As humans, we love to consume. For many of us, there is nothing more satisfying than treating ourselves to a cool new gadget on payday, and as we creep ever closer to Christmas, no doubt we are all spending plenty of money on tech-based gifts right now too. That’s all well and good, but the more we buy, the less space we have to actually store all of these gadgets.
Not to fear, as we can always just stash the lesser-used gadgets and gizmos in the garage, and fetch them out whenever they are next required, right? Well, maybe, although that’s far from being the best approach to storing away your tech. See, it’s very common for garages to have less insulation packed in them than what you’ll typically find throughout the rest of your house, which means the outside temperature can influence the temperature inside much easier.
Cold winter nights will see the temperature drop, while bright morning sun will see it rise; it’s this fluctuation of temperature that is simply no good for your electronics. This, in addition to condensation and humidity which will build as a result of the conditions in your garage, has the ability to damage the circuitry and soldering in your electrical items, which will result in them simply being fit for the trash when you next come to use them.
Furthermore, for electronics with batteries in them, the cold weather can reduce their lifespan considerably too, which is also a prime reason why your car battery might be struggling in this colder weather. With some prior planning though, it’s easy to safely store your electricals throughout the winter, and this way you won’t end up with a cluttered garage full of old TVs and radios either.
Storing your electronics safely in winter is easy
Ultimately, the best storage spot for electric devices is going to vary from house-to-house. It could be that forgotten back-bedroom or the cupboard under the stairs, but what you’re looking for from these rooms is a constant and mild climate. No humidity, no condensation, and no harsh, cold temperatures — so steer clear of drafty spaces.
If you’re unsure whether your electricals are holding up well throughout the cold weather, it could be worth your while just keeping an eye on the item’s battery health, if applicable. If you see the health deteriorating, move the item into a warmer room, or consider charging it up regularly with a power bank to stop it from dropping too low.
Equally, don’t store your electronics right next to a heat source either. For example, having electronics lean up against or sit very close to portable heaters in winter is a terrible storage idea and should be avoided. Don’t think that stashing electronics in a ziplock bag or similar is a smart answer either, as these generate static electricity, which can prove harmful to your tech.
Once you’ve identified a nice stable space for your tech, consider powering them down completely and removing the batteries where possible — especially if you’re thinking of stashing them away long-term, as a battery leak will certainly do your items no favors. Label items if you think it will help you or others to identify what’s there in the future, and if you need storage boxes, opt for plastic not cardboard. The latter will absorb any moisture, and besides, a plastic box will protect your electronics better if they’re knocked from a shelf. Either way, keep them far away from the garage, and you’ll be making a wise first step.
Comments are closed.