How to Store a Laptop Properly
Sep 4, 2026 / Public Storage
To store a laptop, back up important files, address any sensitive data, shut the device down completely and pack it in a padded sleeve or fitted box. Follow the manufacturer’s battery instructions and keep the packed laptop on a stable, raised surface without anything stacked on top.
Before placing a personal or employer-owned computer in a storage unit, confirm that doing so complies with applicable data, ownership, insurance and stored-value requirements.
What Should You Do Before Storing a Laptop?
Before packing:
- Back up important files.
- Confirm that the backup is accessible.
- Remove sensitive data when appropriate.
- Complete any needed system updates.
- Shut the laptop down completely.
- Disconnect the charger and accessories.
- Allow the device to cool.
- Clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check the battery and charging equipment.
- Record the laptop’s model and serial number privately.
Do not place passwords, account recovery codes, financial information or other sensitive documents inside the storage box.
How Should You Back Up Laptop Data?
Create a backup using a vetted cloud service, an external drive or another method appropriate for your device and information.
Verify the backup before packing the laptop. Do not keep the laptop and its only backup drive in the same storage box. If something affects the box, both copies could be affected.
If the laptop contains personal, financial, medical, school or business information, follow appropriate data-removal and encryption guidance. Simply moving files into the recycle bin may not remove them completely.
For an employer-owned computer, follow the organization’s IT and asset-management policies. Do not place a work laptop in self-storage without authorization.
Should You Factory-Reset a Laptop Before Storage?
A factory reset is not always necessary when you plan to use the laptop again. The right approach depends on the device, the sensitivity of its data and whether ownership will change.
Before resetting or erasing a laptop:
- Verify the backup.
- Confirm that you have needed software licenses.
- Save permitted recovery information somewhere else.
- Sign out or deactivate applications when required.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Consult your organization’s IT team for a work device.
Do not erase an employer-owned or managed laptop without authorization.
How Should You Clean a Laptop?
Turn off and unplug the laptop before cleaning it. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth on the screen, keyboard and exterior.
If the manufacturer permits a slightly damp cloth or specific cleaning product, apply it to the cloth rather than directly to the laptop. Keep moisture away from ports, vents, keys and openings.
Use compressed air only when the manufacturer recommends it. Do not open the laptop housing or remove keys unless the device is designed for user service and the instructions explain the process.
Allow the laptop to dry completely before closing and packing it.
How Should You Prepare the Battery?
Battery-care instructions vary by laptop and manufacturer. Check the manual for:
- Recommended charge level
- Long-term storage conditions
- Recharge or inspection schedule
- Whether the battery is user-removable
- Service or replacement guidance
Do not attempt to remove a built-in battery. Remove a user-removable battery only when the manufacturer recommends it and provides instructions.
Do not store a laptop or battery that is swollen, leaking, punctured, unusually hot, damaged or subject to a recall. Stop using the device and contact the manufacturer or an appropriate local authority for instructions.
Confirm the storage facility’s policies before storing battery-powered electronics.
How Should You Pack a Laptop?
Use the original box and fitted inserts when they are clean and intact. Otherwise, place the closed laptop in a padded sleeve and then inside a sturdy box or clean plastic bin.
When packing:
- Use electronics-safe anti-static cushioning.
- Support the laptop evenly.
- Avoid pressure on the screen and hinges.
- Fill open space without compressing the device.
- Pack the charger separately.
- Keep hard accessories away from the laptop.
- Mark the container to remain upright.
- Do not place heavy items inside the box.
Avoid loose foam pieces or materials that may enter ports and vents.
Should a Laptop Be Stored Flat or Upright?
Follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions. A closed laptop can generally be placed flat on an evenly supported surface inside suitable packaging.
Avoid storing it on an unsupported edge or in a position that places pressure on the screen, lid or hinges. Do not use the packed laptop as a base for a box stack.
How Should You Store the Charger and Accessories?
Coil charging and accessory cables loosely along their natural curves. Fasten them with soft reusable straps without creating sharp bends.
Pack and label:
- Power adapter
- Charging cable
- Mouse
- Docking station
- Display adapters
- Stylus
- Headphones
- External keyboard
Keep the power adapter and other hard components in a separate compartment so they do not press against the laptop.
Remove disposable batteries from accessories before extended storage. Follow manufacturer instructions for rechargeable accessories.
Should You Add Silica-Gel Packets?
