As a gamer, it’s incredibly easy to build up an overflowing collection of old consoles, games, and collectables. But where can you keep it all? And what happens when your collection starts to outgrow your home?

Whether it’s bulky consoles, stacks of games or fragile memorabilia, keeping everything organised, safe and in order can be tricky. This is where self storage for your games comes into play. Having a storage unit can free up extra space in your home while ensuring your collection is secure and easily accessible.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about storing your game collection properly, ensuring it stays in top condition and readily available should you have the urge to jump in and play one of the classics!

Why serious gamers need storage solutions

For many gamers, the collection never stops growing. Whether it’s the latest releases, retro consoles, or limited edition collectables, storage at home can quickly become a problem.

While some might be happy stacking games on shelves or squeezing consoles into cupboards, serious gamers know that proper storage is essential to keep their prized possessions in the best possible condition.

Here’s why dedicated storage solutions make all the difference:

• Preserve your collection’s value: Classic consoles and rare games can increase in value over time. Keeping them stored correctly prevents wear and tear.
• Protect against damage: Heat, humidity, and dust can all cause damage to your gaming gear.
• Reclaim space at home: Whether you’ve got a growing setup or just need to keep things tidy, a storage unit helps you declutter while keeping everything within easy reach when you need it.
• Extra security for rare items: From high-value collectables to signed merchandise, self storage gives you full control over your items in a secure environment.

Storing your collection: Best practices

Having self storage for games is great, but there’s a little housekeeping to be done first to ensure your games, consoles and collectables remain in the best possible condition.

Clean before storing

Your game collection, whether physical discs, cartridges or limited edition releases, deserves the same level of care as a brand-new console. Before putting these items into a storage unit, be sure to clean them thoroughly. After all, dust and dirt can cause long-term damage, especially if left on internal components.

For best practice, use a dry microfibre cloth for the exterior and compressed air for vents and ports. Once you’re happy that your items are clean and ready, all you need to do is determine the size of your storage unit using our handy online storage calculator.

Backup your data and remove batteries

If you’re storing electronics, there are a few things you need to do before popping them into your self storage unit. Firstly, it’s important to back up your data. Over long periods of time, important information can be lost or degraded due to a variety of factors, including lack of use, software or hardware failure and environmental elements.

Before storing any electronics, be sure to back up your devices to help keep your data safe for future use. The same goes for batteries. Before putting your electronics into storage, removing the batteries is a crucial step. This not only helps to keep your devices safe, but it’s a crucial step for the safety of surrounding self storage units.

Battery fluid leaks can cause damage to your possessions, and that’s the last thing you want to do. Removing the batteries will reduce the risk and keep your devices in top working order.

Use protective cases

If you still have the original boxes, this is the best storage solution for your games and consoles. If not, a padded plastic container with anti-static foam lining will keep your items safe.

While a self storage unit with Apex provides the perfect solution to store your games and other precious items, for extra peace of mind, you can also add silica gel packets to storage boxes to absorb any excess moisture before storing. These can be easily bought online, but we also offer an entire packaging shop on-site, including bubble wrap and locks.

But why stop at games? If storing posters or prints, keep them in protective sleeves or rigid tubes to prevent creasing.

Label everything

There’s nothing worse than rummaging through boxes trying to find a specific item! To make your storage experience seamless, be sure to label everything before you store your items.

This doesn’t have to be individual labels on every item, but being organised from the beginning will help you at a glance to see what is inside your storage unit. If you have a large collection, sort and label everything by console, genre, or era to make it easier to find what you need.

Keep an inventory

Having self storage for games is great, but not when you’re unsure where you’ve put things and which items you’ve kept out for use at home. Keeping an inventory might sound like a laborious task, but believe us when we say it’ll save you time in the long run.

An inventory will help you not only keep track of your games collection overall but also help you remember which games, consoles and items are within easy reach at home – and which are in your self storage. This is especially helpful if you choose to sell any of your collection later on!

Stack your belongings safely

Just like books or vinyl records, stacking games flat can lead to warping over time. Instead, before you pop your boxes into your self storage unit, store games vertically to keep them in tip-top condition.

Or why not go one step further? Shelving units can help you to store video games, consoles and other equipment safely, preventing damage, especially to fragile items. Just be sure to put the heaviest boxes at the bottom.

Why choose self storage for games?

Security in self storage facilities

As you’ll be well aware, a games collection can be pretty damn expensive, especially once you start dipping into some of the classic, rarer games. But it’s not just the games themselves that can rack up value, but also the consoles they’re played on.

But of course, at home, you may not have the space available to keep these precious items. You may also have concerns over their security, especially if you live in shared accommodation or spend a lot of time away from home.

A secure self storage facility is the best option here. For complete peace of mind, Apex Self Storage units are complete with advanced security features to protect your items 24/7. Whether you simply want to free up some space at home or protect valuable, collectable items, we can help.

Our self storage units are monitored with 24-hour CCTV, fire alarms and intruder alarms, so no matter which items you choose to store, they’re in safe hands. Plus, with access control systems and your own secure lock for your unit door, choosing to store video games with us could be the best decision you’ll ever make for your collection.

Easy access to your storage unit

Just because your games and collectables are tucked away in your self storage unit, it doesn’t mean they aren’t easily accessible. Here at Apex Self Storage, we’ll help you find the right unit size for your belongings, with flexible terms to change the size of your storage unit as your collection grows (or reduces!).

You’ll only pay for the space you use when you use it. And with extended hours and 24-hour access available, you’ll never have to wait to play a game or enjoy a console when the mood strikes.

Apex Self Storage is the solution

Whether you’re a casual collector or a dedicated gaming pro, self storage offers a practical solution for keeping your consoles, games, and collectables safe.
Apex Self Storage makes it easy to keep your prized possessions in top condition, all within easy reach. Now that you know how to carefully store your precious collection, it’s time to determine how much storage space you may need.

Thankfully, we’ve got an online storage calculator to help you in a matter of seconds. You’ll even receive a free instant quote, so you’re ready to secure and protect your collection in no time.

Get in touch with Apex Self Storage today or read more on how to get started with self storage with our helpful guide.