Your home computer represents an investment, whether you
use it to plan your family's budget, file recipes, communicate with your family
and friends or simply enjoy games. Naturally, you want to safeguard it from
damage. With careful planning and proper packing, your computer can be
transported safely when you relocate.
First, check for discs in the hard drive and then
turn the computer off. The next step will be to unplug each
component. You might want to label each cord by putting a piece of masking
tape around each one, and marking it to let you know which cord goes to each
component. You can also use the masking tape idea to remind you where each
plug goes when it is time to set the computer up again. Wind each cord up,
and secure them with twist ties so they do not get tangled. Put them into
a plastic bag that can go into the box with the computer for safekeeping.
Use a secure plastic such as bubble wrap®. If you have a
separate monitor, make sure that the screen is well protected with bubble wrap®
as well. Make sure to have the Styrofoam corners in place to put the hard
drive on top of, or put bubble wrap® in the bottom of the box for added
protection. Sit the hard drive into the box right side up. Make sure
your computer is right side up - you really don’t want to lay the motherboard
or a monitor on its side. If you can, pack the keyboard and the mouse in the
same box.
One last caution: When you are putting your computer back together again, plug the power cord in last to avoid shocks.
