Keyboard packed with a plant before long-distance moving overlay
Posted in How-to, Moving Preparation on December 12, 2022
Milly Andrews

Born and raised in Portland, Milly has had a lot of experience moving and writing about the relocation process.

How to Pack a Computer for Moving Like a Pro?

When you’re relocating, one of the most important things you need to do is learn how to pack a computer for moving. Packing and transporting your PC can be stressful, particularly if it’s an expensive or delicate device. Luckily, there are some simple tips that will help you package it securely. Therefore, if you wish to learn how to transport a PC properly, so it arrives safely at your new home, all you need to do is just keep reading.

The first thing you should do is gather the necessary materials to pack your computer correctly. You’ll need some boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, foam peanuts, markers, tape, and zip bags. After backing up your data and disconcerting the cords, you can start with boxing up, but you must do it with the utmost care – use quality materials, cover every surface, and immobilize the content of the box before sealing it. Those are the steps you should take when boxing up each of the separate PC components.

Before You Start Packing, Get the Right Boxes

If you don’t plan on getting packing services from long-distance movers, the packaging (and all that goes with it) will be a part of your relocation checklist. It can be especially demanding when you need to deal with valuable items, such as electronics. In order to avoid making costly relocation mistakes, you’ll need to approach every packing step carefully – and it all starts with gathering the right packing materials. So, what do you need in this case?

First of all, you’ll need strong materials such as boxes. If you still have the original packaging for your electronics, that’s the best way to pack them. If not, you’ll need to choose the right-sized boxes for all of the components. Take a look at the table below for some useful suggestions:

Component Type of a box Approximate size of a box
Mouse and Keyboard Medium 24” x 24” x 20”
Standard Monitor Large 24 ½” x 24 ½” x 27 ½”
Small-to-Midsize PC Tower Medium 24” x 24” x 20”
Gaming PC Tower Large 24 ½” x 24 ½” x 27 ½”

What Other Materials Will You Need?

When relocating to a new state, it is important to be prepared for any unexpected obstacles that may occur during the move and keep your belongings safe. That is why you should invest in quality materials that will protect your PC the best way possible – don’t try to save on relocation costs with such valuable belongings. Besides boxes, here are some different packing materials you’ll need:

Foam peanuts

In order to prevent movement and immobilize things inside the box, use foam peanuts. It’s best to use biodegradable packing peanuts to ensure that your priceless gadgets won’t be harmed by static electricity. Your gadgets can be easily shielded from dirt, dampness, and dangerous static electricity during shipment by using anti-static supplies.

Wrapping materials

Bubble wrap and packing paper combined are great for protecting delicate items when you’re packing electronics – just make sure to use them enough so that the item is completely cushioned. Of course, when it comes to using bubble wrap, make sure you use an anti-static one (as suggested above).

Additional supplies

When it’s time to move, remember to prepare box markers for labeling, as well as quality tape that will keep the boxes sealed. Don’t forget about zip bags, either. Use these bags to protect the smaller computer components, such as screws or other similar tiny objects that can easily get lost.

Preparing Your Desktop Is Another Essential Pre-Packing Process

One of the most precious items in your home inventory is probably your computer, especially if it’s a high-end one that costs a lot of money. However, the data kept on the hard disk (work documents, pictures, unique projects, and so on) could be even more priceless than the computer itself. Therefore, you must make sure the data is securely backed up before learning how to pack a computer for shipping.

Before you begin packaging a PC for shipping, the data you want to keep should be uploaded to cloud storage, or the information should be copied into an external hard disk. If your files aren’t too large, they can be stored on a couple of flash drives. Whichever storing method you pick, however, this step must not be skipped! Remember – while malfunctioning computer components can be replaced, losing important data can be potentially disastrous.

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Take Measurements and Remove Cables

When preparing for a move and choosing the right-sized box for the PC parts, you need to measure the monitor and the PC tower’s heights. You’ll also need to take care of the mess of cables, and one of the best relocation hacks you can use for it is to take photos of the setup – a single photo can help you connect the cords in no time after the move. Another great tip is to label the cables, but note that taking a photo is proven to be much more efficient.

white cords tangled after long-distance moving
Prevent the cords from getting damaged and tangled

Avoid Dissembling the Components

You may want to take out the hard drive and other crucial internal computer parts so you can pack them individually – but don’t make it part of your relocation day preparations. You’ll have a far higher chance of harming a PC component by having to remove it, pack each component separately, and then reassemble it upon arrival. Instead of disassembling, you should simply ensure that the exterior of different PC parts is properly paced and protected.