A contained silica-gel packet may be placed inside the outer box when used according to its instructions. Keep it away from open ports and prevent direct contact with the laptop.
Moisture absorbers do not create controlled storage conditions or replace thorough drying. Do not pour loose drying products into the box.
Where Should You Place a Laptop in a Storage Unit?
Place the laptop box on stable shelving or another raised, level surface. Keep it away from the unit door, unstable stacks and belongings that could leak.
When organizing:
- Keep the box off the floor when practical.
- Do not place other boxes on top.
- Maintain the manufacturer’s recommended orientation.
- Keep chargers and permitted accessories nearby.
- Avoid labeling the outside with account information.
- Maintain a private inventory elsewhere.
- Keep liquids and prohibited materials out of the unit.
Do not plug in, charge, test or use the laptop inside the storage unit. Public Storage spaces are intended for storage only.
Can You Store Sensitive Information on the Laptop?
Sensitive documents and irreplaceable belongings should not be placed in a Public Storage unit. That consideration also applies when sensitive information exists only on a stored device.
Before packing the laptop, consider whether it contains:
- Financial records
- Medical information
- Tax documents
- Identity documents
- Passwords or recovery codes
- Confidential business files
- Personal files without another copy
Back up permitted files and remove sensitive information when appropriate. Follow manufacturer, employer and applicable data-handling requirements.
Should You Choose Climate-Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled storage may be worth considering for laptops and other electronic equipment or when the manufacturer recommends more consistent storage conditions.
These units are designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than standard storage spaces. They do not guarantee that a laptop will remain free from battery changes, condensation, corrosion or other issues.
Learn more about climate-controlled storage.
How Often Should You Check a Stored Laptop?
Follow the manufacturer’s battery-maintenance and inspection schedule. Some devices may require periodic charging during extended storage.
Remove the laptop from the storage unit and take it to an appropriate indoor setting before charging or operating it.
During an inspection, look for:
- A swollen or changing battery
- Moisture or condensation
- Damage to the box or sleeve
- Pressure on the screen
- Frayed charging cables
- Pest activity
- Shifting or unstable boxes nearby
Stop handling or using the device if the battery appears damaged.
What Should You Do Before Using the Laptop Again?
After retrieving the laptop:
- Allow the closed box to adjust gradually to room conditions.
- Unpack the device and accessories.
- Inspect the case, screen, ports and hinges.
- Check the battery and charger.
- Wait until visible condensation is gone.
- Charge the device according to its instructions.
- Power it on in an appropriate indoor setting.
- Install needed updates.
- Confirm that the backup remains available.
Have the device evaluated if it appears damaged or operates differently than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a laptop go into a storage unit?
A personal laptop may be stored if it complies with facility policies, contains no prohibited sensitive information and falls within the permitted stored-value limit. Follow the manufacturer’s battery instructions.
Should you remove a laptop battery before storage?
Only when the battery is user-removable and the manufacturer recommends removing it. Do not attempt to remove a built-in battery.
Should a laptop be fully charged before storage?
Recommended charge levels vary by manufacturer and model. Check the device’s long-term battery-storage instructions.
Should you shut down a laptop before storing it?
Yes. Shut it down completely rather than leaving it in sleep or hibernation mode.
Can you store a laptop in a plastic bin?
Yes, if the laptop is cool and dry and the bin provides enough room for appropriate cushioning. Do not tightly compress the device.
Can you stack boxes on a laptop?
No. Keep other boxes and heavy belongings off the laptop container to avoid pressure on its screen and hinges.
Can you store a work laptop?
Only with authorization from the employer or device owner. Follow all IT, data-retention and asset-management requirements.
Can a damaged laptop battery go into storage?
No. Do not store a swollen, leaking, punctured, recalled or otherwise damaged battery. Contact the manufacturer or an appropriate local authority for instructions.
What size storage unit do you need for computer equipment?
A laptop takes little physical space, but the appropriate unit depends on the rest of the permitted belongings being stored. Compare options using the Public Storage Size Guide.
Backups, manufacturer-led battery care and careful packing are essential when placing a laptop into storage. Review Public Storage policies and compare available unit features before renting.
Features and amenities vary by location, facility and unit. “Climate-controlled” and related terms describe storage spaces designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels compared with non-climate-controlled units. Public Storage does not guarantee temperature or humidity ranges. Confirm which features are available before renting.
