn’t good enough. If you have some electronics that you aren’t using but want to save, here are some tips that will help you store them safely.
Wipe Them Down
Dirt and dust can do a lot of damage to an electronic device, and while there is bound to be some dust on your electronics that gets put away for months or even years, you can lessen the damage by wiping dust from a computer or television before packing it up. To prevent your electronics from gathering too much dust while in storage, wrap them in cloth. Plastic shouldn’t be used because it prevents air circulation and has a tendency to trap moisture and damage your devices.
Be Mindful of Wires and Cables
Wires and cables are frequently damaged by poor storage techniques, and there is nothing more frustrating than having a perfectly functional device that won’t work because the one cable you need has been destroyed. Detach any wires you can from electronics; wrap them in circular coils, and bind them with zip ties in at least two separate areas to keep them from coming loose. Label all cables so you know what they’re for, and store them in their own separate box.
Use Soft Packing Material
When you pack your electronics into boxes, make sure you fill any extra space with some kind of packing material. Packing peanuts work well, but newspaper can also be used in a pinch. You should also remove any batteries from devices that may use them. You won’t be needing these devices anytime soon, so it doesn’t make any sense to keep the batteries with them. Taking them out will prevent any damage that may be caused should the batteries leak.
Storing anything of value requires some level of care and caution, but people need to be particularly careful with electronic devices. Most electronics are fragile and delicate, and they can be difficult to replace if they are damaged. As long as you use common sense and remember these tips, you can be sure that your electronics will work just fine for you when you take them out in the future.