Self storage containers units & yardsCall Us today or apply online

24/7 Access

CCTV Monitor

Business Lock-Up

How to store batteries safely in self-storage units?

batteries

Considering the exponential growth of electronic devices being manufactured, batteries can be found and seen everywhere. By now, you may already know the numerous benefits of using self-storage facilities,. Storing your battery-operated items is a handy use for a unit. Storing batteries is fine, but there are some rules and words of advice on how to keep them safe. In case you are not familiar with the benefits of using self-storage units, check out our article on our top 5 good reasons to use self-storage.

If you are at the point that you’ve already decided to rent a self storage container, there are some steps you must take. The first thing that the storage unit company providing the storage unit will do is give you a list of items that you are not allowed to store. These include fireworks, cleaning products and items containing asbestos, but we have a whole article on what not to store in a storage unit and why, so make sure to give it a read.

Whilst you may think that batteries are not hazardous and not something to worry about, remember that they can easily leak. It can cause damage or even injuries under certain circumstances. With this in mind, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on what is the best way to store batteries in self-storage units. Our guide will give you all the information you need to keep everything safe and stored properly.

1. Take all the batteries out of your items 

You can, of course, store your batteries and battery-operated items in a storage unit. Unless you’re using the self-storage unit for only a month or two, the best thing to do is take the batteries out of anything you want to store. If batteries sit for long periods without being used, this will likely drain them. Leaving batteries inside items can also lead to damage.

In case there will be any leaks, the battery acid could damage not only the things they are in but all the items that are placed nearby. So, it is best to remove batteries before storing them and placing them away from other items. You can simply place them back into the appliances once you will be ready to put those items in use again. Also, remember that electronic equipment and accessories get outdated quickly, which means that time is not a battery’s best friend. Most batteries are made out of metal, which eventually corrodes, depending on how you store them. Also, single-use batteries can easily burst if they are left for long periods. All the “safe” batteries (or those that are considered safe), such as laptops and digital cameras batteries, are not very safe either. So, in short, it’s always best practice to remove batteries and store them in a separate container away from anything valuable.

2. Keep them organised 

In case you have batteries out of their packaging, it’s a good idea to keep them stored so all of the positive ends stay together. Avoid leaving them all over the place, in a box or bag. If you do so, you could cause the positive and negative ends to rub against each other. When this happens you will have the power draining from the batteries. Alternatively, it can also cause a leak, or even an explosion, in the worst-case scenario. 

Similarly, avoid storing old and new batteries together, as this could cause either one or both batteries to leak. Older batteries are more likely to leak and can cause damage to your newer batteries. So, dispose of the old batteries first, or store older ones in a different container. Use a completely different storage container for the new batteries and place it in a different spot in the unit.

Another pro tip is to avoid storing rechargeable batteries with alkaline ones. If you do so, you could cause severe leakage. In extreme circumstances, it can lead to an explosion due to the batteries breaking down. In case you find batteries that can’t be used anymore, place them in a non-metallic container, whilst making sure that their terminals won’t touch. You can then take them to a relevant depot at your local recycling facility. You may also leave them in a specially provided container so that they can get collected by the garbage man. Many shops have special containers for recycling batteries, so you can drop them there too.

3. Keep them away from your valuables 

Even if you take all the proper precautions, you still might end up with battery leakage, so consider where your valuables are being stored and make sure that you will keep all your batteries away from them. While you may think batteries are just a small thing that can’t possibly do any harm. But, as previously discussed, the acid inside these small metal cylinders can be quite destructive.

We know that batteries are small and that can make people think that how they are getting stored is not a big deal. However, they can cause severe damage if ignored. The best way to store batteries is to leave their original packing on,. The packaging of plastic and cardboard wrap is specially made to hold batteries. It ensures that the batteries stay buffered and protected at all times.

When dealing with rechargeable batteries, take into close consideration the level of charge left in them before storing them. The level of charge in stored rechargeable batteries will impact how well they keep over time. In case the batteries are charged 100%, they will undoubtedly get wasted. The whole idea is to know how to store batteries for longer life, not to ruin them! In case the battery is at 0% charge, it is more likely to leak. Experts recommend that charging batteries to a level of 40% is the best choice, as rechargeable batteries discharge very slowly when stored away for long periods. The slow discharge of power is less likely to give you any issues. So keep that in mind, never store them fully charged or completely depleted.

4. Rent a climate-controlled self-storage unit 

When thinking about how to store batteries safely, you need to know that temperature is one thing you should be thinking about. Storing batteries in warm environments can be very dangerous, especially in the sunnier parts of the country. It is essential to know that even the smallest overheated battery can cause an explosion! So, always think about that when thinking about what you are going to put among your valuable items.

A suitable temperature range for storing batteries is between 4.5 and 21 degrees Celsius, while 15 degrees Celsius is considered ideal. If you want to store many batteries, you will want to consider a specialist storage unit. Temperature controlled storage is on offer in many facilities, so you can find the perfect one for you.

Also, keeping batteries dry is very important to prevent corrosion and leakage, which means that the air around the batteries should not be too humid either. Ultimately, climate control means that you can maintain a relative humidity level of not more than 55%. But remember, most self-storage facilities don’t address the humidity aspect. So, if you want to start storing batteries, the best thing to do is to rent a climate-controlled storage unit, which guarantees maximum humidity and low temperatures. 

To conclude, storing batteries in self-storage units is not generally recommended, however, it is not forbidden. This is simply because dangers exist. Also, the cost and inconvenience of alleviating those dangers can be more than it’s worth. This is especially true because people are often not thinking about the consequences of storing dangerous items in self-storage units. It os common because they are either in the middle of moving houses, downsizing or perhaps facing some other sort of difficulties that occupy their minds most of the time. The best recommendation for you is to take your batteries at home, or throw them away, and buy new ones when you put your items in use again. 

For more tips and tricks on all things self-storage, check out our awesome blogs on how to store items in self-storage units and what size self-storage unit do I need. At Boxpod Space, our clients can benefit from reliable self-storage containers and yards in various locations throughout the UK. If you’re looking for extra storage space for personal or business purposes, please get in touch with us today to find out more about our compliant terms and competitive rates, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Whatever your storage needs, we have you covered. Our team can also advise on what you can store in the unit of your choice and give information on available options for storage contracts.