Moving is stressful enough without worrying about your valuable electronics getting damaged in the process. Whether it’s your TV, computer, or gaming console, taking extra precautions can make all the difference.
In today’s blog, Nelson Markesbery shares top tips for keeping your electronics protected throughout the moving process.
Store All Electronics in One Spot
When packing your electronics, make sure to keep everything—cables, remotes, and devices—in one place. Label each box clearly, listing the components inside, and take the time to store cables neatly, either by coiling them and securing them with ties or placing them in labeled bags.
This way, when it’s time to set up your new space, you won’t be hunting around for a missing remote or untangling a mess of cords. Everything will be organized, easy to find, and ready to go.
Make an Inventory List
Make a list of each electronic that’s in a box or package. It can be as simple as a list on your phone or a notecard with items and a group-item label describing what items are in the package.
Referencing your list will save you a lot of time and headache when unpacking and putting things back together once the move is over.
Use Colored Stickers and Tape for Cords
You’ve got your cords, but which one goes where? Oh no.
Avoid this headache before you move. A great tip for organizing and sorting your electronic items is to use colored stickers or tape for your cords.
This is a good way of keeping track of any and all important cords that go with your media.
Double Pack Fragile Electronics
Don’t just rely on styrofoam and cardboard to protect your electronics. It’s worth going the extra mile when it comes to protection. If you can, try adding some additional protective support like moving blankets, bubble wrap, or thick sheets.
You could even try adding some silica gel to your moving boxes for greater protection.
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Extra Padding and Cushion Support for Screens
You absolutely do NOT want anything sliding around and breaking your screens. Moving something like your computer monitor or your TV means you’ll need a lot of cushion support to brace impacts while in transport.
Wrap it in a padded blanket that doesn’t have buttons or seams that could scratch it.
Positioning is as important as padding. Move your computers, laptops, and tablets to a spot where they won’t have other heavy items bumping or sliding into them. Also, consider buying a sleeve guard for protection on your iPad or laptop.
How Much Padding Should I Have Exactly?
You already know you need additional padding, but how much? It depends on the item. For really fragile electronics, you’ll want each piece to fit snugly within 2-3 inches of high-impact padding and check to make sure it’s securely fit.
Save Old Boxes for Repackaging
You never know when used boxes can come in handy, especially the original boxes for your TV, video game console, or computer, if possible.
Keep an Eye on the Temperature
Heat and electronics do not mix.
Electronics are sensitive to low and high temps and can get damaged by being exposed to moisture, extreme cold, or extreme heat. When packing them, put them in a temperature-controlled area or package.
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Hide Valuable Items
This tip is just for additional safety; place your most valuable items in unmarked, plain-looking packaging.
On your moving day, chances are you’ll leave moving vehicles open, don’t make it easy for someone to spot your expensive TV or computer. Don’t put them in a place where they can stand out and be noticed during your move.
Make the Best Use of Packaging Tape
Seal boxes with strong packaging tape to make sure no dust or debris gets in while moving. If a box is slightly unsteady, tape up its edges with duct tape.
Excess debris can collect on sensitive electronic components, like the computer fan, among other parts, and give you problems later on.
Related Post: Packing Tips for a Long-Distance Move
Pack Your Electronics LAST
Make sure to pack electronics last so they stay on top, away from heavy boxes that could crush them. This also means less time in a hot moving truck, which is better for keeping them safe. By saving your electronics for last, you’re giving them the best chance of arriving at your new place in perfect condition.
How to Prepare Your Computer For a Move
- Make backups for all of your data and files. Though highly unlikely, if your hardware gets damaged during transport, you won’t have access to important media files.
- Remove loose media so that it doesn’t move about and get damaged.
- Detach any wires and accessories hooked up to your computer. Metal-on-metal contact over a long period of time (especially without climate-controlled storage) can damage your items.
- Use the original packaging whenever possible. The original packaging contains fitted foam pieces and inserts that add proper protection to your electronic devices.
- Remove the batteries. Battery corrosion can damage electronics.
- Protect against dust from entering your computer fan, by covering it with bubble wrap or towels.
Unpacking and Setting Up Your Electronics in Your New Home
First, congratulations on making it to your new home!
After a long day of moving, the last thing you want to deal with is a tangle of cables and unhooked gadgets.
1. Create a Setup Zone
Start by designating a specific area for unpacking your electronics. This should be a clean, clutter-free space where you can easily access all your devices, cables, and accessories. Lay out your packing materials, such as bubble wrap and boxes, so you can reuse or dispose of them as you go.
2. Inspect and Unpack Carefully
Begin by carefully unpacking each electronic item. Remove any protective padding and inspect for any signs of damage from the move. If you spot any issues, take note and report them to the moving company if necessary.
3. Sort Cables
Before reconnecting anything, sort through the cables, cords, and accessories. It’s easy to forget which cable belongs to which device, so use the labels you made earlier to match each cable with its corresponding device. If you didn’t label your cables, now is a good time to do so.
4. Set Up Your Electronics in Order
Start with the larger, more complex items like your TV, computer, or entertainment system. These usually have multiple connections, so getting them set up first means you’ll create more space to work with.
5. Connect and Test Everything
Once you have everything in place, connect your cables according to your notes and labels. Double-check each connection to ensure everything is plugged in correctly.
Power up each device and test them to make sure they’re working properly.
Make Your Move Easier with an Allied Moving Consultant
Whether you’re moving your electronics across the state or across the country, our expert moving consultants can help you save time and money by coming to your home and giving you a quote for guaranteed price protection.
To learn more about getting a price quote and booking a summertime move in advance, contact us online or call us at (859) 371-8111 for more information about Nelson Markesbery Moving & Storage.
