How to Pack Computers for a Move

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. 

 

Once everything is in the box, fill all the open spaces with peanut packing. You really want the box filled up with the packing material so nothing moves inside.  Be sure to tape every side of the box securely with good, strong packing tape. Mark the box clearly stating to keep the box right side up indicate 'fragile' on the box.

One last caution: When you are putting your computer back together again, plug the power cord in last to avoid shocks.