How to Pack Electronics for Moving – A Complete Guide

January 31, 2018 / Posted in How-to
Anastasia Hill

Apart from being the next fashion icon, Anastasia is also a freelance writer and expert on moving (and packing clothes).

Are you relocating to a new home and wondering how to get your electronic equipment safely shipped there? Here’s what you’ll need to know on the topic of how to pack electronics for moving. Whether you need your computer safely shipped to your new home, or if you want to sell a piece of equipment, the following guide is sure to help you find the easiest way to pack.

laptop, headphones, mobile and smart watch on the table
There is a way to box up everything you want

When packing electronics for a move, it’s important to first prepare them by taking photos of their connections and unplugging all cords, which should be packed separately. Use original packaging when possible for added protection. Ensure each item is wrapped with bubble wrap or foam, and place them in sturdy boxes marked with labels such as “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP”. Fill any gaps in the boxes with packing materials like packing peanuts to prevent movement during transit.

How to Prepare Electronics for a Move

Moving can be a stressful process.

This is especially true when it comes to packing up your electronics.

After all, you need to make sure they stay safe and secure during the move so that they don’t get damaged or broken.

Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your devices arrive at their new home in one piece.

Moving surveys show that most people opt packing electronics when moving across the country

With just a few supplies and some careful planning, you can pack up all these sensitive devices for transport like a pro. Let’s find the easiest way to pack for a move.

Get Reliable Moving and Car Shipping Services Get A Quote

Documenting Your Setup

Before unplugging, take detailed photos of each device’s connections. These images will assist in setting up at your new location and provide a reference in case of damage, useful for insurance claims. When it comes to packing and labeling, carefully unplug and separately pack all cords, labeling them to avoid confusion and prevent damage during transport.

 

Happy young curly beautiful woman sitting on the floor
Remain organized during the entire wrapping process

Get the Necessary Supplies for Packing Electronics

You will need a lot of packing materials to make sure everything is properly packed. When packing such sensitive stuff, it is essential to be well-prepared and have all the necessary supplies on hand. To make sure your items stay safe during transport, it’s important to take extra precautions. Here are some of the must-have supplies you will need:

  • Boxes – Make sure to purchase boxes that are sized appropriately for each electronic item. You will also want to select boxes that are sturdy and able to be sealed securely. This will help ensure your items remain safe during the move.
  • Bubble wrap or foam peanuts – These items will provide extra protection for fragile electronics such as televisions, computers, and speakers.
  • Packing tape – You will need to secure each box with packing tape so that it does not open during transportation.
  • Labels – Use labels to indicate which box contains what item. This will make it easier to find items when you arrive at your new home.
  • Zip ties – These are useful for securing cords, cables, and other smaller items.

Can I Use the Original Packaging?

When using original packaging for electronics, ensure it’s undamaged and contains all components like foam inserts for protection. Carefully inspect for wear and avoid using tape that could damage the surface. Instead, secure with bubble wrap and additional cushioning to protect during transit.

A gaming joystick
All your equipment needs to be properly packed to avoid damage

Take Pictures of Your Devices

One of the best tips we can give is to take a picture of your device before you get started. This will make packing and unpacking fun and way easier, especially when it comes to sorting out all of your cartridges, cables, and wires.

In case you’re paying for storage services as well, having photos of your items will be a must. After you have unplugged and removed all of these, you’ll want to put them in bags and label them accordingly. Put these bags in the same container as the device itself. If you want to, you can assign different colors to different items.

A person is using a laptop
Taking pictures will make the unpacking a breeze

Use Extra Protection When Packing Electronics

Safety is at the top of the list of tips when it comes to this task. Use extra bubble wrap or paper to pad out the box before you place anything inside. You will need to protect your electronic items with anti-static bubble wrap before you store them inside the box. This is to make sure that your devices aren’t rubbing against each other and the other items inside the box. Once you’ve placed the device inside, fill out any space using peanuts, paper, or more bubble wrap. You don’t want your electronics to move around inside the boxes during the relocation to your new home. This is one of the most common moving mistakes, as you risk your items getting damaged if they’re not stable inside the container.

You’ll also want to pad out the box and make cushioning at the bottom and sides as well. You can tape up the sides of the container itself before you get started if you want to make sure it won’t break during transport. Another important piece of advice is not to use newspapers to wrap any screens. They can easily bleed ink and get onto the screen, and this is why clean packing paper should be used.

Use Blankets to Protect Your Items Before You Contact an Auto Transport Company

You can cover your electronic devices with blankets if you’re still worried about them getting damaged. In case you’ve hired a long-distance moving company for their long-distance moving services, you can also pay for packing services, as well. Just contact them and ask movers if they can help you out with a specific item.

person closing the box
Use tape to secure the boxes further

Make a Moving Inventory List Before the Car Shipping Company Arrives

One of the best tips would be to make an inventory list of your belongings. You can write one as you’re sorting out your items or after you have packed everything up. This way, you will know where all of your items, small devices, and accessories are if you need to find something on the go. It will also prove useful when it comes to unpacking everything or in case you leave things in storage.

