storing your family's overflow in a storage unit

If you need to put away old video game consoles, computers, stereos or other consumer electronics, you'll need to prepare them for long periods of storage if you want any decent chance at using them later. With weather issues, their current condition in your home and other defining factors, you could be setting yourself up for failure that leaves a corroded mess behind. Take a look at a few problems with unplanned electronics storage and ways to make the transition a lot safer for your stuff.

What Could Go Wrong With Simple Storage?

Computers, video game consoles and many other consumer electronics have vents or openings for cooling. Unless you regularly perform maintenance, there's likely some dust and other debris inside the system, which can lead to overheating. Storage can create a bigger issue due to the closed, untouched nature of the situation. 

The problem can become worse if you live in a humid area or an area with rain throughout the year. You need to inspect your mobile storage unit for any opening to make sure that the storage unit can stay dry, and you should consider purchasing a dehumidifier to plug up and run inside the storage unit every week or so.

Mobile storage depends on how well you keep the unit closed up. If you want to use the storage unit as an extra closet for regular access, make sure that you and others using the storage aren't tracking in dirt. Pests inside can create a problem as well, since some of the inside surfaces of larger, hollow electronics can act as good nesting grounds. Nesting and waste from pests can create just as much of a problem as dust when it comes to overheating, and pests such as rodents could chew through wires if left unchecked.

Consider Additional Protection

Store your electronics in boxes to give an extra layer of protection, as well as an easier way to store and stack your belongings. Sealed or completely airtight boxes can reduce or halt the onset of dust and can keep most pests out of your electronics.

Not all sealed containers are airtight. Airtight boxes large enough to store computers, stereo and larger boxes can be expensive, while basic sealed plastic tubs are a lot more accessible. It's also difficult to verify airtight claims as a consumer with large boxes, as you'll either need a vacuum seal testing machine or the ability to completely submerge the container in water to observe any bubbles or leaks.

Contact a mobile storage company like AA All American Airborne Self-Storage to discuss the types of storage units available, as well as any protection options that could keep your electronics safe.