Storage units keep consoles and games safe
Storage options in Salisbury NC can help protect your video games and consoles, but choosing the right unit is key to preventing damage.
Imagine this: you’ve just upgraded to the latest gaming console, and your old system, along with a collection of classic video games, is now taking up space. Instead of letting them gather dust, you decide to store them in a self-storage unit, but you’re unsure how to keep your beloved games and consoles safe. You might be wondering: Is it safe to store video games and consoles in a unit? Will the conditions in outdoor storage cause damage? And do you really need a climate-controlled unit for this?
This article will walk you through how to properly store video games and consoles, whether climate control is necessary, and how to avoid damage to your valuable gaming gear.
Why Storing Video Games and Consoles in Self-Storage Makes Sense
Whether you’re moving to a new place or simply trying to free up space at home, self-storage offers a convenient solution for storing your video games and consoles. The appeal is obvious: you can safely store these items without cluttering your living space. But with so many options out there, it’s important to understand how to ensure that your gaming gear stays in top condition while it’s stored.
Video games and consoles are delicate items, and an improper unit could lead to damage over time. That’s why knowing the right unit conditions is crucial. Let’s dive into the best ways to store your games and consoles and what conditions you need to watch out for.
Will the Conditions in Outdoor Storage Damage Your Video Games and Consoles?
When it comes to self-storage, there are two main types: indoor and outdoor storage. While usually more affordable, outdoor units expose your items to the elements. This can be risky for electronic items like gaming consoles, which are sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity.
Here’s how the conditions in an outdoor unit can potentially damage your video games and consoles:
- Heat and Cold: Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause plastic components of consoles to warp, crack, or become brittle. Video game discs, particularly older ones, may be warped or scratched when exposed to excessive heat or cold.
- Humidity: High humidity levels can cause corrosion on the metal parts of your gaming consoles and cartridges. Additionally, moisture can seep into the game cases, leading to mold growth or even damaging the discs themselves.
- Dust and Dirt: Outdoor units can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris. This can get into your game cases and onto your consoles, potentially causing malfunctions when you eventually take them out of storage.
While outdoor storage might be fine for sturdy, non-electronic items, it’s not ideal for sensitive electronics like video games and consoles. For the best protection, you’ll need to consider how the unit handles these environmental factors.
Do You Need Climate-Controlled Storage for Video Games and Consoles?
One of the most effective ways to protect your video games and consoles is by choosing a climate-controlled unit. These units are equipped to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, making them ideal for storing electronics and other sensitive items.
Here’s why climate control is particularly important for video games and consoles:
- Temperature Stability: Climate-controlled units keep the temperature within a comfortable range—usually between 60°F and 75°F—ensuring that your electronics aren’t exposed to extreme heat or cold. This prevents the plastic from becoming brittle, which can be a problem in outdoor storage units.
- Humidity Control: The best climate-controlled units also regulate humidity. Excess moisture can be harmful to electronics, so a unit with low humidity prevents rusting, corrosion, or mold growth on your gaming gear.
- Preserving Disc Integrity: Video game discs, especially older ones, are prone to warping or becoming unreadable in unstable conditions. The consistent temperature and dry environment of a climate-controlled unit help maintain the integrity of your discs, so they continue to work well when you’re ready to play.
In short, while climate-controlled storage units may come at a higher cost than standard outdoor storage, they provide the best protection for your video games and consoles. If you want to ensure that your gear stays in top condition for years to come, this is a worthwhile investment.
How to Store Your Video Games and Consoles in Self-Storage Units
Now that you know about the ideal storage conditions, let’s discuss how to properly store your video games and consoles to maximize protection.
- Clean Before Storing: Dust and dirt can damage consoles and games over time. Before packing up your gaming gear, make sure everything is clean and free from grime. Wipe down your consoles, controllers, and game cases to prevent any buildup.
- Pack Properly: For added protection, store your gaming consoles and accessories in their original boxes if you still have them. If not, consider using sturdy boxes and wrapping the consoles and controllers in bubble wrap or soft cloth. This helps prevent scratches and minimizes the risk of physical damage.
- Store Games Upright: Video game discs should be stored vertically, similar to how they’re stored on a shelf. This helps prevent warping and scratching. If you’re storing cartridge-based games, keep them in their original cases, as this provides the best protection.
- Use Silica Gel or Desiccants: To absorb excess moisture and keep your items dry, consider using silica gel packets or other desiccants in your storage box. These will help prevent the formation of mold or mildew in the case of fluctuating humidity levels.
- Avoid Storing in Direct Sunlight: Never place your games or consoles in direct sunlight. Even in a climate-controlled unit, exposure to sunlight can lead to overheating or fading over time.
How Mr. Storage NC Can Help
When looking for a self-storage solution for your video games and consoles, Mr. Storage NC offers a variety of options to meet your needs. With their climate-controlled units, you can rest assured that your valuable gaming gear will be stored in optimal conditions, keeping it safe from temperature extremes and humidity fluctuations.
Mr. Storage NC’s facilities are designed to provide a secure and controlled environment for all types of items, including electronics. Their climate-controlled storage units are perfect for protecting your gaming consoles and video games, whether you’re storing them for a short time or long-term.
Additionally, their clean, well-maintained units are accessible when you need them, giving you peace of mind knowing that your items are being stored safely. With flexible rental options and competitive pricing, Mr. Storage NC is a convenient and reliable choice for your storage needs.
Storing your video games and consoles in a self-storage unit is a great way to keep them safe when you’re not using them. However, it’s important to choose the right storage conditions to prevent damage. While outdoor storage units can expose your gear to harmful heat, cold, and humidity, a climate-controlled storage unit offers a stable environment that protects your gaming equipment from these risks.
By following the tips outlined in this article and choosing the right storage facility—like Mr. Storage NC—you can ensure that your video games and consoles remain in top condition for years to come.
Reserve Storage units in Salisbury NC
Mr. Storage is locally owned and managed, and our prices are affordable. We have storage facilities in Concord, Salisbury, Harrisburg, Midland, and Kannapolis, NC. Contact us today to reserve your unit.