Tips for Packing Electronics for a Move
August 27, 2018
Cord, cords, cords everywhere! If you're planning a move from one home or office to another, no doubt you're about to be inundated with cords and wires and plugs aplenty. After all, according to the Consumer Electronics Association, the average American household has at least 24 electronic products each. McKendree Moving & Storage offers tips for packing them in a way that eases setup in your new home or office. First, dig out those manufacturers' / users' guides and check for any special moving instructions. If they've long ago hit the trash or recycling bins or simply disappeared, no worries. Chances are you can download or request a new one with a quick online search. If you happen to have the original product packaging that your electronics came in, use it. Not only is it already configured for that particular product, but it'll make it easier to quickly identify among the dozens of identical moving boxes. If you don't have the original packaging, use a double-walled box slightly larger than the piece of equipment you're moving. Before disconnecting any wires or plugs, mark the wire or cable and the port you're removing it from with adhesive labels. This will make it far easier to decipher which cord goes with which piece of equipment. Use twist ties to carefully secure the cables so they don't unravel and place them inside a sealable bag and tape the bag to the piece of equipment. If your electronic features parts that easily disconnect or could break, disassemble the device for easier, safer packing. If it's a bit complicated, write down step-by-step instructions so you'll remember how to reassemble your electronics later. Keep those instructions inside the box with the equipment. If you're moving a printer that uses toner or ink cartridges, remove and store them in sealable bags or you may be in for a colorful mess. When moving computers, DVD players, CD players and the like, remove all media first and pack them separately to prevent damage to both. Keep in mind that CDs and software can't tolerate high temperatures, so consider carrying them with you rather than packing them away on a moving truck. When packing electronics, always use antistatic packing bubbles or popcorn. Take care not to use materials that will conduct electricity, as this could damage your electronics during handling. Place the largest and heaviest electronics on the bottom and fill all open spaces with packing material so nothing rattles or shifts during transport. Carefully seal and mark boxes as to the contents. It's also a good idea to write the word 'fragile' or something to that effect on the box as a reminder to movers to take extra caution. For more help and guidance when moving to or from the Washington, DC area, call 800-530-2626 and speak with a McKendree Moving & Storage representative today.
