Packing electronics for moving is often not among the first steps we take when preparing to settle into a new home. Sooner or later, however, we get around to it, and it becomes clear that a lack of preparation poses some serious challenges. Adequate care for delicate devices such as laptops, gaming consoles, and their accompanying accessories like cables, chargers, adapters, and others is of great importance. This can help prevent damage, loss of belongings, and even confusion upon arrival at the new location. To this end, we have created a guide that will introduce you to the most practical ideas for packing electronics during a move. You'll discover time-tested methods and tips that you can implement with ease. Thus, your belongings will arrive in perfect condition.
Preparing your electronics for a safe move
Create an inventory of your electronics
The first step is to add all electronic devices you plan to move to a list. To avoid missing anything, you can start from the biggest to the smallest. This will help you be more organized and you will be sure that nothing is forgotten. Include details such as the name and type of device. If possible, add in accessories - like chargers or remotes. If it's safer to have them packed separately, be sure to describe their details too. For more expensive items, you can also write the serial numbers. A well-thought-out and detailed list will not only help you in packing and unpacking but could also be of value in insurance claims should any damage occur during the move.
It could be helpful to gather all your user manuals in one place. If you don't have them, download them from the manufacturer's website. Before you start preparing them, you can also read our guide to packing books.
Back up important data and files
Before packing, back up all important data to an external drive or cloud storage. Moving runs the risk of physical damage, and having a backup ensures your more important information is safe. This step is especially important for devices like laptops, personal computers, and tablets.
Clean your electronics
Before packing up your electronics for the move, take the time to properly clean and prepare your devices. Dust and other debris can cause scratches or damage sensitive parts. You can use a microfiber screen cloth and compressed air to clean the ports. Remove batteries from devices to prevent leakage during transport and disconnect peripherals such as keyboards, mice, or monitors. Rechargeable batteries can be charged several days before the move.
As for larger devices, be sure to secure any moving parts such as printer trays or camera lenses to avoid breakage. To avoid nasty surprises, remove the toner cartridge from your printer and pack it well in a separate package.
Best practices for packing electronics
Packing your electronics properly will make the moving process much easier. Here are a few best practices to implement right away:
How to pack laptops, tablets, and other devices
A common tip is to not throw away the original boxes of your laptops or tablets because they are the best option for packing. They are designed for protection and in most cases provide a snug fit. Don't skimp on volume at the expense of security. If you don't have suitable boxes though, wrap each device in anti-static bubble wrap, then secure it with duct tape. Place devices in sturdy boxes, filling any empty spaces with cushioning materials such as foam inserts or crumpled paper to prevent dislodging during moving.
Organizing and packing cables, chargers, and accessories
To avoid tangling cables, gather them with Velcro tape and label them, such as "TV HDMI." Subsequently, unpacking will be significantly easier, and you will quickly find their intended use. Make sure the cables go in one place to reduce the chance of something getting lost.
Packing Small Electronics and Accessories
Small devices such as smartphones, headphones and smartwatches often go in hand luggage to always be accessible. However, it's a good idea to pay attention to them too. There is always a risk of damage or loss. Put them in a separate padded case and secure it further to keep them protected during the trip.
Protecting fragile electronics with padding
Wrap delicate items, such as TVs or monitors, in padded blankets to avoid scratching. Alternatively, you can choose a box that is slightly larger than the device. After placing it, you can fill it with packing peanuts or bubble wrap. The goal is to have no movement inside the box - everything should remain secure, even with bumps.
Tips for labelling and organizing boxes
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room to which it belongs, such as "Living Room - TV and Accessories". Be sure to add "Fragile" and "This Side Up" stickers to boxes of delicate electronics. Colour-coded labels by room can also speed unpacking.
Tools and materials for packing electronics
When packing electronics for a move, having the right tools and materials is essential. Start with:
Multi-purpose boxes
Durable boxes, preferably double-walled, for heavier electronics, and choose boxes slightly larger than your devices to allow for proper padding. For sensitive items such as televisions or desktop computers, consider using special boxes designed specifically for their size.
Zip bags
Protect smaller items like USB drives and adapters by placing them in zip bags to keep them organized.
Anti-static bubble wrap
To protect your devices from electrostatic damage, wrap them in anti-static bubble wrap, especially laptops, PCs or gaming consoles.
Other packaging materials
Add packing peanuts or foam for extra cushioning inside boxes to prevent shifting during transport, and you'll have everything securely packed and ready to move safely.
