Don’t Want to End Up With Your Electronics in Pieces? Here’s How to Pack for a Move.

Electronics are among the most expensive and most-used items people own, so protecting them and the information they contain is a major consideration when you’re preparing to pack for a move. Here are some ways to protect these valuable items and avoid headaches when setting things up again in your new place.

Back up your data

Always prepare for the worst just in case. Make sure all of your important files and information is copied to the cloud or to disk.

Disconnecting your electronics

Using colored stickers to label cords is a useful way to keep track of how to reconnect your devices after the move. Attach a sticker with the same color to each end of every cable and next to the sockets where they connect. Wrap a white sticker around each cable and write which device it connects with a marker, then do the same for any power adapters connected to each device. Place all labels and adapters in a sealed plastic bag. Remove any batteries in your remote controls and other devices, especially if you plan to store them for any length of time — batteries can corrode and damage electronics. Also make sure to remove any disks or other media from DVD players and computers.

Remove dust from devices

Clean dust from electronics before you pack them, especially computers. Components get jostled during a movie, further distributing dust into crevices and circuit boards. There are websites detailing how to do this. Here are a few examples:

https://www.crucial.in/articles/pc-builders/how-to-clean-the-inside-of-a-computer

https://www.howtogeek.com/72716/how-to-thoroughly-clean-your-dirty-desktop-computer/

Packing electronics for a move

Gather all the user manuals you own and consult them for packing recommendations. If possible, use the original packing materials for each device – they’re designed to transport specific items safely. Remove any cards in your computer if you have experience doing so and wrap them in anti-static bubble wrap.

If you don’t have the original boxes, use packing boxes that are approximately the same shape as each item but allow enough room for packing materials. Use anti-static packing peanuts or bubble wrap since static can damage electronics. You can also use crumpled packing paper except for monitors (paper can scratch the display) or towels. For any items you plan to place in storage, adding packets of silica gel is a good way to keep them dry. Make sure each item is packed securely – there shouldn’t be any movement in the box when you jiggle it. Seal each box with packing tape to keep out dust.

Wrap any TVs or monitors in padded moving boxes or large towels. If you’re moving them yourself, place them upright during the move if possible. If you have to lay them flat, make sure nothing is on top of them.

Reattaching electronics after a move

Deal with each item at a time after you unpack, systemically reattaching the appropriate cables and testing each device to make sure it’s properly connected. This will help you from feeling overwhelmed and avoids confusion.

As a fireman moving company, MoveStar is staffed with off-duty firemen, servicing the Dallas area, including University Park, Highland Park, Plano, Frisco and surrounding areas.

Contact MoveStar, our fireman moving company for a quote.