Sealing Larger Electronics For Long-Term Storage
If you have to go away on a trip for months or will be on the move for years, there may not be an easy place to store your goods. Military service-members and government workers may not have family with enough storage space, but if you need to go on deployment it means either selling your property or figuring out where to keep everything. Self storage units are a good choice, but you'll need to make sure that electronics such as computers are safe from dirt, grime and dust. Before choosing the first storage unit in sight, take a look at a few precautions for electronics that can't simply be put inside a cheap container.
What's Wrong With A Little Dust?
Objects in storage tend to build up a layer of dust, but why does it matter? For some objects, dusting means simply sweeping off a few surfaces and maybe adding a bit of polish or wax. Unfortunately, electronics with vents and openings can be a pain to open and properly clean.
Computers, for example, have a few openings at the back of the system. Some openings can be closed, such as the slot openings for expansion cards. Other areas, such as the power supply unit, can't be covered up with existing parts or any sliding doors.
Because of these openings, dust can settle on the inside of the system. In order to get inside and clean, you'll need a tool set to remove a few screws and know your way around the inside components. Unfortunately, a can of air won't get all of the dust away and dusters may leave behind a bit of brush or feather (or imitation feather) materials. Unless you have cleaning solution, wipes and computer parts knowledge, the cleaning can get dangerous.
Similar issues can happen with other electronics, and may be worse because of their design. Desktop computers at least are designed with the explanation that experienced users may perform regular maintenance. Other machines may be sealed with the assumption that only certified repair professionals or expert tinkerers will try.
Difficult dust cleaning and the potential to ruin everything in the process means you'll need a better way to keep dust out in the first place.
Climate Control And Building Quality
The first step is to investigate the storage facility thoroughly. Common sense will only get you so far, as there are a few issues that home owners miss in their own homes, let alone a modest investment in a storage unit. Look out for foundation issues such as cracks or crumbling building material in the corners and make sure that the climate control (if applicable) is working.
Cracks can be difficult to find, as they're not always visible without careful inspection. Even cracks that have been painted over can allow undesired moisture levels into the building, which can lead to a more moist and dirty dust problem. With someone to assist you, turn off the lights and close the doors to see if any daylight is leaking through parts of the storage unit.
Once you've confirmed air conditioning operation and building integrity, make sure that there isn't a dust problem coming from the ventilation. If there's a lot of dust being blown into your storage unit, make sure to bring it to the facility's attention so that filters can be changed or the ductwork can be cleaned.
Speak with a storage facility representative {like those at Arthur's Self Storage} to discuss self storage units, their quality and whether your electronics will be safe for the extended periods or not.
Share