Packing your electronics for a residential move requires the same care as packing your fine china. Unfortunately, homeowners don’t always take the necessary precautions when moving independently, such as using the best packing techniques and appropriate supplies or marking boxes as “fragile.”
Take these steps to pack and move electronics safely, so you don’t have to pay to replace desktops, laptops, game consoles, and other devices.
1. Backup Your Files, Data, and Photos
Even though replacing a broken electronic device can cost a lot, the things stored on it can be worth much more. For example, if something goes wrong, you might lose precious journaling you’ve done or personal photos you love. So, it’s imperative to back up everything to an external drive or the cloud before moving.
2. Photograph Everything
Numerous electronic devices have wire setups that can be complicated. To ensure these devices are put back together correctly at your new home, take a picture of how they are set up and use different colored tape to mark the wires and connections.
3. Remove Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries can explode or catch fire when they become too hot. Therefore, removing the batteries from your electronics is vital. Other types of batteries can cause electronic parts to corrode and break. So, separate the batteries and find out how to safely transport them yourself.
4. Collect Suitable Packing Supplies
Make a list of all the electronic items you want to bring. If you still have the original box and packaging, it’s a good idea to use it again. If not, carefully measure each item and find a box slightly bigger than the device. Get appropriate packing tape, bubble wrap, and large zip-lock bags. Consider putting blankets or towels around the machines to give them more padding and protect them from bumps and scratches.
5. Take Apart and Organize
Remove the equipment’s discs, critical drives, toner, and paper. Unplug them from the wall and then from the back of each device. Next, wrap the wires for each device individually. Use an elastic band to keep them together while you move them. You should also label each one to avoid confusion when reconnecting.
6. Carefully Pack Your Electronics
Wrap the device in bubble wrap all the way around, and then tape it tightly in each direction. Place the wires in a zip-lock bag and seal them shut. Place a moving blanket on the open end of the box, then place the device on top of the blanket and lower it into place. Place the plastic bag inside and wrap the fabric over the top. Use packing tape to seal the box securely. Use a permanent marker to write “Fragile Electronics” in large letters on the box.
7. Separate Your Electronic Devices
Separating fragile items for professional movers is generally a good idea. This allows them to work more efficiently, as they will not need to re-evaluate boxes once loaded onto the moving truck. Put fragile objects and delicate electronics aside to prevent heavy objects from being placed on top of them.
Prepping Electronics for Your Move
With these and other electronic device-specific strategies, you can move successfully and avoid replacing your valuable devices.
Professional movers can assist you in completing the task successfully. Contact us now for a free quote.