Your new device has arrived, and as quickly as you’ve unboxed it, your old handset is stuffed into the tech drawer of doom for another day. Sound familiar?
Whether you’ve got a spare phone for emergencies, an old tablet waiting to be sold, or a console stashed away for your younger sibling’s birthday, storing unused tech properly can make a big difference to its lifespan and resale value.
Read on for practical tech storage tips to help your devices stay in tip-top condition — ready to use, sell or gift when the time comes.
Give it a proper clean first
Before you tuck any tech away, give it a good wipe-down. Use a microfibre cloth and a small amount of screen-safe cleaner to remove dust, fingerprints and grime. For keyboards, ports and cases, a gentle brush or a can of compressed air can help shift dirt from tricky spots.
Storing devices while they’re dirty can lead to corrosion or build-up that’s much harder to clean later — and no one wants that surprise when it’s time to power back on.
Charge it (but not all the way)
This one’s especially important for phones, tablets and laptops. Batteries degrade faster when stored at 0% or 100%, so aim to store the device at around 50–70% charge.
Why? Leaving a battery completely flat for too long can cause it to die permanently. On the flip side, keeping it fully charged for months can stress the battery and wear it out faster. Somewhere in the middle is your best bet.
Tip: If you can, check on your stored device every few months and give it a quick top-up to keep the battery happy.
Back it up, log out, shut down
Even if you’re not selling your device just yet, it’s a smart move to back up your data, log out of your accounts and do a factory reset. This protects your personal information in case you decide to trade it in, sell it or pass it on down the line.
Once that’s done, make sure to shut the device down fully — don’t just let it auto-lock or go to sleep. A proper shutdown helps prevent battery drain and avoids software glitches caused by unexpected restarts or background updates.
Store it properly — the right box in the right spot
How you store your tech is just as important as where you store it. To keep your device protected:
- Use original boxes if you have them — they’re designed to do the job.
- No box? A sturdy container with some anti-static packing material (like foam or bubble wrap) works well.
- Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause damage over time.
Once it’s packed up, choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid damp areas like lofts, garages or sheds, and keep your tech well away from radiators or windows. A drawer or cupboard indoors is usually your safest bet.
Keep accessories together
Don’t forget the charger, cables and any important accessories. Store them in a labelled bag or compartment alongside your device so you’re not scrambling for them later — especially handy if you plan to sell it.
Looking after your unused tech = more value later
Whether you’re saving a device for a rainy day, planning to pass it on, or just not quite ready to say goodbye, a little extra care now can mean less hassle — and more money — down the line.
And when the time does come to sell, check out the iOutlet’s trade-in service for a quick quote and fast, hassle-free payment.
