Headphone hinges are designed for particular movements. Before packing a new pair, look at the manufacturer's storage diagram and learn which parts rotate, fold or remain fixed. Two models that look alike may use different mechanisms, so copying the fold of an older pair can put force in the wrong place.
Adjust the headband only through its normal range. Sony's fitting guidance, for example, cautions against excessive force and twisting during adjustment. The useful habit is to stop when a joint resists and consult the instructions, rather than treating resistance as proof that the headphones need breaking in.
Put cables away separately
If the audio cable is detachable and the instructions permit removal, disconnect it by the plug instead of pulling the wire. Store it in a relaxed coil with the headphones or in a separate compartment. A plug left projecting from an ear cup can become a lever when another object presses against it.
Do not wind a cable tightly around the headband to make the whole bundle smaller. Tight bends near a connector and pressure on controls can create avoidable wear. Keep small adapters in a pocket where they cannot rub against the ear pads or become trapped inside a hinge.
Let the case define the space
Place the headphones in their supplied or correctly fitted case in the orientation shown. The lid should close without using the zip to force the cups down. If you need to push hard, check the fold, headband extension and cable position before continuing.
In a larger bag, keep heavy chargers, bottles and books from pressing into a soft pouch. A pouch protects mainly from surface contact; it should not be assumed to provide the same resistance to compression as a suitably designed rigid case. Even a rigid case has limits, so avoid placing it where the bag is routinely crushed.
Allow damp equipment to dry as directed before storage, and keep the case clean. When unpacking, lift the headphones by a supported part rather than one loosely extended hinge. A few repeatable handling steps are more useful than an elaborate packing method that is too inconvenient to follow on an ordinary commute.
