Whether you’re a streamer, an audio enthusiast, or a work-from-home productivity machine, it’s vital to know how to pack your electronic devices as safely and securely as possible for moving day. After all, even if you’re not making a living using your electronic devices, they’re probably among the most valuable (and difficult to replace) items you own.
So what do you need to watch out for if you’re packing up your home office, battle station, or home entertainment system? Packing and moving electronics isn't easy, but our professional Southern California movers have 8 tips to secure your TVs, computers, consoles, and cables!
1) Use the Box It Came In
The original packaging for an electric device is already designed to keep the device safe and undamaged through the storage and transportation process, so what better way to keep your device safe during a move?
Here’s another benefit of using original packaging: it helps your most fragile items stick out from the rest of your boxes. Consider that an extra layer of protection from accidentally crushing or burying your devices. It’ll also make the unpacking process go smoothly because you won’t have to hunt through uniform boxes for what you’re looking for. If you didn’t keep the original packaging, make sure you label the box well and use an appropriate amount of packing paper or bubble wrap to keep your electronics safe.
2) Put Your System on a USB Drive
No matter how safe you try to be, there’s always a chance that your computer or laptop will get damaged en route. If that happens, it’ll be vital to have a backup of your entire system (or, at the very least, your files). You can get a sturdy, waterproof external hard drive at pretty much any online store or electronics retail shop.
If you own a machine running MacOS, you’ll be able to use the Time Machine feature to back up your entire system pretty easily. If you’re using Windows, use the Start menu to access Control Panel > System & Maintenance > Set Up Backup. Taking the time to back up your system will be, hopefully, just a precaution, but it will help set your mind at ease.
3) Remove Batteries & Other Unnecessary Items
As an extra precaution, it’s a good idea to remove batteries, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and toner or ink cartridges from your various electronics before you move. Batteries and toner cartridges can leak when they get too warm, and the last thing you want to deal with on moving day is acid or ink all over your belongings. Toss them in a plastic bag and, if possible, keep them in a place where they won’t be exposed to the elements. It’s also a good idea to label the bags with where the batteries came from, so you can easily replace them when you unpack.
4) Buy Anti-Static Packing Materials
Computer parts are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can be generated from static in the air. To prevent damage due to ESD, you’ll need to visit a big box store or online seller to buy anti-static packaging materials. You’ll likely need anti-static bags, foam, and bubble wrap for your whole setup.
5) Label Your Cords Before Unplugging
If you spend the night before your move trying to figure out what you were thinking when you set up your entertainment system for the first time two years ago, then this tip is going to save you so much time.
Because your home office, gaming system, or entertainment center has so many accessories, the backbone of your system is made from a bunch of cables you’ve probably forgotten about. Unplugging all of it and having to plug it back in later takes unnecessary time if you don’t know exactly where to put it all.
Here’s the easy fix: buy some paper tape or price tag labels and label each end of your cables as you unplug them. That way, you can just unpack and plug them back in with no time spent figuring out what goes where. If you are a particularly visual person, you should consider buying colored masking tape or patterned washi tape to make this process even easier. It may also be helpful to snap a few pictures of the setup before you unplug anything.
6) Keep Devices Away from Walls & Windows
Electronics are sensitive to extremely high and extremely low temperatures. If you’re moving in the summer or moving toward a cold climate, then your devices are at risk of damage if they’re subjected to those temperatures. Having a good packing technique helps insulate your devices, but another way to help keep them safe is to put your devices at the very center of the moving truck. The other boxes around them can help keep the cold or heat from causing damage. If you are moving to or from a place with humidity, you’ll want to add silica gel packages to your boxes. Silica helps absorb moisture, preventing water damage to your electronics.
However, if you have small devices that could fit in a backpack, we recommend just keeping those with you in the car or truck cabin—that’s the safest place for them. Another consideration will be if you need to put your belongings in storage for a time. It doesn’t matter if you’ll have your stuff in storage for a few days or months—you’ll want to make sure you find a climate-controlled unit.
7) Buy Insurance Policies for Big-Ticket Items
If you make a living using some of your devices—camera equipment, laptops, or computers—then consider buying device-based insurance policies for those items. Major insurers offer policies for valuable items that cost less than a monthly streaming subscription. It’s not too costly, but it offers an extra layer of peace of mind.
If you hire professional Southern California movers like Affordable Quality Moving and Storage, we offer short-term insurance policies customized to the exact value of your devices. Call us at (661) 622-2636 to have your electronics packed, shipped, and protected by licensed industry professionals.
8) Inventory All Accessories
Cable hubs, monitors, remotes and controllers, lights, and sound systems are just a few of the accessories attached to the average TV or computer setup. Keep track of those accessories with a checklist or note on your phone. When you’re unpacking, this list will be an invaluable tool for recreating your setup.
Pack Your Electronics Like a Pro or Let Our SoCal Movers Do It for You!
If you follow this advice, all of your electronic devices should be completely safe and undamaged for the entire move. But if you want absolute peace of mind, call AQMS at (661) 622-2636! Our licensed movers in Southern California are bonded, insured, and experienced with moving high-value and fragile items of all kinds. Whether you need help packing your electronics or moving them, we are here to make your life easier.
For a quote on your move, call (661) 622-2636 for a free in-home estimate. We have locations in Santa Clarita, San Diego, Temecula, and Burbank and can help pack and move electronics throughout Southern California.
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