Do you know how to pack a computer for moving across the country? If not, you’d better tune in, as the last thing you want to add to your relocation costs is the cost of repairing or replacing any of your expensive electronics. Read these tips and learn how to move a desktop computer or a laptop computer like a pro so you can have peace of mind when you set out on your relocation journey.
What Is the Best Way to Start Packing for a Move?
Whether you are moving in winter or waiting for the best time of the year to move, knowing how to pack electronics for moving is important when getting organized to move. If you are not using professional packing services, and want to do it by yourself – you should know that good organization is key to a successful relocation. So, before you start packing, create a packing list and get all the packing materials for moving ready. You don’t want to have to stop halfway through and have to run to the store, do you?
Get the Right Packing Supplies
The right supplies are easy to get by once you know what you need. You can either contact your moving service providers for cheap moving supplies or buy them at a home improvement store or online. Below is a list of the packing supplies you will need:
- Dish pack boxes or other sturdy boxes (if you don’t have the original)
- Bubble wrap and packing paper for moving
- Furniture blanket
- Tape
- Moving labels for boxes and a marker
You can get the supplies you need from your cross-country movers
Step No1 and Rule of Thumb When Moving Electronics – Back up Your Data
Sometimes, what we have on our computer can be more valuable than the device itself. So it’s good to know how to organize important documents before getting your computer ready to go. We all know how annoying losing our work or family pictures could get, so to avoid that part of the moving stress – backing up your data should be your first step before you unplug your device. Move all essential documents to an external drive or use an online backup service.
Move your data to an external drive - better safe than sorry
How to Pack a Desktop Computer for Moving?
Before you start, get your box ready. Tape the bottom of the box – double tape over the opening and then again over the middle. Tape around the bottom’s perimeter for extra support and line the bottom with crumpled paper.
Snap a Photo of the Cords Before You Pack Them
Take a photo of the cords so you know what goes where when it’s time to set up the desktop computer at your new home. You’ll be happy you did. Then turn off the computer, disconnect the power cable, and remove the cords one by one. Group and pack all the cords together to avoid misplacing them. You can use zip ties or simply place them in plastic bags.
How to Pack the Computer Tower for Moving?
Lay bubble wrap on a flat surface, put the tower on top, and wrap the entire tower to protect against slight hits or vibrations. Then wrap a furniture blanket around the bubble-wrapped tower and secure it with tape. Put it in a box and add the bubble-wrapped keyboard, mouse, and other equipment. Fill in the remaining space with wrap or towels and make sure to leave no wiggle room before you seal the box.
Mark the Box and Leave It to Movers
Like with the packaging of fragile items, make sure to mark the box with a marker once you seal it. This way, your long-distance movers can handle it with extra care, and it will be much easier for you to unpack it at your new home after moving interstate. So, write down ‘DESKTOP COMPUTER: FRAGILE’ on top of the box and on at least two sides once it’s sealed.
Fill the box with the heaviest item first, while the keyboard, mouse, and other equipment should follow
Pack the Monitor Separately
A monitor is an especially delicate part of a computer due to its screen, so you gotta make sure it’s adequately protected. Cover the monitor with paper first. Then cut out a part of thick cardboard to match the size of your screen, place it over the paper-protected screen, and tape it over. Cover it all with wrap and secure with tape once again. Finally, cover the wrapped monitor in a blanket, secure with tape, and put it in a separate box. Fill out the empty space to leave no wiggle room, so everything stays in place.
Check out how to protect the screen of your monitor with thick cardboard in the video below.
How to Pack a Laptop for Moving?
Packing a laptop is a piece of cake, as laptops were designed to be portable. Your best bet is to use its bag or case to transport it and keep it in the car with you. And that’s it – you’re good to go. If you don’t have a laptop bag, simply wrap it in a sheet of paper, cover it with a blanket or towels, and put it in a suitcase that will stay with you in your car during relocation.
The easiest way to pack a laptop is to put it in its bag and keep it with you
That’s a Wrap
And there you have it – all you need to know about how to pack a computer for shipping. Basically, it’s padding, padding, and more padding. And lots of tape – to keep it protected. Once you are done unpacking at your new home, a new problem will arise – how to remove tape residue? But, worry not – there are moving hacks and tips for that too, all to make sure you have a stress-free moving experience. So, wherever you are moving, take a deep breath and relax – we’ve got your back.
