Yes, cameras, lenses, tripods and lighting kit can all be stored with us. Take the batteries out, pack everything clean and dry, and plan to look in now and then, because the thing to guard against with stored camera gear is mould.
What the camera maker advises
Nikon’s own care guidance for storing a camera says to:
- remove the battery if the camera won’t be used for a long time;
- avoid places that are poorly ventilated or have humidity over 60%;
- take the camera out of storage at least once a month to prevent mould or mildew, switch it on and release the shutter a few times before putting it away again.
Your own camera’s manual will have advice for your model, and it’s worth a look before a long stay.
Packing your kit
- Make sure everything is clean and completely dry before it goes in, especially after a wet shoot.
- Pack bodies and lenses, with their caps on, in padded camera bags or cases.
- Stand cases on a pallet or sturdy boxes, off the floor, with a small gap at the walls so air can move.
- Label each case so you can find what you need quickly.
Our units are standard self storage rather than climate-controlled, so careful packing and regular visits are what keep your kit in good shape. Access is normally 6am to 10pm, seven days a week, so a monthly check fits easily around a working week. If you have kit that you’d call especially sensitive, give us a call and we’ll talk through the best way to store it.
Batteries
Our battery rules are there to protect everyone’s belongings from fire. Loose lithium-ion batteries can be stored if they’re 160 watt-hours (Wh) or less, but power banks and portable power stations need to stay at home. Our units don’t have power sockets, so the easiest thing is to keep camera batteries at home, where you can charge them, ready for your next shoot. Our e-bike and battery guide has the full rules.
Keeping it secure and covered
Our sites are watched around the clock by a professional CCTV monitoring company, every unit has its own alarm, and only you and the people you choose can get in.
Your kit needs contents cover while it’s stored, through our contents protection or your own policy. Declare what it would cost to replace as new, or, for older gear you can’t buy new any more, its current market value. If it’s work equipment covered by your own business policy, check that the policy covers it while it’s in a storage unit. For high-value kit, call us first on 0800 2545585 and we’ll help you set your cover at the right level.
When you’re ready, get a price online or call us on 0800 2545585.
Related questions
- Do storage units get cold in winter or hot in summer?
- Can I store an electric bike, e-scooter or lithium batteries in a storage unit?
- Can I store cash, jewellery or other valuables?
Further reading