Questions about storage for items because of my upcoming move

[thetoxicone]

As I mentioned in another thread, I'm moving to Fairbanks Alaska next month for at least 1 year (depending on our opinion of the place). Because of the uncertainty of how long we'll be there, I'm not take all my systems and games. We have also rented a storage unit so this brings up a couple questions on what you would do in this situation.

Since the storage is a garage style non-temperature controlled unit and I have many sealed games (probably at least 100) is there any risk from heat/cold as long they are in plastic tubs?

On the topic of high value titles (my Starfox Super Weekend for example), if I'm not bringing my snes with me should I still take this game with me just to make sure it is taken care of?

I will probably add a few more questions in a reply later but what is everyone's feelings on these ones so far?

[Cornelius]

No first-hand experience here, but I'd be very worried about the temperature swings affecting sealed games, and less so, but still worried about disc games.

In general, those storage units aren't all that secure; I've heard lots of stories of people that had stuff stolen. Of course, you seldom hear the story of how nothing happened, so theft might be less common than it seems to me.

The high value ($$ or sentimental) stuff I would make a real effort to keep with me or store someplace safer. Many banks/credit unions have a safety deposit box as a free bonus to holding an account (I guess because so few people use them), so that might be an option.

[thetoxicone]

The high value ($$ or sentimental) stuff I would make a real effort to keep with me or store someplace safer. Many banks/credit unions have a safety deposit box as a free bonus to holding an account (I guess because so few people use them), so that might be an option.

I'll have to check that out with my bank.

[rarebucky]

I was in the same situation when I moved. I have tons of sealed games (as most of you know :)) and there was no way I was going to leave them in an uncontrolled room. So I forked over extra (actually, a ridiculous amount) to get a temperature controlled unit that always stays around 65. Not sure the amount I am paying on a monthly basis justified me holding onto a lot of this stuff, but eventually I will get a house...

[thetoxicone]

I was in the same situation when I moved. I have tons of sealed games (as most of you know :)) and there was no way I was going to leave them in an uncontrolled room. So I forked over extra (actually, a ridiculous amount) to get a temperature controlled unit that always stays around 65. Not sure the amount I am paying on a monthly basis justified me holding onto a lot of this stuff, but eventually I will get a house...

How much more did a temperature controlled one cost you?

[rarebucky]

$30/mo

[thetoxicone]

Update...I found out my father-in-law has a deposit box at the credit union he uses so my starfox super weekend cart will be safe. I've also decided to cut back on cases due to space issues and just use the large cd wallets I already have for my disc based games.

Now I get to decide which systems get to take the trip with me...

[porkchop_pt]

Like anytime when someone moves, it doesn't matter if it's a valuable video game or valuable antique handed down from generations, valuables should always be taken with you unless you know of somebody personally who can hold the item for you until you get back.

[modest9797]

I would just keep everything with me that has high or sedimental value.

[Soviet Conscript]

No first-hand experience here, but I'd be very worried about the temperature swings affecting sealed games, and less so, but still worried about disc games.

In general, those storage units aren't all that secure; I've heard lots of stories of people that had stuff stolen. Of course, you seldom hear the story of how nothing happened, so theft might be less common than it seems to me.

The high value ($$ or sentimental) stuff I would make a real effort to keep with me or store someplace safer. Many banks/credit unions have a safety deposit box as a free bonus to holding an account (I guess because so few people use them), so that might be an option.

your scareing me. we live in a tiny apartment so i was forced to move most of my collection to a storage unit untill we found a bigger place.

[retro junkie]

If you are going to store things in a plastic storage box I would suggest trying to find bags of "Silica Gel." I have worked in a factory and have found these in boxes of things that they shipped into the factory. Usually with new equipment that is electronic. The Silica Gel does a great job of keeping mosture out. I easily obtained these packets by asking for them. No one knew they had any real value and they usually threw them away. They are also good to throw into a box that you are going to store old photos. The bags, or packets, of Silica Gel keeps them from the mosture that may form caused by the hot and cold temperature changes.

[thetoxicone]

If you are going to store things in a plastic storage box I would suggest trying to find bags of "Silica Gel." I have worked in a factory and have found these in boxes of things that they shipped into the factory. Usually with new equipment that is electronic. The Silica Gel does a great job of keeping mosture out. I easily obtained these packets by asking for them. No one knew they had any real value and they usually threw them away. They are also good to throw into a box that you are going to store old photos. The bags, or packets, of Silica Gel keeps them from the mosture that may form caused by the hot and cold temperature changes.

Maybe I could buy a few dozen pairs of shoes or a bunch of beef jerky to get some of those packets because I always see them in those two things.

[retro junkie]

Maybe I could buy a few dozen pairs of shoes or a bunch of beef jerky to get some of those packets because I always see them in those two things.

Hmm.... the packets that I am talking about are as big as those bags of chips you get out of vending machines.

[thetoxicone]

Hmm.... the packets that I am talking about are as big as those bags of chips you get out of vending machines.

I've only ever seen the small packets

[retro junkie]

I've only ever seen the small packets

Working in factories over the years I have seen machines sometimes shipped from overseas or electronic equipment. They have very large bags of this stuff inside. I discovered this stuff years ago. Some wondered why I wanted it and they were surprised by what I was doing with it. I have worked at two different factories in the past 20 years and have been able to get this stuff in both factories whenever they shipped in new stuff.

[slapdash]

Actually, I'm finding myself in need of some of those packets... Anyone have a good cheap source that doesn't involve me having to call around everywhere? Or a chain that sells the packets?

If anyone has a similar need, but more ambition than me, Hobby Lobby sells big bags of the stuff, but it's not in individual packets, big or small. I also understand that "crystal" type kitty litter is basically just silica gel.

[retro junkie]

I have no idea where to find the stuff commercially. Wish I did. I have a very limited supply. Here is a pic of what the bags look like, that I have, and the size compared to a PS2 game case.
http://star.walagata.com/w/redmoon/gelpaks.png

Maybe the next time I go by Hobby Lobby, I could look up your suggestion. Maybe It could be tied up into socks or something.
The reason that I know this stuff works so well is, I accidently left the family photos in a plastic box, in the garage, for two years, which is detached from the house. Meaning that cold of winter and heat of summer effects everything in there. When I saw the photos the first thought that came into my head was, I'm dead. But when I opened them up, I had placed one of these packets in there, and they were just as fresh as the day I put them in there. I was sold on them at that point.

[boatofcar]

I thought about putting stuff in storage last year before I moved to Korea, but when I priced out a 12 months in storage, I could easily buy back most of my stuff if and when I moved back and/or wanted to. Not worth it for me in the end.