Whether you’re packing away a spare TV, an old laptop, or the family gaming console, storing electronics properly can make all the difference between a quick setup later and an expensive replacement. Australia’s climate, with its heat, humidity, and temperature swings, can be tough on tech, so taking the time to prepare your devices correctly is essential. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to safely store your electronics, keeping them clean, dry, and ready to use when you need them again.
Prepare Your Electronics for Storage
- Back up all important data. For devices such as laptops, external drives or tablets, make sure you have a separate copy of all important files. A physical backup + cloud backup is best. Handling data now means less risk later.
- Remove batteries. If the device uses removable batteries (AA/AAA, rechargeable packs, etc.), remove them before storage to avoid corrosion or leakage. For built-in batteries (like in many laptops/tablets), refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Clean and dry your electronics before storing. Dust, residues and moisture can degrade components over time. Use a microfiber cloth; for vents, use compressed air if available. Make sure the device is dry and free of visible contaminants.
- Label devices, chargers, and accessories clearly for easy identification later.
- Take photos of cable setups or configurations before disconnecting anything it helps during reassembly.
Packing Your Devices the Right Way
Boxes and Packing items
- You can use the original packaging (boxes + foam inserts). These are usually optimised for protection. If not, at Storage King, we sell a wide range of boxes and packaging materials that suit many devices, including LCD cartons, E-Waste cartons, tissue paper, bubble wrap and fragile tape.
- Use well-cushioned and sturdy boxes.
- Add desiccant packets (silica gel) inside boxes to help manage moisture.
- Avoid stacking heavy items on top of delicate electronics to prevent screen damage, warping, etc.
Choose a good storage environment
- Temperature: electronics prefer stable, moderate temperatures. Avoid extremes of heat or cold.
- Humidity: keep relative humidity in a safe range (for many components ~30-50%) to avoid corrosion or moisture damage.
- Elevate off the floor: This helps avoid water damage from leaks or floods. Place on pallets or shelves.
- Avoid locations with large temperature/humidity swings (e.g., garages, attics) unless they are climate-controlled.
Protect against static electricity and dust:
- Sensitive components (motherboards, graphics cards, hard drives) should be in anti-static bags.
- Cover devices or put them into sealed containers to keep dust and pests out.
Organise cables/accessories:
Keep cords, chargers, and peripherals paired and labelled. Store them in small bags or compartments within the box.
Long-Term Storage & Maintenance Tips
Periodic inspection:
Check on your stored electronics every few months. Ensure the environment is still stable, batteries (if built-in) are okay, there is no visible damage, dust, moisture or pest infestation.
For devices with built-in batteries:
If you can’t remove the battery (e.g., many laptops or tablets), store it at around 40-60% charge and recharge periodically if possible. Some manufacturers recommend this.
Keep documentation handy:
Store warranty info, serial numbers, manuals, and a record of what’s in each box (and where). This helps for retrieval, repair, and resale.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t store electronics directly on the floor, as this can be a risk of flooding or dust accumulation.
Don’t assume plastic bins alone are sufficient if the environment has temperature/humidity swings, as plastic can trap moisture.
Don’t leave batteries in devices long-term if removable; leakage is a common damage source.
Prohibited Storage Items
Periodic inspection:
Check on your stored electronics every few months. Ensure the environment is still stable, batteries (if built-in) are okay, there is no visible damage, dust, moisture or pest infestation.
For devices with built-in batteries:
If you can’t remove the battery (e.g., many laptops or tablets), store it at around 40-60% charge and recharge periodically if possible. Some manufacturers recommend this.
Keep documentation handy:
Store warranty info, serial numbers, manuals, and a record of what’s in each box (and where). This helps for retrieval, repair, and resale.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t store electronics directly on the floor, as this can be a risk of flooding or dust accumulation.
Don’t assume plastic bins alone are sufficient if the environment has temperature/humidity swings, as plastic can trap moisture.
Don’t leave batteries in devices long-term if removable; leakage is a common damage source.
Prohibited Storage Items
The self-storage agreement contains a list of items prohibited from self-storage. Here are some of those prohibited items:
- Lithium-powered devices: E-scooters, e-bikes, and similar items containing modified, altered, or damaged lithium batteries are not permitted.
- Excessive batteries: Storing a quantity of batteries that exceeds personal use is prohibited.
- Hazardous materials: Items that are hazardous, flammable, explosive, or environmentally harmful are not allowed.