Storing Computers and Data in Your Self Storage Unit

Storage units provide convenient and inexpensive extra space for office equipment and home electronics. However, if certain precautions are not taken when packing and storing, rust, mold, cracking, breakage or flooding can render a high-end piece of equipment - and the data it stores - useless.

Take the steps below to make sure your data CDs, software, computers, hard drives, copiers, printers, fax machines, scanners and other electronic devices will be unpacked in the same working condition in which they were first stored.

Temperature & humidity control

• Extreme heat, cold and moisture can cause cracking and corrosion of electrical components. Climate-controlled storage (available through some facilities at an additional cost) uses central air and heat to keep the temperature and humidity within a mini storage unit similar to your home or office environment.
• If humidity is a serious concern, avoid subterranean or ground-level units and look for facilities that use dehumidifiers.
• If a device has been recently stored in freezing temperatures, allow it to return to room temperature (about 48 hours) before turning it on.
• Take CDs and DVDs out of drives and players, and tapes out of VCRs, camcorders and data backup devices.
• Avoid wrapping computers and other electronic devices in plastic when packing for long term storage -- plastic traps moisture, fostering mold and mildew growth. To prevent dust buildup and still allow for air circulation, use a cotton sheet or canvas cover.
• Store VCR and computer backup tapes, CDs and DVDs in sturdy, airtight containers.
Keeping data safe
• Always back up data using several different methods, and store them in multiple geographic locations.
• Consider using fire safes for storing critical data and original documents.

• Use password-protected CDs or DVDs to store documentation (and make a note of passwords for future use).

• Use anti-static packaging for hard drives and other sensitive devices.

• Raise equipment off the floor with boards or pallets (some facilities offer these at no cost).
• Plugging in equipment while it's in storage is prohibited.
• Store devices in original packing materials and boxes when possible.
• Use cardboard, bubble wrap or foam to protect monitors, screens, scanner glass and other fragile parts. To avoid leaning heavy objects against them, mark glass parts as fragile.
• For safe lifting, packed boxes should weigh no more than 30-50 lbs., and empty spaces should be filled with packing materials to prevent shifting.

Be sure to research thoroughly how to store computers and data properly to preserve your belongings and peace of mind. Self storage facility managers can be excellent resources for additional guidance.