How to Pack a Computer for Moving in 5 Easy Steps

Ok, we figured out a long time ago that laptops are very practical, but how many of you still have a good old desktop computer at home? Probably many. Yes, laptops are smaller, lightweight, and most importantly, portable, but sometimes having a large monitor and a separate keyboard is much more convenient, especially for a home office. Therefore, if you plan on relocating, you’re probably wondering how to safely transport a PC. Our brief guide will tell you all you need to know. Whether you’re wondering how to move a desktop computer or a laptop, stay tuned.

Is It Bad to Move a Desktop Computer?

As experienced New York movers, we have to say that it’s actually perfectly safe, as long as you do it the right way. However, we understand why you might be worried about this. Not only that there are many peripherals you need to take care of, but even the slightest bump on the road can have fatal consequences to your device and data. But do not let relocation stress overwhelm you. We got you covered. Our guide will tell you everything you need to know and help you secure your device on time for relocation. The question of how do you package a computer for relocation won’t bother you ever again.

First and Most Important Step: Backup Your Data

If you thought that a bit of cardboard and tape are the only supplies you’d need for this task, you were wrong. One of the essential things you should get is an external hard drive. These are easy to find, can store a bunch of data, and are portable. Of course, you can also upload everything to an online platform, but we find an external hard drive a more convenient solution since there are no passwords and it is all very straightforward.

Also, this is a perfect occasion to organize your important documents, scan everything, and sort them into folders. Just do not forget to add photos from your going-away party, as those are probably the memories you’ll want to keep. Now when all your data is stored on a hard drive, you can continue with the task, and it goes pretty much the same way as with moving large items.

Step 2. Gather All the Necessary Packing Supplies

If you think that you can just put it all in one box and make it a wrap, well, technically, you can do that. But is it safe to do so? Not really. You probably don’t have the original packaging, so you have to seek a bit more for that box that provides a perfect fit. Here is a list of things you should put on your expenses checklist:

• Separate boxes for monitor, tower, and other peripherals,
• Bubble wrap,
• Packing paper,
• Tape,
• Markers.

Step 3. Turn it Off and Disconnect Everything

When you have gathered all the supplies, it is time to disconnect each and every cable there is. Start by shutting down your PC and then remove every cable that is connected to the tower and monitor. If there are a lot of cables, and you probably have a printer or a desk scanner connected, we recommend labeling every cable so you know which one goes where after unpacking. That’s what we call moving efficiently. In case you’re relocating with pets, we recommend you keep them away from cables, as they might find them irresistible, so spare yourself the trouble and let someone take care of your pet until you are done.

One Important Step You Shouldn’t Skip Before Packing: Take Photos

One of the most convenient relocation tips is to take photos of everything you can, from your living room layout to cables, before you disconnect them, of course. So besides labeling, this can also help you get an idea of what goes where, and your PC will be running again in no time. What a great moving hack, isn’t it?

Step 4. Boxing up the Tower and the Monitor

Wonder how do you safely pack a computer? Well, here it’s, now comes the important part, do not worry, it’s not as complicated as packing glasses, so you can go through this with little to no stress. Just follow the below-described tips, and it will all be a piece of cake.

Wrap the Tower Like Professional Movers

If you ever hired professional New York City movers, then you know that their packing service is usually impeccable and that they can wrap pretty much everything safely. However, you can do it too, just give yourself a chance. The best would be to take a large sheet of bubble wrap, but you can also use two or three smaller sheets to wrap your tower. The next step would be to wrap it all in moving blankets and then place it in the cardboard container. You should strive to find a smaller box that fits tightly, so there’s not much space around it, but anyways you should insert crumpled paper for cushioning to ensure nothing moves inside.

Tips on How to Prepare Your Monitor for Moving

If you’re wondering how to transport a PC monitor, it’s pretty much the same thing as when relocating your flat-screen TV. You need to be extra careful, even if you’re living in Brooklyn and relocating to some of the safest neighborhoods nearby. The first thing you should do is to remove the stand, if that’s possible, and wrap it separately. Use packing paper for wrapping up the screen gently, and then cut a piece of cardboard, approximately the same size, and tape it to the screen.

Then take a sheet of bubble wrap, wrap it all together, and tape it in the end. You can also use a blanket as an additional wrapper or a protection layer before boxing it up. Again, try to find a box that is the perfect fit, not too big, not too small, and add crumpled papers for additional cushioning if necessary. You can also try to find one of those flat-panel kits for TVs, those are also great for protecting sensitive monitors.

Step 5. Don’t Forget to Take Care of the Peripherals

If you’re already feeling a bit exhausted, perhaps you should order NYC’s best takeout to get a bit of energy to continue, but don’t worry, the end is near. If you thought we forgot about the keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals such as the mic, web cam, speakers, or the Wi-Fi router, we didn’t. Again, the best possible solution would be to transport them in their original packaging, but since you probably threw them a long time ago, you’ll have a bit more work to do.

You can rely on either paper or bubble wrap for wrapping. Just make sure to remove all the cables first and label them. Once everything is wrapped and taped, you can put them all in one large box. Just make sure you use enough crumpled papers for cushioning so that nothing moves inside. When it comes to printers, scanners, and some other bulkier devices, you can follow the exact instructions as for the tower.

How Do I Pack My Computer to Move – Laptop Edition

Besides good old desktop computers, nowadays many work on laptops since they are smaller and often more convenient. Also, transporting them can be somewhat easier. All you need is a sleeve bag and a classic laptop bag, and you’re good to go. Just like when you’re getting ready to go to one of the best cafes to work from in NYC.

Your laptop bag can usually fit the charger, mouse, and maybe a few other smaller things like adapters, headphones, and other accessories if you have them. We don’t recommend relying on boxes for transporting laptops. Put the laptop in a sleeve first and then in a classic laptop bag, and it will be safe and sound there.

How Do You Unpack Your Devices After a Move?

You worried a lot and wondered how do I pack my computer to move, but how do you unpack it? Although this might seem like a no-brainer, especially if you labeled everything properly and know what goes where but not so fast, there are still a few steps you should follow. First of all, give it some time. We know you can’t wait to connect all devices and check if everything is working or to watch your favorite game, but you should not rush with this. You can unpack everything from the boxes, but don’t turn on the device for at least 24 hours. Especially if your stuff was in storage for a while, or the truck ride was a bit longer than expected. Changes in temperature and humidity can harm your devices, so give them some time to adjust.

Now You Know How to Pack a Desktop Computer for Moving, But What About Other Electronics?

Whether you’re living in Manhattan and looking to move to one of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn, or vice versa, we are sure you have plenty of good reasons to move around the city. But if your to-do list is too long, you can rely on Twin Brothers Movers in New York to take care of every aspect of your residential relocation. We showed you how to pack a computer for shipping, but if you have an office with dozens of computers and other electronics, it is easier to rely on us and our commercial relocation services since electronics are not on our list of items movers won’t move. Whatever the reason for your relocation might be, contact us, and we will take care of everything.