Computer set up after cross-country moving
Disassembling different components can do more harm than good during the move

How to Pack a Computer for Moving – A Step-by-Step Guide

Keep in mind that the majority of the components in the PC tower are quite fragile and could be damaged or broken if it is not adequately protected. So, how to safely transport a PC? Here are all the necessary steps that must not be things you forget to do, even if you have a last-minute relocation:

  • Step one – make sure your PC is turned off,
  • Step two – disconnect the cords and secure them with zip ties to prevent them from getting tangled,
  • Step three – add bubble wrap or packing paper at the bottom of the box,
  • Step four – wrap the PC tower and make sure wrapping material stays in place with the help of tape; use packing paper first then repeat the process with bubble wrap,
  • Step five – position the tower upright into the box,
  • Step six – fill the gaps with cushioning materials you’ve chosen,
  • Step seven – test if the tower stays immobilized by gently shaking the box
  • Step eight – label the box clearly so you or a team from a white glove moving company knows to handle it with extra care

How to Pack a Computer Monitor?

Once you’re done with the tower, it’s time to switch your attention to the monitor – and pack it with the utmost care. Its delicate and irregular design, however, can make protecting your monitor a more difficult job. The screen is obviously going to be the most fragile component, so it’s essential you know how to pack it right.

However, the first thing you need to do is remove a detachable stand and pack it individually, first in packing paper, then in bubble wrap. After that, wrap the stand-free monitor in a couple of pieces of packing paper and then place one big piece of bubble wrap around the entire screen area to completely enclose it. This will ensure that no tape ever touches the screen surface. Tape that plastic sheet into place. If possible, place the second sheet of plastic wrap exactly on top of the first as an extra layer of protection.

Put the protected monitor upright inside the appropriately sized cardboard. Make sure to cushion the interior of the box and fill the empty space inside of it, so the monitor can stay in place during the transport. In the end, simply seal the lids and label the container.

For more valuable tips and visual presentations on packing monitors securely, make sure to check the video below:

YouTube video

Transporting Keyboard and Other Peripheral Devices

When relocating to a new home, packaging additional PC parts will also be required.- at the very least, a keyboard, a mouse, and speakers (or headphones). Some home PC systems will have even more peripherals, such as a camera, printer, scanner, and so on. Although boxing up different computer parts can be difficult at times, the overall packing concept is rather simple.

Your first layer of protection should always be soft packing paper, after which you should add bubble wrap. By doing this, you can prevent the glue from the tape from damaging the exterior of your peripherals. In addition, make sure you use the original packaging for your PC accessories wherever possible and add suitable cushioning and padding material. Lastly – take care of the cords. Avoid pressing the cables too firmly when folding them to prevent internal cable damage, and don’t mix the cords from the various peripherals.

After Learning How to Move a Desktop Computer, Make Sure You Know How to Pack a Laptop

Laptops are made with the intention of being moved around safely. Therefore, if relocating one is on your to-do list, you shouldn’t be too concerned about what it will take in order to do it safely. There are just a few long-distance relocation tips to keep in mind when transporting a laptop.

For example, if you have a laptop bag, laptop case, or laptop sleeve, use them for transport. If not, find a secure container, such as your travel handbag or luggage filled with soft clothing. Additionally, when preparing for movers, ensure your laptop is turned off and closed and all external devices are unplugged.

At the same time, a laptop will probably be a part of your relocation essentials, so make sure it stays by your side during the relocation day and the following trip. Even if you decide to get white glove moving services and let a relocation expert help you move, it shouldn’t be packed with the rest of your belongings – you’ll probably need it as soon as you move.

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Get a White Glove Moving Service and Let Professionals Pack Your Valuable Belongings

If you want to make sure that your electronics are protected during a move, then choosing a white glove moving company is the best way to go. White glove movers have the skills, equipment, and knowledge about how to pack a desktop computer for moving. After hiring movers, you can be sure that your PC, as well as the rest of your items, will arrive at their destination in one piece. However, if you’re ready to get long-distance moving services, get in touch with a reputable company as soon as possible and book your move on time.

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