To store electronics safely, back up your data, take out batteries, pack everything in its original box (or a well-padded alternative) and keep it in a clean, dry unit off the floor. Big appliances need a bit more work: defrost and dry fridges and freezers and leave the doors ajar, and drain washing machines and refit the transit bolts. Most damage comes from knocks, damp and forgotten batteries, and all three are easy to avoid.
Before you pack: prepare your electronics
- Back up your data. Copy anything important from computers, laptops, consoles and hard drives to cloud storage or a separate drive you keep with you.
- Take batteries out. Batteries left in remotes, toys, clocks and gadgets can leak and corrode the contacts. Remove them and keep them separately.
- Clean and dust everything. Dust inside vents and fans can hold moisture.
- Photograph the cables. Take a quick photo of how everything is plugged in, then bag and label the cables for each device.
Lithium batteries, power banks and anything containing fuel may fall under a store's rules on what's allowed. Check our guide to what you can't put in storage and ask your store if you're unsure.
Packing TVs, monitors and computers
The original box is the best packaging for a TV or monitor, because the foam inserts were designed for it. If you've thrown it away, you can buy TV boxes from removals suppliers. Failing that:
- Cover the screen with a soft blanket or foam sheet. Never put tape directly on the screen.
- Wrap the whole thing in bubble wrap and fit it into a snug box with padding around it.
- Mark the box "fragile" and "this way up".
- Store flat-screen TVs upright, as they were designed to be, and never lay anything on top of them.
Desktop computers, consoles and speakers should be boxed and padded too. Keep them off the floor and away from the edges of stacks where they could fall.
Condensation: the hidden risk
Electronics hate moisture. The biggest danger is condensation, which forms when cold equipment meets warmer, humid air, for example when you collect a TV from storage on a cold day and bring it straight into a warm house.
- Choose a dry, clean unit. Ask the store about ventilation and damp control.
- Keep electronics off the floor on a pallet or shelf.
- Avoid sealing devices in plastic bags for long periods, as any moisture inside can't escape.
- When you take items out of storage, let them sit at room temperature for several hours before switching them on.
For valuable or sensitive electronics, an indoor unit is usually a safer bet than an outdoor container. Our guide to container vs indoor storage explains the difference.
Fridges and freezers
A fridge or freezer that goes into storage without being prepared can come out smelling terrible, or with mould growing inside.
- Switch it off and defrost it fully, ideally the day before the move.
- Empty it and remove shelves and drawers. Clean everything, including the seals.
- Dry it completely inside.
- Tape shelves securely or pack them separately.
- Once it's in the unit, leave the door slightly ajar so air can circulate. A folded towel or a door wedge helps.
Move and store fridges and freezers upright wherever possible. When you get them home, check the manufacturer's advice on how long to leave them standing before switching on.
Washing machines and dishwashers
Washing machines need two things before storage: draining and securing the drum.
- Run an empty hot wash to clean it, then drain any remaining water using the filter at the bottom (have a towel and shallow tray ready).
- Disconnect and dry the hoses, and leave the door and detergent drawer open to dry out.
- Refit the transit bolts that came with the machine. These lock the drum in place so it isn't damaged when moved. If you've lost them, replacements are usually available for your model.
Dishwashers and tumble dryers just need cleaning, draining or emptying, and drying out, with doors left slightly open in storage.
How much space do you need?
Large appliances take up more room than you'd think, especially when you need to leave doors ajar. Use our storage unit size guide to estimate, and let the store know you're bringing white goods. Storing your sofa as well? See how to store a sofa.
Need a dry unit for your appliances and electronics? Tell us what you need and every suitable store near you can send you a price.