Extend Your List According to Your Needs and Hand It to Long-Distance Movers

You can make a simple shortlist of items, or you can make it in as much detail as you want. Having a shortlist may be more concise and helpful, especially if you’re cross-country moving on short notice. But you can also make a more complicated one where you list all of the items, their cables and wires, and other accessories.

A woman thinking about hiring long distance movers
Take your time and make the much needed list

Label Electronics for Packing Before Cross-Country Movers Arrive

There are many ways in which labeling your devices and wires can be helpful, both for the packing and the unpacking process. You can use twist ties and stickers of different colors for different devices and their corresponding cables and accessories. Then you should use a marker, preferably of the same color, to mark the box itself. Write “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” on the container after you are finished. It would be wise not to write what’s inside the boxes specifically, in case there are any expensive or valuable items inside that could attract a potential thief while in transport or storage.

box with moving day written on it
Label the boxes at the end

How to Pack a Computer for Relocation

Before you start packing your computer, make sure to make a copy of your data, either online or on another drive. Once your computer is unplugged, eject any cards inside and clean any dust that may have piled up using a vacuum extension. If your computer is very dusty, the dust will be flying around during the relocation and is sure to get stuck inside various parts of your device. Protect your computer with packing paper and place it inside a padded container. If it’s jumbling around inside the box, add more paper or peanuts to secure it.

How to Pack a Monitor for Moving

If you’re transporting a desktop PC, you’ll be wondering how to pack a monitor for relocation as well. The first step would be to remove the monitor stand, protect it with paper, and place it beside your monitor. Keep in mind that the monitor screen should be your number one concern, as it’s the most fragile part of the setup. First, wrap the monitor in packing paper, then place a piece of cardboard over the screen and tape it up. After this step, you’ll want to wrap the entire monitor in a blanket and use tape to secure everything in place.

Gathered packing supplies for cross-country moving
Have all the supplies for a top-notch wrapping

Ensure a Smooth Journey for Your Electronics With Expert Help

Successfully moving electronics requires meticulous attention to packing, documenting, and organizing, ensuring that your valuable devices reach their destination in perfect condition. For expert assistance and detailed guidance on safely transporting your electronics, consider reaching out to Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving. Our experienced team is ready to help make your transition smooth and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing Electronics When Moving Cross Country

What Materials Do I Need to Pack My Electronics?

When packing electronics, it is important to gather the right materials to ensure their safety during transportation. Some essential items include bubble wrap or foam padding for protection, zip-top bags for small parts, sturdy boxes for larger items, and possibly a waterproof bag for added protection against the elements. You may also want to include soft cloth or cloth bags to protect the surfaces of your electronics, and additional packaging materials such as packing peanuts or air cushioning to fill any empty spaces in the box and prevent movement during transit. Additionally, labeling your boxes clearly and properly can also help prevent damage and make it easier to identify your electronics when unpacking.

How Do I Properly Pack and Protect My Televisions During a Move?

When packing and protecting a television for a move, it is important to take appropriate measures to prevent damage during transit. Start by removing any detachable parts such as stands or mounting brackets, and wrap the screen in a layer of bubble wrap for added protection. Place the wrapped television in a sturdy box that is slightly larger than the TV, and fill any empty spaces with packing materials such as packing peanuts or air cushioning. Make sure the box is secured closed and labeled as fragile. If possible, place the box in an upright position in the moving truck to prevent damage to the screen. For added protection, consider using a moving blanket or other protective covering to wrap the box and cushion it from bumps during transport.

What Is the Best Way to Pack and Move My Computer Equipment?

When packing and moving computer equipment, it is important to take steps to prevent damage during transit. Start by backing up all important data and disconnecting all cables and accessories from the computer. Place the computer in a protective cover or foam padding and wrap it in bubble wrap for added protection. Label and pack any cables and accessories separately in zip-top bags and place them in a separate box.

For larger components such as monitors and printers, use foam padding or bubble wrap to secure them in their original boxes or sturdy boxes that are slightly larger. Fill any empty spaces in the boxes with packing peanuts or air cushioning to prevent movement during transport. When loading the boxes into the moving truck, place them on a firm surface and avoid stacking heavy items on top of them. Finally, clearly label all boxes containing computer equipment as fragile to ensure they receive proper handling during the move.

Get a guaranteed price

      Flat Price Moving & Auto Shipping

      © Copyright 2024 © Flat Price Autotransport. All Rights Reserved.
      Download Moving Checklist
      Get a Free Estimate 888-647-0024