One of the biggest challenges of long distance relocation is knowing how to pack electronics for moving. Whether you hire professional interstate movers or do it yourself, it is usually a complicated process. Electronics are prone to breakage, are very sensitive to temperature, and can be easily dust clogged. And even though they are almost as fragile as antique furniture, we usually pack them with less care. Here you’ll find an easy-to-follow guide that will help you pack these items most efficiently.
How to Prepare Your Electronics for Moving Step by Step
Before you commence packing, it is vital to make sure that your items are in good condition and prepare them internally for a safe journey. You should always check the following:
Step 1: Always Make Sure That You Have Your Data and Files Backed Up
Whether you use an Internet drive or an external hard disk, it is crucial to store your valuable data just in case your device suffers any damage. You’ll know it’s not the end of the world since you backed up all your data. If you’re not sure how to do it, check out this video.
Step 2: Remove the Batteries Before You Pack Your Electronics
Moving trucks can get really hot during the summer. The heat can sometimes lead to the melting of electronic components and, in extreme cases, battery meltdowns and blowups. Save yourself some trouble, take the batteries out and dispose of them properly.
Step 3: Take Out Any External Media and Accessory Devices Before Packing
Remember to check out all of your devices before moving for any external media such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays. Don’t forget to remove toner cartridges from your printer to avoid spillage. Additionally, while it’s usually a hassle to separate your accessories from your device, it is necessary to prevent complications. The contact between the devices in a non-climate-controlled storage unit can often damage them.
Materials You’ll Need to Use for Packing Your Electronics
Once we have checked and emptied our devices of any external accessories, the next step is to pack! Here’s a list of suggestions for packing materials for moving:
- Boxes
- Stuffing material ( bubble wrap, styrofoam, etc.)
- Silica gel
- Tape
- Scissors
- Markers or stickers
You’re probably wondering how many moving boxes do I need? What shape and size should they be? The answer is simple: the most practical box for moving is the original box your electronic device came in. However, if you don’t have the original box, you threw it out, or don’t remember where you placed it, you just need to find a large enough box in which your electronic device fits. You’ll also need a lot of styrofoam for the excess space in the box and silica gel to protect your devices from corrosion, as silica gel soaks up the moisture from your electronic devices.
Another necessary material is bubble wrap. With bubble wrap, you can wrap around the fragile parts of machines, such as a TV or computer screen. A good idea would be to use bubble wrap as a second layer after you cover it with a blanket or towel. Additional materials include tape, scissors, plastic sheeting, and cushions.
Once you have fully packed and taped all of your boxes, you should label them with tags so that the movers or you know which are fragile and need to be positioned side-up and which can be placed at the very bottom. It will also help you tell the difference between devices that are the same size.
Pack Your Computer and TV for the Move
Computers are our number one worry when it comes to cross country moving, due to their necessity in our everyday lives. There are several tips you should follow when boxing these devices.
First of all, you should use a vacuum extension to clean the insides of your computer. Vacuuming will help you avoid dust accumulation during the move. Secondly, avoid packing chips as a stuffing material for your computer. Chips can often cause static electricity, which can damage the computer’s hardware.
When relocating computers and TVs, the most problematic part is the transportation of fragile screens. A good idea would be to use moving blankets. Giant flat screens usually can’t fit in standard boxes, so using moving blankets are quite practical. They are heavily padded and will help protect your equipment. Bear in mind that you still need to position them the right way, as these screens easily break under pressure.
Protecting Your Electronic Equipment
When moving long distance, it is essential to know that your devices will be kept safe. To ensure this, it is a good idea to store your equipment. Electronic devices are immensely sensitive to extreme temperature changes. When exposed to too much cold, the hard components can weaken and even freeze in extreme situations. At the same time, excessive heat can lead to melting. Humidity is also dangerous for these devices. An ideal would be to find a moving company that offers storage units with adaptable and adequate temperatures. Another way to protect your devices is to insure them. Often, companies offer a number of insurance policies for the transportation of your belongings.
Unpacking and Reconnecting
When you get to your new home and start unpacking, you should always handle one device at a time. Try to start with the ones that have the most cables, like your computer, for example. Unpack the cables along with their respective device. Use the labels you have marked on your boxes to know which belong to which. After the unpacking of each machine, you should plug it in and check for any issues. The same goes for the following devices.
Boxing and unboxing can sometimes be too time-consuming and overbearing. While doing it yourself has some merits, many relocation companies offer packing services along with their long distance moving services, which will help you save time and reduce stress over the entire cross country move.
We hope this guide was helpful and informative. Best of luck with your move to your new home!
