Mar
Moving can be stressful, especially when it comes to packing and transporting your computer. This guide from White Glove Moving provides tips and advice on how to safely pack and transport your desktop and its accessories, ensuring that it arrives at your new destination in one piece.
Here are our tips for how to pack a PC for moving.
Make Backups as Needed
Before moving a computer, you must make backups of all your important files and documents. You never know what might happen during the move, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
External Hard Drive or Cloud
One way to make backups is using an external hard drive. This device allows you to transfer all your data onto it, ensuring you can access it on another computer if needed. Alternatively, you can use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to store your data remotely.
Files, Photos, and Games
When making backups, be sure to include all your important files, photos, and games. If you’re moving your computer to a new location, having all your data with you is essential so you don’t have to rely on downloading or transferring files later.
Power Down and Unplug
Before packing your computer, be sure to power it down and unplug it from the electrical outlet. This step is crucial to avoid any electrical surges or damage to your computer during transportation.
Shut Down Correctly
When shutting down your computer, it’s essential to do it correctly. Don’t simply push the power button, as this can cause issues with the operating system. Instead, shut down the computer through the operating system and wait for it to power down entirely before unplugging it.
Disconnect From Power
Remove any power cords from the tower and monitors. If things are still plugged in while moving the computer, the cord and the port where it is placed could be damaged if items are accidentally dropped or knocked around.
Disconnect Accessories
When moving a computer, you want to ensure nothing is still plugged into the tower during transit to protect the ports. You should disconnect:
- Monitors
- Mouse
- Bluetooth receivers
- Keyboard
- Etc.
Eject Anything in the Disk Drive
If you have any CDs or DVDs in the disk drive, eject them before packing your computer. Leaving discs in the drive can cause damage during transportation, and you may be unable to retrieve them if they get stuck.
Label Your Cables
When thinking about how to pack a PC, one crucial thing you should do is label each cable that you unplug. You wouldn’t want to get to your new home and have to deal with trying to figure out which cord goes where. Save yourself the hassle and label each cord.
Organize Using Bags or Rubber Bands
In addition to labeling all of your cords, try to keep them all together by putting them in a sealable bag or tying them together with a rubber band. Doing this helps guard against losing a cord during the computer moving process.
Gather Packing Materials
Once you’ve prepared your computer for moving, it’s time to gather your PC packing materials. Here are the items you should have before you start packing.
- Product packaging: If you still have the original packaging that your computer came in, you can easily pack it up with this instead of finding a new box.
- Sturdy cardboard boxes: Without the original packaging, you’ll need to find sturdy cardboard boxes that are the right size to hold the pieces of your computer while moving.
- Packing paper: Use packing paper to wrap your monitors or fill empty spaces in the computer tower.
- Padding: You’ll need paddings like Bubble Wrap, air pockets, or packing paper to fill the space around the computer while moving it.
- Packing tape: Make sure your moving boxes are securely taped to prevent the chance of the box splitting apart.
- Markers and masking tape: Place a piece of masking tape around each cord, then label it with the marker.
- Resealable bags and rubber bands: Group like cords together with a rubber band, then place them in a resealable bag to prepare for the move.
Boxing Up Your PC
Now that you have everything you need for packing your computer, it’s time to get everything into your moving box. It’s important to pack your computer safely to avoid damage during the move. Here are some steps to help you pack your PC securely.
Line the Box With Padding and Paper
The first step is to line the box with PC packing material like padding and paper. Use crumpled newspaper, packing peanuts, packing paper, or Bubble Wrap to create a cushioned layer at the bottom of the box. This will absorb any shocks or vibrations during transport and protect your PC.
Wrap Your Tower/Case in Paper
Next, wrap your PC tower or case in paper, making sure it stays upright to keep internal components from shifting. This will prevent any scratches or dents while moving the computer. Avoid using plastic wrap as it can generate static electricity.
Pack Monitor/s Carefully
When moving your computer monitor, cover the screen with a soft cloth, packing paper, or foam sheets to prevent scratches. Then, add padding around the monitor, such as Bubble Wrap or foam inserts. This will keep the monitor safe and secure during transport.
Wrap Accessories and Pack Around the Tower
Wrap all accessories, such as the keyboard, mouse, and speakers, in paper or Bubble Wrap. Place them carefully around the tower in the moving box, filling any gaps with padding. This is one of the most recommended ways for how to pack a computer for moving as it keeps components together and minimizes movement within the box.
Fill the Box Snuggly
After packing all the components, fill any remaining gaps in the box with padding or paper. The box should be snug enough that nothing moves when you shake it.
Label the Box as Fragile
Finally, label the computer moving box as fragile and include arrows to indicate which side should be kept upright. This will alert whoever moves the box to handle it with extra care.
Tips for Keeping Your PC Safe During Your Move
We’ve covered how to pack a computer, and now we have some extra tips for keeping your computer safe while moving to a new home.
Don’t Dismantle/Pack Your PC on Carpet
Avoid packing your computer on a carpeted surface, as it generates static electricity. This can damage the internal components, especially sensitive ones like the motherboard.
Protect Your Computer From Dust
Dust can accumulate on your computer components during the move, which can ultimately cause overheating and damage. Make sure you cover your computer tower with a dust cover or a sheet to prevent dust from settling.
Don’t Pack With Wool
Wool, like carpet, can generate static electricity and damage your PC. Avoid using wool as PC packing material during computer moving.
Use Static-Free Bubble Wrap
Choose a static-free Bubble Wrap to reduce the risk of generating static electricity.
Pack Cables Separately to Avoid Damaging Them
Pack your cables separately from your computer and its accessories. This will prevent any damage to the connectors or cables during the move.
Special Care for Gaming PCs
Gaming PCs are often expensive and have more components than regular PCs. Here are some extra steps for how to pack a PC to ensure that your gaming computer stays safe throughout the move.
- Disassemble and pack components individually: If possible, disassemble your gaming PC’s components and pack them separately. This will prevent any damage to the components.
- Tack down RAM and cables: Tack down your RAM and cables to prevent them from moving during transport and prevent damage to the motherboard.
- Stuff tower with paper: Stuff your gaming PC’s tower with crumpled paper or foam inserts to prevent movement during the move.
- Consider getting moving insurance: With an expensive gaming PC, consider getting moving insurance so you have coverage in case of any damage.
Extra Measures to Take When Shipping Your PC
Shipping your PC requires extra care to ensure that it arrives safely. Use a sturdy box, add plenty of padding, and mark it as fragile, then remove detachable parts and ensure your PC is turned off and unplugged before packing it. Choose a reputable moving company and consider purchasing insurance, and make sure to provide clear instructions for unpacking and setting up your PC.
Extra Measures to Take When Storing Your PC
When storing your PC for an extended period, take extra measures to protect it. Keep it cool, dry, and well-ventilated, and cover it with a protective sheet to prevent dust accumulation. If you’re storing your PC for a long time, consider removing and storing the hard drive separately. Make sure to power up your PC regularly to prevent electrical damage from power surges.
Leave Computer Moving to White Glove
Computers are an expensive investment that need to be moved properly. If you’d rather not figure out how to pack a PC alone, let the moving professionals at White Glove Moving help. We’ll carefully pack your computer and all its accessories and ensure everything gets to your new home safely. Contact our team today to get a quote on your upcoming move.