How to Move Electronics

How to Safely Pack Your Electronic Devices and Gadgets

Fragile electronic items like TV’s, laptops, desktops, tablets, home entertainment system, DVD, CD, and Blu-Ray players, as well as video game consoles are just some of what you can find in today’s households.
Moving these items require special care and attention, especially when we’re talking about computers, printers, and wall-mounted AV equipment or flat-screen TV’s. Those who are thinking about moving should consider hiring professional movers since these people are experts in moving these kinds of items.

Hire Professional Movers for Your Electronic Items

Professional movers will take care of everything — from disassembling and packing to unpacking and setting it up again in your new home. They will come to your house and do an inventory of the items that you wish to move and we’ll take it all from there. You can just sit back and relax and leave all the work to the movers.
If you do decide to hire a mover, here are some things to remember:

1. Calculate the replacement costs of your electronic gadgets and devices.

Using the original receipts of your items, you make an estimate of the replacement cost in case they get lost or damaged during the transport.
For computers, these should include all the accessories and software like the monitor, printer, CPU, mouse, keyboard, etc. Or if you don’t have the receipts, then try to get an estimate of your electronic device’s current retail value. Do take into consideration the item’s current condition since items like these easily depreciate in value.

2. Get a full-value protection plan or insurance from your mover.

Moving companies such as moveON moving can provide their clients with a full-value protection plan plus additional protection plans to protect you in case something unexpected happens to your belongings or any personal items during your move.
How to determine what protection plan suits you? You can use the replacement cost which you made and select the right plan or insurance that covers all your needs. Getting a full-value protection plan for all your electronic items like computers, TV’s, video game consoles, etc. will save you from all the trouble in case something unfortunate happens during the transit.

3. Let your movers do the packing.

Remember, your movers are all expertly trained in moving any kind of electronic items or gadgets. In addition, they have all the materials and tools they need to do this. So it’s best to leave this job to them to avoid any damages. But, if you want to help your movers, you’re free to do so. Just make sure to ask for their advice when moving, dismantling and packing your items.
A good tip to lessen the overall moving expense is to use the original boxes and packing materials (like bubble wrap or packing peanuts) which came with your items when you first bought them. So don’t just throw away those boxes easily because you’ll never know when you’re going to use them again.

4. Check your items and mark off the inventory upon delivery.

Once your items are shipped to their new location, use the inventory list to check whether all your items have been safely relocated without any damages.
Check all the cables and wires, accessories and other parts and make sure nothing is missing.

5. Wait for at least 24 hours before using any of your electronic items.

Let your items adjust to room temperature first before trying them to avoid the risk of damage. Check for any condensation and moisture on your electronics. Once you’re ready, plug them in and see if they’re working properly. Also, remember to check the files on your computer.
And these are just some of the things which you need to know when you decide to hire a mover. However, if you think you and a couple of your friends can do this by yourselves, then here are some simple tips to help you safely pack your electronic devices:

1. Prepare your packing materials.

If you were able to keep the item’s original boxes, then that’s great, since you can reuse them together with the included packing materials like bubble wrap, Styrofoam padding or packing peanuts.
But if you don’t have the original box, then here’s what you’ll need and more: thick-walled cardboard boxes, bubble wrap or packing peanuts for anti-static, a very strong and durable packing tape, permanent markers for the labeling, seal-able bags for the cords and cables, PVC tape and some twist ties.

2. Take a photo of how the cords and wires are connected.

This picture will serve as your reference or guide once to start setting them up again in their new location. Believe me, it’s much easier to look at a detailed image of your item than go over a few pages in the manual.

3. Disconnect all your electronic items.

Make sure all your devices and gadgets are switched off and unplugged from the socket. Remember, electronic devices must be disconnected first before you dismantle and pack them safely in boxes for transport. If you’re unsure how to do this, go over the instructions manual to see if are any special ways to disconnecting, dismantling and moving your item. If you happen to lose the manufacturer’s manual, don’t worry, because most companies nowadays have downloadable pdf/doc versions on their website.

4. Pack the things that go together.

Use twist ties to secure the power cords, wires and cables neatly. Remember to place all the accessories of each electronic items together in sealable bags and put labels on them. Place them neatly in the same box as the electronic device they belong to. Don’t forget to remove all the portable storage devices such as CD’s, DVD’s, USB’s or any external hard drives from these electronic devices and put them in their separate cases.

5. Use Anti-Static packaging items.

Protect your electronic items by using anti-static materials like bubble wrap and packing peanuts. Antistatic versions of Bubble Wrap and Packing peanuts are usually pink in color. Wrap each item carefully in bubble wrap and place packing peanuts or crumpled news wraps. DO NOT use any kind of item than can conduct electricity. Pack each electronic device separately since you don’t want them to rub against each other. Placing them in just one container may increase the risk of damage.
Then, place a thick layer of anti-static bubble wrap on the bottom of the cardboard box (whether the original or a new one). Don’t forget to buy the ones that’re really sturdy and thick-walled. And, again, put just one item in a single box.
Remember to fill the gaps with bubble wraps, packing peanuts or news wraps and make sure there’s no space that would allow the item to move during transport.

6. Label the boxes as FRAGILE or “THIS SIDE UP”.

After putting the item inside the box, seal it with a strong packing tape. Then, using your permanent marker, write the words “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” with an up arrow sign on two sides of the box. Remember to write them in BIG, BOLD letters. This would tell the movers that the items inside should be handled with extra care.

Things to Consider when Shipping Electronics

Remember, moving any kind of electronic items such as TV’s and desktop computers might be a bit hard since these items are very sensitive to temperature and static. Unfortunately, standard moving vans are not climate-controlled, which can intensify the extreme temperatures that may cause warping, cracking, condensation, shortened battery life and data loss.
So if you have your own vehicle, it’s much better to place your important electronic devices such as computers, laptops, gaming consoles inside your own car where you can better control the climate.
This should be considered greatly if you’re planning to move during the summer or winter season.

Moving Desktop Computers

When moving computers, it’s vital to back up all of your files in a separate hard drive or using cloud-based apps. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when you’re dealing with thousands of image files, documents, work files, etc.
Also, keep the external hard drive or USB with you at all times. Place it in a separate box or container. And, if you’ve hired a professional mover, ask them for assistance when packing your computer and its components. Don’t forget to use large, thick-walled boxes.

Moving Printers

It’s important to remove ink cartridges and toners first and store them in a seal-able bags so in case they spill, the ink won’t get into your other items. You can place the cartridges and toners in your vehicle to avoid damage and spillage, especially if there is a risk of high temperatures.
Also, pack your printer according to the instructions manual, using the original box, if you still have it. If you don’t, use a thick-walled cardboard box with bubble wrap or crumpled newspapers. If you don’t have your manual, don’t panic, because you can always refer to their website for downloadable versions. Also, secure the printer head with cardboard or plastic to prevent it from moving during transport.

Moving Other Electronic Items

TV’s, DVD and Blu-Ray Players, Audio Systems, etc. should be packed using their original boxes, but if you no longer have them, then use sturdy boxes. Then, place anti-static protection like bubble wrap and packing peanuts or even crumpled newspapers or magazines. Also, if you hired a mover, don’t forget to inform them about moving home entertainment systems.
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source https://www.moveonmoving.com/how-to-move-electronics/