How to properly store and reuse your electronics

Let’s face it. We all have old gadgets and electronics cluttering our homes. We tend to hang on to TVs or kitchen appliances, and we tend to keep vinyl records, tapes and phones for their deep emotional value. Some people also consider the financial worth some of these items will gain over time, as plenty of people would spend a fortune on old and vintage electronics. This just goes to show that one person’s e-waste is another person’s treasure!

What we’re saying is that it’s completely normal to be reluctant to throw out old tech and devices we no longer use on a daily basis. However, it is a pity to leave them lying around the house where they could possibly get damaged. As a result, it is vital to know how to properly take care of old tech, whether you’re looking to keep it or eventually to sell it.

Self storage vs. at-home storage of old electronics

Regardless of how big or small your home is, you should try to find a specially designated spot for old gadgets. Don’t leave them lying around at random since it’s very easy to forget about them or accidentally damage them. Whether we’re talking about phones, iPods, blenders, toasters or PlayStations, find a specific cool and dry corner of your home that you can dedicate, exclusively, to these items that you no longer use. Some of the worst enemies for old electronics are direct sunlight, heat, moisture and dust, so you’ll want to protect your items from these environmental hazards.

Consequently, if you care deeply about your tech, if you don’t have enough space for it at home or you are collecting significantly large gadgets, you should consider renting a self storage unit. Particularly with a climate-controlled space, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your tech is safe from the environment and secure from accidental damage. Depending on how much stuff you need to get out of your house and into your safe storage space, a 5’x10’ unit may be large enough. Or, you may find the standard and most commonly-used 10’x10’ storage unit is an even better choice.

This is not to say that storing electronics at home is not feasible. Sure it is, it just takes some effort. If you’re willing to do some work, then make sure you organize your devices and separate them according to certain categories. Secondly, you should remove all batteries (since some tend to leak out corrosive substances) and take time to clean dirt and dust off your tech before packing it. Don’t overlook the fact that electronics may also contain important data, and it is essential for you to ensure that your data is secure before storing it away.

Plugged accessories and parts are an integral part of electronics and should not be overlooked. If you can, try to assemble the gadget, along with the separated pieces in its original box. If you’ve thrown out the box, try to firmly separate the main unit from essential accessories and add-ons or attachments. Moreover, monitors and screens should be properly covered, as they are especially prone to cracking and breaking, so cotton cloth, canvas, cardboard and bubble wrap are essential supplies. As dust and pests can cause considerable damage, it is also important to cover any gaps and cooling vents – sealing these points with tape is a common and efficient solution. Storing location comes first – opt for a cool and dry place around the house and make sure the designated spot is not prone to heat and high humidity.

If the electronics you’re trying to store away are still sometimes in use, check out these innovative and stylish storage ideas. Conversely, in case you find it hard to organize yourself and find proper room without turning the entire house upside down, self storage has got you covered in this department.

Reusing old electronics – What can I do with my old tech?

The whole point of paying attention to these guidelines and offering special care to your tech is slowing an inevitable decay. While time takes its toll every time, there are more than a few ways to postpone deterioration. Ultimately, electronics are made in order to be used, rather than put up in a museum someplace, so one of the primary reasons for storing electronics is the thought that they might have a second life at some point, maybe in somebody else’s hands. Reusing and repurposing electronics is a hot topic nowadays, especially in the context of growing e-waste.

Donate, sell and trade in your electronics

We know you’d love for your tech to end up on Pawn Stars and earn you a hefty sum. While this is indeed a possibility, there is so much you can do with these items. If you’re feeling particularly generous, a great choice is that of donating what you own. Most used devices still work or can be functional with small adjustments and repairs and while some people are queuing up for hours to get the next-gen phone, other people would give everything for a “last-gen” one. This is not only altruistic and socially responsible, but also remarkably easy! Donation centers such as The Salvation Army or Goodwill can help you get rid of unwanted electronics and give them another life. Community centers, refugee organizations, local schools and youth programs are a few other groups that can really benefit from what you’re not using anymore.

If you choose to rent self storage for your belongings, another great benefit is that you can reuse the stored electronics yourself after a certain time span or you can give them to a friend in need, for example. Alternatively, more and more companies buy used tech and give you either money or store credit in return! Apple, Target, Walmart and Amazon are just a few companies that will reward you for turning in your old gadgets. Finally, initiative such as TerraCycle or Earth911 offer mail-in boxes for your e-waste, helping you get rid of it in a safe and sustainable manner.

Get creative and turn tech into art and home decor

Finally, if you’re willing to go outside the box for a moment, there are plenty of original ways you can reuse your electronics yourself, giving them a new purpose and making them an integral and creative part of your home. Take a look at these innovative ideas and think about creating a cat bed out of your old PC, turning a fire TV stick into a karaoke machine or an old scanner into a functional tabletop saw. Likewise, blenders can easily become oddly shaped lamps, CDs can be used for art projects and webcams can be repurposed as home security systems.

Ultimately, don’t just throw out an old phone or kitchen appliance when it stops working. Instead of rushing to the store for a new one, find out what the issue is, get it repaired or fix it yourself. Having the help of the internet at hand, repairing electronics is now more feasible than ever!