A Quick Guide to Proper Video Game Storage

If you love video games, you know the importance of proper storage – moisture, dust, and scratches can ruin older cartridge games and the internal workings of consoles. But it’s not always clear how to store video game equipment correctly. There’s more to it than just storing your console and games; you also need to store cords, controllers, batteries, and accessories safely and securely.

Fortunately, video game storage doesn’t have to be difficult. This guide provides tried-and-true video game storage ideas, including tips for all your games, consoles, and accessories. We share how a personal self-storage unit can be a great solution for your own long-term storage, and how a business self-storage unit is a great option for individuals or companies to store inventory that they plan to sell later on.

Preparing Your Equipment for Storage

As your most expensive piece of equipment, your console or consoles require extra care. But your games and accessories also need special attention. Here are a few steps you need to take before putting your equipment into long-term storage.

Dust Off and Wipe Down Your Console

Consoles tend to attract a lot of dust, so use a soft cloth to wipe down the exterior. If you have a disk drive, blow out any dust that has collected inside with compressed air. Then, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the outside and remove any fingerprints.

Unplug All Cables and Accessories

Once your console is clean, unplug all the cords and cables. These can become tangled and damaged over time, so it’s best to store them separately. If you have any batteries in your controllers, remove them as well. You don’t want them to leak and damage your equipment.

Prepare Any Game Cartridges or Disks

If you have game cartridges or disks, you should prepare them for storage in a container or space separate from your console. Start by cleaning the cartridges or disks with a soft, dry cloth. If they’re particularly dirty, you can use a cotton swab dipped in distilled water to remove any buildup. Prepare a label for each game so you can easily find it when you’re ready.

Preserving Your Equipment in Storage

Now that you’re ready to store your video game equipment, it’s important to choose the right storage solution. A personal self-storage unit is a great option for long-term video game storage. But there still are some steps to take before you store your equipment.

Gather Any Original Packaging

If you still have the original packaging for your console, great! This will provide the best protection while in storage. If not, find a sturdy box that will fit your console and any accessories you plan on storing with it. Line the box with bubble wrap or other cushioned, fiberless material for extra protection.

Use Airtight Containers for Disks or Cartridges

To protect your disks or cartridges from dust, moisture, and other damage, store them in airtight containers. You can find special video game storage containers, or you can use plastic food containers. Disks can be stored in an airtight DVD case as well. Be sure to label the containers so you know what’s inside.

Keep Your Cords and Accessories Tangle Free

Consider a peg board for vertical storage of controllers and accessories. This prevents them from becoming tangled in a box. You also can find special video game storage racks that are designed for all your cords and accessories. Whatever the case, label each piece so that you know its place and purpose.

Consider EZ Storage Self-Storage

If you’re looking for a total video game storage solution, look no further than EZ Storage. Our self-storage units come in a variety of sizes, so you can find the perfect storage solution for all your video game equipment. And our climate-controlled units will keep your equipment in pristine condition, no matter how long you need to store it.

We hope this guide has given you some great video game storage ideas. If you’d like to learn more, contact EZ Storage today.

FAQs

Here are some common questions video game enthusiasts ask when considering video game storage.

How should I declutter my video games?

Start by deciding your reason for keeping your games, such as playing them or selling them in the future. Then, review each game and determine whether it fits that purpose. Coming up with your storage solution first might help you decide how many games you will keep in the end. This way, you know exactly how much space you have to work with.

Should I get rid of my old video games?

If you have the space to keep them and you think you might play them or sell them in the future, then there’s no harm in holding onto them. But if you’re tight on space or you know you’ll never play them again, it might be time to declutter.

Is collecting video games a good investment?

If you’re storing video games to play and enjoy later, then it’s a good investment for you. If you know a bit about the value of video games, you’re more likely to choose the right video games to sell later as well. Use a combination of these two strategies to get the most out of your video game collection.