Televisions are awkward items to store due to their size and shape. Not only that, but because electronics can be damaged easily, properly transporting and storing a TV can be difficult. If you’ve got the original packaging and box for your TV, you’ll be in great shape.
If you don’t have the original packaging or a time machine to use so you can go back in time and get it, you’ll need some other tips. At Storage Mart, we’ve got plenty of TVs stored in our storage units. Here are some ways to store a TV in a storage unit (or elsewhere) safely.
Banish the Dust Bunnies
To avoid a dusty TV, you’ll want to get a can of compressed air or a soft microfiber cloth. Many TVs come with one, but if you don’t have one, both specialty electronics stores and big box stores sell them cheaply.
You might consider skipping this step as it may require a trip to the store. Don’t do that! Dust is a slow killer of electronics. What’s more, once you start packing your TV, the dust can become trapped between your TV and packing materials and scratch your screen. Storing a TV in a storage unit is a great idea—but only if you don’t damage it in transport first.
Protect Your TV When You Move It
Today’s TVs are large and heavy but surprisingly fragile. You can purchase a protective TV cover online or at a local electronics store for less than $30. You can also wrap your TV in a soft blanket, making sure there are no zippers or buttons to scratch your TV. It also helps to get a box for extra protection, but that might not be necessary depending on where or how you’re moving it.
Avoid Damaging Your TV In Storage
So, your TV is all packed up and ready to go. Don’t waste all your hard work (and time travel) by just throwing the box in your basement, attic, or storage unit. The most important thing is to store your box upright, never lying flat on the ground. TVs aren’t designed to bear all their weight on one side, which is why you find so much Styrofoam in TV boxes.
You’ll also need to make sure your TV isn’t exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity, both of which can permanently damage electronics.
Storing a TV in a Storage Unit
If you’re out of room in your home and are planning to put your TV in a storage unit, you’ll need to choose a climate controlled unit (or live in a place without temperature swings or humidity).
At StorageMart, you can rent a climate controlled self storage unit as small as 25 square feet and as large as a garage. Check out our storage unit guide, or rent a unit online today.
At the end of the day, anything worth storing is worth storing right, especially pricey items like electronics. Need something to store? Let us help!
Updated February 13, 2020