Hi The Demers09,
Thanks for reaching out to us and welcome to our community! We're excited for your big move and are glad to hear your Nest devices are coming with. I'm happy to look into this issue for you.
Yes, you should remove the batteries before storing your item. There is a high risk of battery acid leaking and ruining both your batteries and device. We suggest recycling the old batteries and don’t buy new ones until you intend to use your stored electronic device.
Here are a few other pointers for long-term storage:
- Dust your device. Electronics should get regularly cleaned in order for them to run properly. Anywhere dust can collect can cause it to overheat.
- If you have the original Next packaging, store your thermostat in there. Our packaging is specifically designed to maintain the integrity of the load as well as keeping it dry, cool, and undisturbed.
- Avoid moisture. Moisture is a big enemy of any electronic device. If you have any old silica packets, they could greatly help preserve the longevity of your device.
- Temperature control. Certain conditions can warp your device--especially in places with extreme weather conditions (e.g., humidity, snow/cold, heat).
- Store your plugs and wires with care. This helps ensure a better connection when you reinstall it again.
Let us know if you have any other questions for us and happy moving!
-From Garrett DS, Community Specialist.