Tips for students on how to keep their tech items safe

Securing Electronics: Storing Gadgets Safely during Vacations

The holiday season is almost upon us, and many students will be readying themselves to head home for a well-deserved break. Among the challenges of getting ready for the holidays will be finding safe storage for electronics. 

Electronics require protection from temperature fluctuations, humidity, and physical damage, so proper preparation is essential. Here’s how to keep your electronics in excellent condition while you enjoy your break from study. 

Risks of Storing Electronics

Understanding the risks of storing electronics can help you avoid common mistakes that cause damage. 

Temperature Fluctuations

Electronic components can be sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Components expand with excessive heat, while cold temperatures cause them to contract—fluctuations between heat and cold cause stress that damages internal components. Store your devices in an environment with stable temperatures to avoid these issues. 

Humidity

High humidity can cause moisture buildup inside your device, which can lead to corrosion and short circuits. Very low humidity can lead to static electricity buildup that can damage sensitive components. 

Dust and Dirt

Dust and dirt can accumulate in electronic devices’ nooks and crannies, affecting their performance or causing overheating. To prevent this, keep electronic devices clean, store them in a dust-free environment, or seal them against the elements. 

Physical Damage

Using improper or careless storage techniques can lead to physical damage when items fall over. Scratches, dents, or broken parts are common when you don’t use appropriate packing materials or properly organise your storage space. 

Preparing Electronics for Storage

With just a little bit of preparation, you can ensure your electronics remain in the same condition as you left them when it’s time to collect. 

Clean your devices: Clean your devices before you store them. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down screens and surfaces, and compressed air to remove debris between keyboard keys and around ports. 

Maintenance checks: Before storing your gadgets, do a quick maintenance check. This will alert you to any signs of damage or wear that can be fixed before storage. 

Backup your data: When storing computers, backup your important data just in case. Data loss can occur because of hardware failure, but floods and fires are risks you must factor into any storage solution. 

Power down devices and remove batteries: If possible, remove batteries to avoid damage from leaking batteries. If the batteries are internal, ensure the device is charged before storing it. Modern batteries may fail if left uncharged for some time. Most devices will come with manufacturer recommendations on keeping the battery in good condition when the device will be unused for some time, so be sure to check your user manual.  

Use proper packaging: If you still have the original packaging, this is your best option for storage. The boxes will fit the device perfectly, and the internal packaging will prevent the item from moving around during storage while providing some insulation against temperature fluctuations. 

Packing materials: If you don’t have the original packaging, your next best option is to use good-quality bubble wrap to protect against shocks and impacts, foam padding to fill gaps and provide insulation, and anti-static bags to protect against static electricity. 

Packing Techniques

Use bubble wrap for cushioning. Place a layer of bubble wrap at the bottom, place the device in the centre, and fill the remaining space with foam to prevent movement. 

Wrap screens with a soft cloth or towel before adding the bubble wrap, as this will provide extra protection against marks and scratches. 

Label your boxes and mark them as “fragile” to ensure careful handling. If you are storing lots of items, create an inventory to find stuff more easily when returning to university. 

Where to Get Affordable, Secure Storage During the Holidays

If you’re looking for dependable yet affordable electronics storage these holidays, check out 1800 We Store It. 

With a range of secure storage options in multiple locations around the greater Melbourne area, your electronics will be as safe as houses and easy to access when you return. Choose from flexible storage plans, no lock-in contracts, and affordable pricing. 

If you don’t have the means to safely transport your items, take advantage of 1800 We Store It’s professional packing and moving service. We can help you pack and move your devices securely to ensure they are well-protected at every stage. 

Get a quick quote, or visit 1800 We Store It for more information at the cheapest storage provider in Melbourne.