Whether you are getting deployed, going on a lengthy backpacking trip, or downsizing temporarily, you may need to find a place to store your most precious valuables. It is fairly straightforward to store paper documents, clothes, and random items that you may have, but your computer is a different situation. The last thing you want to do is unplug your computer, drive it to a storage unit, and stick it inside. It is important to follow a few tips to ensure you have a working computer when you pick it up.
Remove the Bulky Components
If you have a high-end graphics card for playing games or doing graphic design, you do not want to leave it attached while you are gone. It is possible for the weight of the card to cause sagging. Over a long period of time, the graphics card slot can get permanently damaged. So, you should remove the graphics card, place it in an anti-static bag, and then into a plastic bin with bubble wrap for protection.
Taking out the graphics card is also the easiest way to avoid damage when traveling to and from the storage facility. Going over a large bump, which you will commonly find in storage facilities to keep customers at low speeds, can cause such a component to get ripped out of the socket. Another bulky component that you should consider taking out beforehand is the CPU heatsink.
Require Climate Control
Most computer parts can handle high temperatures, especially the CPU. It is perfectly fine for it to sit at 45 to 50 degrees Celsius, which is 113 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you do not need climate control to prevent the computer from overheating. The primary issue with storage units is moisture, so it is a necessity to rent a storage unit that has this feature to avoid water damage. Continuous exposure to moisture, even when the computer is not connected, can lead to parts becoming corroded.
Wrap the Cables Properly
When you unplug your computer to put it into storage, you may not pay much attention to how you handle the cables. Unfortunately, improper cable handling can lead to fraying and connection issues. The key is to delicately wrap the cables using an over and under method that does not use excessive force. You want to avoid using your strength to bend the cables in directions that it does not want to go.
With hundreds or thousands of dollars invested into your computer, it makes sense to thoroughly prepare your computer and all of its components to go into a storage unit and come out in the same condition.
