How to pack electronics when moving.

If you happen to be facing a house move,, then the question of how to pack your electronics for moving so that your expensive gadgets arrive at your new home in one piece, and in good working order, becomes essential.

Hare are the the types of packing materials you will need for the electronics packing task ahead of you.

Original Packages – If you have kept the original packages that your various electronic devices came in, then you have very little to worry about. Original packing boxes are designed to best protect each specific component. If you haven’t keep the original packages, then you’ll need to find other packing boxes that are big enough to accommodate your separate pieces of electronic equipment. Your professional moving company should have special electronics boxes which provide improved protection (thicker cardboard and double walls) and come in different shapes and sizes.

Bubble Wrap – It’s important to know that bubble wrap is your best choice when packing your electronics for moving as it creates an outstanding cushioning effect against unfavorable factors during transit. Choose an anti-static bubble wrap to avoid the possible harmful effects of static electricity on your electronic devices.

Packing Paper – Soft packing paper is a must when you’re packing electronics for a move, for it will keep dust from entering the packed gadgets and will serve as a cushion against external impacts at the same time.

SEE ALSO: What packing supplies do I need?

How To Prepare Your Electronics For Packing

Before you’re ready to pack your electronics for moving, you will need to make sure that your equipment is ready to be packed up safely for the move ahead.

Before you disconnect you electronic device, take a picture of it so you will be reminded of how the cables are connected and wired up This is especially helpful if there are numerous cords coming in and going out of the equipment piece. This will save you significant time and headaches when you reach your new home and it’s time to re-connect.  Additionally, you will eliminate the possibility of damage due to improper installation.

Roll up and secure the disconnected cables with rubber bands or zip ties to avoid possible entanglement during the move.

Make sure to backup important information, pictures, music, etc. from your computer storage devices.  As an added precaution, use online storage, an external hard drive or a flash memory drive to keep essential files safe.

Consider removing batteries from certain electronic devices if you think there’s a chance of battery leakage, or if you’re moving during hot summer months. Also, consider removing ink or toner cartridges from your printer to prevent spills.

If you’re moving very expensive electronic equipment, speak with your moving company for adequate insurance coverage to stay on the safe side of things just in case.

How To Pack Electronics For Moving

Once you have the necessary packing supplies and have completed the pre-packing  preparation, here are the next steps and tips for packing your electronics for moving.

Step 1: Use soft wrapping paper or newspaper to create a protective cushioning layer on the bottom of each electronics box. This layer will actually absorb the vibrations and shocks along the way and will keep the electronic component safe during the move.

Step 2: Again, use soft packing paper to wrap up the electronic device first, and then use packing tape to secure the bundle.

Step 3: Continue now with the most important protective layer, which is the bubble wrap layer. The air-filled bubbles should provide the best level of safety; however, make sure the bubble wrap sheet is well secured over the piece of  electronic component – use tape generously.

Step 4: If you intend to pack more than one pieces of electronics in a single cardboard box, be sure to place the heavier and larger device on the bottom, and keep the lighter and smaller pieces on top of them.

Step 5: To avoid damage, there shouldn’t be any empty spaces inside a box once the electronic pieces have been packed in it. Shifts are highly undesirable so fill all visible holes with paper or pieces of clothing.

Step 6: If available, user manuals or other relevant documents or spare parts should be kept inside their respective boxes for easier re-installation after the relocation.

Step 7: Before closing up the lids of a cardboard box, be sure to place protective sheets of bubble wrap and/or packing paper on the very top to complete the cushioning protection on the bottom.

Step 8: Seal a packed box with quality packing tape, including the bottom of the box.

Step 9: Be sure to write the contents of the box, its destination room and handling instructions on each packed electronics.

Step 10: Don’t be quick to plug in an electronic device.  Give it enough time to acclimate to the different temperature and humidity values of your new home.