How to Store a TV in a Storage Unit

Your TV is likely to be one of the most expensive and delicate pieces of technology in your home, which is why knowing how to store a TV properly is so important. Whether you’re moving house or renovating, taking a few extra steps to prepare, pack and store your TV can help ensure it comes out of storage in the same working order that it went in. 

Preparing Your TV for Storage

Proper preparation is the first step to ensuring your TV is kept in excellent condition for the duration of its time in storage. With a little time, care and know-how, you can store your TV in a storage unit, knowing it will be safe, secure and ready to use when you need it again.

Without the right care, your TV could suffer from dust buildup, scratches and even internal damage, especially if it’s stored for long periods. Taking a few extra steps to prepare your TV properly will make a big difference when it’s time to set it up again. Follow these steps to get your TV ready for storage.

Clean Your TV

Before storing your TV, make sure it’s free from dust and grime. Dirt particles can cause long-term damage to your screen and electronics if left unchecked. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the screen and outer surfaces gently. Avoid using liquid cleaners, as these can seep into delicate components and cause damage.

Disconnect & Organise Cables

Unplug all cables and accessories from your TV. To make reassembly easier, label each cable and wrap them neatly with twist ties, Velcro straps or even string. Store the remote control, power cables and any accessories together in a labelled bag or box so nothing gets lost.

Pro Tip: Cable ties are also great for tying cables (hence the name) but as they’re usually made from plastic and only used once, they’re not very environmentally friendly.

Remove Attachments

Detach any additional parts like stands, wall mounts and base plates. This will make your TV easier to pack and reduce the risk of scratches or damage to the screen. Place these items in a separate box or bag, and make a note of how to reattach them later.

If you need to remove screws from the attachment, store them in a small bag and pack it inside the same bag or box as the attachment. You might also consider writing down what the screws are for on a small piece of paper and placing it inside the bag as well. This will make it easier to identify the screws if they get separated from the attachment.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a small bag for your screws, line them up on a long strip of sticky tape and fold the tape over to create a makeshift parcel. You can then secure this parcel to a discreet part of the attachment or TV.

How to Pack a TV for Storage

Unsurprisingly, packing your TV correctly is just as important as preparing it. A well-packed TV is less likely to be damaged during transport or while sitting in storage. Whether you have the original box or need to improvise, these tips will ensure your TV is well-protected.

Use the Original Box (If Possible)

Your TV’s original packaging has been specifically designed to protect it during transit and storage — plus, it’s the perfect fit! So, if you still have the box, and all the original padding and inserts, there’s nothing better to pack it in.

Invest in Protective Packing Materials

If the original box isn’t available, don’t worry — you can still pack your TV safely. Use bubble wrap and furniture blankets to cushion the screen and prevent scratches. Add corner protectors to shield the edges from impact and secure everything with tape. Just remember to avoid placing tape directly on the TV (especially the screen) to prevent any sticky residue.

Pro Tip: Cardboard sheets are a great DIY option for extra protection. Simply place one sheet in front of the screen and another behind it, then wrap the entire TV in bubble wrap or a blanket.

Secure the TV for Transport

Always keep your TV standing upright, in both transit and storage, to avoid straining the screen and internal components. We suggest using sturdy straps to hold the TV in place during transport and make sure it’s not leaning against sharp or heavy objects that could cause accidental damage.

Storing Your TV in a Storage Unit

Once your TV is all packed up and ready to go, the next step to keeping it safe is finding the perfect spot in your storage unit. While you can keep electronics in storage units, they’re not inherently designed for delicate electronics, so taking a little extra care with placement can make all the difference.

Find the Right Spot

First things first: Keep your TV stored upright — we cannot stress this enough! Next, keeping your TV elevated above the ground, on a pallet or sturdy shelf, will also help minimise exposure to dust and moisture that can accumulate on the floor.

It’s also important to give your TV room to breathe, so be sure to avoid stacking heavy items on top of it or squeezing it between bulky furniture, as this could lead to unnecessary pressure and damage. Instead, position it in a stable and secure spot within the unit where it’s less likely to be bumped, jostled or damaged by falling objects.

Avoid Temperature Extremes

Extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on electronics, causing components to warp or fail. While shipping container units don’t have climate control, you can protect your TV by wrapping it with insulating materials like furniture blankets.

It’s also worth storing your TV in a part of your unit that’s less likely to experience direct exposure to temperature fluctuations, such as the walls, edges and door of your unit. For this reason, it’s best to store your TV, and other sensitive electronics, near the centre of your unit.

Protect Against Moisture

Moisture is one of the biggest risks to electronics in storage. Use silica gel packets or a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels low and prevent condensation from building up. Wrapping the TV in breathable materials, like a cotton sheet, can also help ward off moisture while avoiding trapped humidity.

Pro Tip: For more advice on how to keep moisture out of your unit, check out our full guide on How to Prevent Condensation in Storage.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when storing a TV. Unfortunately, these missteps can lead to damage that could have been avoided with a little extra care. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when storing their TVs.

Laying the TV Flat

It might seem like the most logical way to save space, but modern flat-screen TVs are designed to be stored and transported upright. Laying the TV flat can put unnecessary strain on the screen and internal components, increasing the risk of cracks and malfunctions.

Skipping Proper Protection

Storing a TV without the right packing materials is asking for trouble. Failing to use bubble wrap, furniture blankets or corner protectors leaves the screen and edges vulnerable to scratches, dents and even cracks in the screen. It’s worth the small investment in packing materials to keep your TV in good condition.

Extreme Temperatures

Household electronics aren’t made for extreme temperatures, and your TV is no exception. Always try to avoid leaving it in areas of your storage unit that are most likely to be exposed to fluctuating temperatures, such as next to metal walls or near the door.

Pro Tip: Insulating your TV with blankets can help mitigate some of the effects of extreme temperature changes.