As we move further and further into the technology age, computers and electronics become more and more essential to our everyday lives. Many people’s businesses and their entire livelihoods are run from a single computer. Finances, accounting records, important files, and personal information can be lost forever if something happens to your computer. Therefore, thinking about moving computers and other electronics during a big move can be stressful.
There are several factors that must be taken into account to ensure the safe transportation of your valuable electronics. Follow these steps to help keep your files and wires in order, and ease your mind about the stress of moving.
Before shutting your computer off, you might want to back up your files on to an external drive just to be cautious. Hard drives can be purchased at an affordable cost and make for great external storage devices for when you need added security.
Before you disconnect your computer or electronic device, take pictures of the connections so you can remember where it all goes when it comes time to plug it back in. Some electronics prove far more complex than others, so it’s good to take plenty of pictures just to be sure. Even electronics experts need to take pictures of connections and plugs before disassembling it all.
If you are moving printers or copiers, make sure you remove the toner from it first. If the printer or copier is accidentally packed sideways, or if it moves around during transportation, the ink cartridges may become dislodged and can spill out. Avoid making a mess by removing the cartridges and packaging them separately.
While it’s important to pack your electronics very carefully, you must take utmost care to not pack them with Styrofoam peanuts or other plastic packing materials. Peanuts create static electricity, which can greatly damage your device. Sensitive electronics, such as computers and tablets, can be damaged beyond repair due to static electricity.
Instead of Styrofoam, use other packing materials such as bubble wrap or wadded newspaper. Even sheets and towels can create a soft and secure packing area around each device to prevent it from shock or physical damage.
When packing each electronic device or appliance, make sure to properly mark which box it’s in so you can properly take inventory. Taking inventory of your devices will help you locate them all once you’ve made the move. It is also important to mark each box as “fragile”, so that the movers know to take extra care with your electronics.
Some of your electronics may have come with a special set of instructions for packing and unpacking. Certain electronics, such as those with LCD and plasma screens, must be packaged in wooden crates. This ensures their safety during transportation. These special crates are often available through the product’s manufacturer.
Finally, it is important to package a device and all of its counterparts together. You don’t want a jumble of mismatched electronics to sort through once you’ve made the move. If you are transporting a television set, keep all of the cable boxes, sound systems, remotes, and wires in the same box so you won’t be fishing for them when you arrive at your new home. Keep all computer parts and peripherals together too; this will help you keep better track of your inventory and ensure that nothing is lost or damaged during the big move.
