How to Pack a Computer for a Move

The professional movers at All My Sons Moving & Storage offer packing services to get everything in your household, including your computer, packed for your move. In case you are packing yourself, here are 5 steps that should help you get your computer secured for the move.

Your computer could be busy work machine, a focused study tool, or a thrilling gaming setup, but all computers are created equal when you need to move. Bulky, delicate, and expensive to replace. 

Protect your computer during your move with these five steps to packing a computer.

Before you move your computer, you should back up any essential data onto a flash drive or external hard drive. Take this item with your essentials and emergencies bag or at least pack it separately from the computer in case something should happen to it.

Unplug all cables from the back of your computer or monitor. Separate desktop towers from monitors, mice, speakers, printers, or any other hardware items you have hooked up to your computer.

If you have the original packaging your device came in then you can pack the computer or monitor right back into that box designed to keep it secure. If you threw that box out a long time ago, don’t fear or fret. Desktop towers can typically fit into small to medium boxes. You can purchase reinforced packing boxes from many retailers. You should use the smallest box that can comfortably accommodate your machine.

We recommend you pack the monitors and the desktop tower separately. Monitors might be able to comfortably fit into a specialty TV Box.

Coil cords and cables tightly and use Velcro straps or twist ties to keep them together. You can label cords with paper tape to keep track of which cord belongs where. 

Line your box with bubble wrap before you place the large computer components inside. You should probably put your desktop tower and your computer monitors in antistatic bags before you add any additional packing material. 

Put your desktop tower in your box upright. If there is room, pack additional computer items like mice, keyboards, speakers, or cables around the desktop tower. 

Completely fill any empty space in your box with packing material like packing paper or packing peanuts. 

When your box is complete it should be packed tight so the contents do not shift around and you should still be able to lift it. If you cannot lift your computer box, it becomes a hazard for you and your movers. Repack the box with lighter items inside until you can lift the box.

Make sure your computer box and monitor box are thoroughly sealed. Label the boxes as “FRAGILE” and put an arrow on the box to indicate that it must be moved upright. 

If you are putting your computer into storage for any length of time, consider packing with desiccants to prevent damage from humidity.

After you wrangle that computer into a box, be sure to book your professional movers. All My Sons Moving & Storage would be delighted to bring our customer-centric care to your move, and we’ll be sure to treat your computer with special care.

Call 1-866-726-1579 to reach one of our 90+ locations across the United States or use the online quote form below to get started on your move.