Putting Your Computer in Storage

You use your personal computer, whether it’s a laptop or a desktop, on a daily basis, and you rely on it for a number of purposes. It’s how you stay connected to people through email and social media (when you’re not on your phone), and it houses important files such as tax returns and family photos. If, for some reason, you need to put your computer into storage, there are some important steps to follow. At EZ Storage® in St. Louis, we want your personal belongings to be safe and sound, and in this post, we’ll look at some tips for safely storing your laptop or desktop computer.

Tip #1. Back Everything Up

Before you unplug everything and start packing up your computer, make sure you’ve taken the time to backup your data. In the unfortunate circumstance where your laptop or desktop is damaged and no longer operational, you’ll want to be sure you have a backup of your important files. Investing in an external hard drive is often the best choice, but you can also store things online or in the “cloud.”

Tip #2. Detach Any Peripherals

Your laptop is a self-contained unit, with a built-in mouse and keyboard. However, if you have speakers or other peripherals attached to it, make sure you detach everything before storing your computer. Desktop units will have a keyboard and mouse plugged into them, and it can be tempting to wrap everything up and store it together. Even if you do unplug everything, it’s best to store peripherals separately, unless you have the original box and packaging.

Tip #3. Use the Original Box

Speaking of the original box, it can be a good idea to use it for storage, if you still have it. It might seem silly to hold onto it for several years, but it can make life much easier when it comes time to store your computer. The original packaging is made specifically for your model, and the foam is cut to fit the monitor, the CPU, and other components. There may also be a small box for the keyboard and mouse, which can protect them from damage.

If you don’t have the original box, look for some anti-static foam and cardboard that will protect the monitor and CPU tower from damage. Make sure to pick an appropriately sized box that everything fits comfortably in, and be sure to add filler material for padding. Include all the cords and connections that go with the computer so that the next time you unpack the box, everything is in one place.

Tip #4. Label Everything

This tip can apply to every box you put in storage, but can be especially helpful when it comes to your computer. Be sure to write on every box that has computer-related things in it, and mark those boxes as “fragile” as well. This will help ensure that if someone other than you, such as a friend or relative, gets the boxes out of storage for you, they will know to handle them with care.

At EZ Storage®, we’re always happy to help people find the ideal self-storage solutions. If you have a computer, TV, and other electronics that you need to store, we’ll show you a number of unit options and help you choose the best one. All of our spaces are available on a month-to-month basis, and we have climate-controlled units that are ideal for electronic items. You can also access your unit on any day of the year, so you don’t have to worry about rearranging your schedule to pick things up or drop them off.

Call or visit one of our locations today!