Storage Tips for Electronics

Electronics is a broad category including computers, televisions, radios, VCRs, DVD players, satellite receivers, and good old-fashioned turntables. What makes these items troublesome about packing up for storage is all the wires and little bits of accessories like remote controls, straps, mouse, connectors and other doodads. The key to successful electronics storage is being organized when packing. Although these tips seem like common sense to most people, others will find them to be helpful reminders.

Use the Original Boxes and Packing

If you keep all your boxes, then the best way to pack your electronics for storage is to reuse the same boxes. The styrofoam pieces will fit the items perfectly, plus, hopefully, you will have kept the plastic bags, too. All you really need to find is some good tape to seal the tops of the boxes.

Wires Need to be Marked and Folded Neatly

The issue with electronics is not only being able to prevent damage while in storage, but also, to be able to put everything back together efficiently and make them work when unpacked. The best way to do that is to mark all holes with masking tape as you remove the wires, and then mark the wires as well, so it will be easy to find the right wire with the right hole. Do not throw all the wires for all your electronics into one big pile in a box. Everything should be folded up neatly, wrapped with plastic ties, shoelaces or string, labeled with either business labels or masking tape, and either attached to the bigger item in a bag, or placed in one main box. This will prevent the cords from getting all tangled, plus, you will not waste a box when something very small will do. Of course, if you are packing everything in the original boxes, you would keep the cords in that box, too, with the appropriate item.

Use Two Boxes When You Do Not Have Originals

It is really important to make sure the box you use is heavy and durable enough to protect the piece of electronics inside. If the box seems rather flimsy, or if you have doubts that it will fully protect the item, use two boxes. You can pack up the item inside a smaller box, remembering to use padding and make sure it does not rattle, then you can place that box within a larger box for better protection.

Use Anti-Static Bags for Computer Parts

If you must remove your hard drives from the computer, or you have other loose items such as sound cards, memory chips, or circuit boards, be sure to use anti-static bags for these things when packing. The bags are cheap enough and are found at most computer stores. Compared to the damage that might be done by not using them, the eight dollars a package of ten is certainly worth the effort and cost.

Cover Television and Computer Monitor Screens with Cardboard