How to Pack Electronics for Moving – The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need

Wrapping up electronic devices is not exactly a straightforward job. There are some things you should pay attention to and things you shouldn’t do. But, once you read our article, you will know everything you have to know about this part of the relocation process. Don’t worry, your valuables will stay in one piece and fully functional, even if you decide to go through this without the help of local movers in New York.

Why Is Packing Electronics Tricky, and How Best to Protect Them?

Considering that gadgets are one of the most fragile items in your home, you should be extra careful while handling them. This task may seem way more straightforward than packing glasses, but even though they are both fragile types of things, gadgets are more valuable. Proper supplies and adequate placing in packages should be enough to ensure your devices are safe from bumps on the road.

Back-Up Your Files Before You Start to Pack

Although this may not be as physically challenging as transporting a piano, the problem is the possibility of losing important files if your computer gets damaged. Before you start anything else, make sure that you have backed-up all the essential files you have, just in case something unpredictable happens. You can always get insurance for your devices not to suffer financial loss, and we suggest you do that, but files are harder to get back. So, backing up is essential!

What Materials Should You Use?

There are standard materials that do excellent work protecting devices, but if you want to be extra cautious, you can dig up the original product manual or look it up online. The company that produced something always knows the best way to protect that device. Additionally, if you still have original packages, use them, as they are the most suitable for the gadget’s shape. However, we’re guessing that you don’t have them. No problem, other supplies will work just fine. Here’s what you will need:

• Quality boxes,
• Packing paper or blankets,
• Anti-static bubble wrap,
• Tape and markers,
• Stickers,
• Twist ties.

All of these materials are easy to obtain, even if you’re relocating in a hurry. They won’t have much impact on your expenses checklist, and they will ensure your devices stay in perfect condition. You can even get some of them for free – there are plenty of places where you can get free boxes for your relocation.

Tips for Improvising Packing Materials

Additionally, one of our best moving tips is this – you can always improvise some materials. In this case, if you haven’t donated clothes already, you can use some of them or towels and regular blankets to fill the space in the box so that nothing can move during transportation. They can do the same work as foam peanuts, so keep that in mind if you want to save some money and write down one less thing to buy on your to-do list.

It’s Important That You Know How to Prepare Electronics for a Move

Hold on, it’s not time for filling the packages yet. Before you get to that, there are a few tasks you mustn’t skip – for both safety and practical reasons. Devices are not on the list of most commonly forgotten things to pack since we utilize them daily, and there are so many of them in our place. You likely have plenty of cords to go with all those gadgets, right? Well, just think how annoying it would be to arrive at your new home and then have to untangle all that to find a charger for a laptop, for example. Who wants to add that to all the relocation stress?

Luckily, that can be avoided simply by labeling the cords with stickers. If you want to move efficiently, you should always have some stickers or post notes by your side – they always come in handy. You can write on the sticker what the cable is for or mark the device with the same-color sticker to know what goes with what. Additionally, to keep the confusion to a minimum, you should put the cable in the same box as the device it goes with. If you have a printer, eject printer cartridges from the device before the transport, and secure them in plastic bags. Also, tape the CD drives shut on all devices after you take out the CD. Removing the batteries where you can also is good to do.

How to Pack Electronics for Moving Like a Professional

This may not be as easy as packing books or organizing and packing shoes, but you’ll be okay. Start with checking whether all the devices are turned off and all the cables are disconnected. Then coil the wires and secure them with twist ties. Of course, label the wires, as we’ve mentioned before. If you don’t have twist ties, elastic bands can work as well. And lastly, put the cables in plastic bags and seal them. That way, you’ll be sure they are protected.

Is It Safe to Wrap Electronics in Bubble Wrap?

Yes, it is, but if it’s an anti-static bubble wrap. Regular ones are not good enough for this task. It’s a commonly known fact that static can inflict damage on gadgets. If you didn’t know that, now you do, and you should keep that in mind when visiting the supply store. Also, you can use blankets or clean paper. It doesn’t make much difference in which material you use. The one important thing is that you always separate the devices with one or more layers of paper or cardboard so that they can’t rub off each other and potentially damage themselves. It’s always better to learn how to pack a computer than to have to get a new screen once you settle in your new home, somewhere in the safest neighborhoods in NYC, and all you want to do is relax and maybe organize a staycation in NYC to have some fun and put the relocation behind you.

How Do You Package Electronics Like a Pro?

One of our tips would be to try and contact the manufacturer and ask them for the original packaging since transporting in the original box is the ultimate best solution. But, if that doesn’t work, there are plenty of moving hacks and tips that will make sure you do everything the right way. So, how do you correctly fill the boxes? Once your device is adequately wrapped, lay it in the carton packaging and fill the residual space. This is crucial! You can put pads, blankets, foam peanuts, crumpled paper – whatever you can think of. The point is that it’s fluffy and comfortable, and nothing can move, so your valuables won’t break in transport. Don’t forget to put the cables in the package with their corresponding device. And voila, that’s it.

The Last Step Is to Seal the Box, and Label It – But Carefully

Now comes the moment for the tape. We hope you’ll buy some quality one, as it wouldn’t be good for you if the tape tears while you’re carrying a box and everything falls out. Can you imagine the horror? So, just as when we’re talking about packing plates, the quality tape is essential here as well. Seal the boxes with a lot of tape, and don’t worry about taping them more than necessary – there’s no such thing.

When you feel confident you’ve managed to seal everything successfully, labeling is the last step left to do after packing. But, as these things are costly, it’s not always wise to label them. That may attract unwanted attention and put them at risk of getting stolen. What should you do, then? Either don’t label at all or write the name of something else, less valuable. Before you start to fill any packages, you should check out some additional ideas on wrapping up devices for shipment. Take a look at the video below to see how it is done.

What to Keep in Mind If You Have to Store These Items in the Storage

It is essential that you choose the storage where they have optimal conditions to keep your items safe. Any suitable storage should have constant control of the temperature and humidity in their units. You shouldn’t put the packages with devices directly on the floor, as that will expose them to moisture. Another excellent tip we have for you – you should put devices in the back part of the storage unit.

This is another way to protect them from potential thieves. Plus, if the packages aren’t labeled, they will be secured even more. You mustn’t forget that batteries can explode or leak acid if they remain inside the device for an extended period. Take them out before you store the device. Also, you should cover both the device and the battery in paper rather than bubble covers since they don’t protect from moisture.

If You Want to Make Your Move Easier, Our New York Movers Are Here to Help

If this task seems tedious to you – we have great news. Devices and gadgets are usually not on the list of items movers won’t move. The best thing you can do for yourself is to hire a reputable New York moving company and invest in residential moving services.

Moving Items From Your Office or Home Is Easy and Efficient With Us

Suppose you’re relocating your workplace and have an office full of devices. In that case, you can significantly benefit from our commercial moving services, and that combined with our packing service will be perfect for you. Whatever your reasons to move are, we will help you settle in the new place quickly and without any lost or damaged belongings! Contact our movers for a free quote and any additional information.