How to Keep Your Cameras and Equipment Safe in Self-Storage

As a photographer or videographer, your camera gear is essential to your craft. Whether you’re storing high-end cameras, lenses, tripods, or drones, keeping everything safe and secure when it’s not in use is crucial. Self-storage can be a convenient option, but you want to ensure your equipment is protected from damage, theft, and environmental factors. Here’s how to safely store your cameras and other valuable gear at Forrestfield Self Storage.

1. Why choose Forrestfield Self Storage

The first step in keeping your camera gear safe is choosing a reliable self-storage facility. Look for a place that offers:

  • 24/7 security: Make sure the storage facility has robust security features such as surveillance cameras, secure access points, fencing, and on-call security guards. This helps reduce the risk of theft.
  • Insurance options: It’s a good idea to ask about coverage to protect your gear in case of an emergency. We recommend reaching out to your insurance provider for options regarding insurance.

2. Organize Your Gear for Easy Access and Protection

Proper organization inside your storage unit can help prevent accidental damage to your valuable equipment. Here’s how to keep things in order:

  • Use protective cases: Invest in padded camera bags or hard-shell cases for your gear. These will protect your equipment from knocks, drops, and dust. Make sure each item is individually wrapped and securely stored.
  • Label everything: Label your storage boxes or cases with detailed descriptions of the contents. This will help you quickly identify and retrieve the right gear when needed and reduce the chance of misplacing important items.
  • Stack strategically: Place your heavier items on the bottom and lighter, more delicate gear on top. This helps reduce the chance of items being crushed.

3. Protect Your Cameras from Moisture

Moisture can be a photographer’s worst enemy. It can cause rusting on metal parts, mold on lenses, and even damage the internal electronics of cameras. Here’s how to mitigate moisture risks:

  • Silica gel packets: Place silica gel packets inside your cases or storage boxes to absorb excess moisture. These are inexpensive and can keep your equipment dry for months.
  • Dry boxes: If you live in a particularly humid area, consider investing in a dry box or dehumidifying storage case for added protection.
  • Regular checks: If possible, check on your equipment every few weeks to make sure it’s still in good condition. This is especially important if the climate in your storage area tends to fluctuate.

4. Avoid Storing in Extreme Conditions

It might be tempting to pack everything up and forget about it, but storing your camera gear in extreme conditions is a recipe for disaster.

  • Extreme heat or cold: Camera equipment, especially lenses and batteries, should not be stored in environments with drastic temperature shifts. Over time the weather can drain batteries and freeze delicate components.
  • Direct sunlight: Never store gear in direct sunlight as this can cause fading, warping, and internal damage.

5. Consider a Backup Plan for Essential Items

If you’re storing rare or particularly valuable gear, consider taking extra steps to safeguard them:

  • Photograph your items: Take pictures of your equipment before storing it away. This can serve as a useful record for insurance purposes in case something goes wrong.
  • Create a backup inventory: Keep a digital or physical inventory of everything stored in the unit, including serial numbers, makes, and models of each item. This can come in handy if anything goes missing.

6. Regularly Clean Your Equipment

When storing your camera gear for an extended period, be sure to clean your equipment before you put it away. Dust and dirt can cause wear and tear on the lenses and internal components. Gently clean your gear with appropriate tools (like microfiber cloths, lens cleaners, and air blowers) to ensure it’s in tip-top shape when you retrieve it. Forrestfield Self Storage has great access hours (5:00AM-10:00PM) so you can be sure to find a time slot that works for you.

7. Don’t Forget About Battery Care

Camera batteries can deteriorate over time, so it’s essential to care for them properly even while in storage:

  • Partial charge: Don’t store batteries fully charged or completely drained. Aim to store them at about 50% charge to preserve their lifespan.
  • Remove batteries from devices: If you’re storing cameras or other battery-powered equipment, remove the batteries to prevent leakage or corrosion over time. Forrestfield Self Storage highly recommends this practice to avoid any damage to your contents and equipment. Different types of batteries, how old they are, etc. all play a role in safety of contents.

Conclusion

ForrestfieldSelf-storage can be an excellent solution for safely storing your camera gear when you’re not using it. By choosing the right facility, organizing your equipment properly, protecting it from moisture and extreme temperatures, and staying on top of maintenance, you can ensure your cameras, lenses, and accessories remain in optimal condition. With a little planning and care, your gear will be ready for action whenever you need it next!

Give us a call or come visit us at Forrestfield Self Storage.

253 Berkshire Rd. Forrestfield 6058

(08) 6162 – 3777