In addition to being some of the most valuable things you can own, devices like computers and TVs are also incredibly fragile. This is the main reason why learning how to pack electronics for moving should be one of your top priorities when relocating in Philadelphia. If you need some assistance, this blog will take you through everything you should know about securing these expensive belongings.
While there’s no doubt that you can learn to do this on your own, be aware that you’ll have to buy tons of materials for just a few devices. It’s often much easier to book professional movers in Philadelphia, PA, to do it for you, so consider that the next time you have to move.
Why Is it Important to Learn How to Pack Electronics for Moving?
Home appliances and electronic devices are not only some of the most fragile items you own but also some of the most expensive. This is precisely why you’ll want to make sure that they are adequately secured before you move them. Failing to do so could end up costing you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in property damage, and considering your relocation expenses are already stretched as is, that’s something you certainly want to avoid. Thankfully, this guide will take you through everything you should know about securing these valuable belongings for relocation.
Which Supplies Will I Need to Prepare These Devices?
When you think about securing anything, the first thing that comes to mind should be getting all the necessary supplies. Before going out for supplies, know that most professional Philadelphia moving companies recommend you use the original packaging materials for your electronic devices. They are tailor-made for them, allowing you to skip a lot of the preparations you would otherwise have to do at the later stages of the relocation. However, if you haven’t kept these materials, it’s better to resupply sooner rather than later. If you’re not sure what to buy, add the following supplies and equipment to your to-do list:
- Boxes of all shapes and sizes,
- Paper,
- Bubble wrap,
- Packing peanuts,
- Styrofoam,
- Plastic shrink wraps,
- Ziploc bags,
- Tape,
- Twist ties or rubber bands,
- Markers and stickers.
Is Bubble Wrap Safe for Electronics?
While it is very commonly used for securing delicate objects, bubble wrap has been known to release electrostatic discharges, which can damage all sorts of appliances. This often occurs in storage or when shipping the belongings, which is precisely why you should never cover your devices with anything that’s not labeled ESD safe. Fortunately, you can use its alternative, anti-static form, but it’s only available in better-supplied stores. Since there aren’t many of these in most Philadelphia neighborhoods, try checking out some places outside the city, like the SupplyOne store in Pennsauken. Otherwise, you can also get it from one of the better moving companies in Philadelphia – if you book their packing services, that is.
How to Prepare Electronics for a Move?
While you might want to jump right on wrapping all your devices right away, it’s best to take all the necessary precautions when preparing these items for relocation. If you own many high-tech gizmos and expensive home appliances, consult the original product manual to ensure that the item doesn’t require any special treatment. Don’t stress too much if you haven’t kept them, as most tech companies post these online for free. These preparations are some of the most important things to do before relocating, so it’s crucial not to skimp over them even if you have to move in a hurry.
Remember to Backup Your Data Before You Start Packing Electronics
We already mentioned that these devices are very fragile, so if anything were to happen to them, you potentially stand to lose all of your data. Considering even a well-secured item can be damaged or lost in an accident, it’s best to be extra safe and backup everything before you start wrapping it. Several cloud storage platforms allow you to upload large amounts of content for free, but you might have to spend some money on premium services if you want to secure all the files online. You’re likely already using Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, or Dropbox, so you’ll get the hang of it pretty quickly. It’s also good to make a hard copy of the files. While downloading everything could take some time, an external hard drive or a USB can easily be carried anywhere.
Don’t Forget to Secure Cables and Other Peripherals After You Unplug Them
Most of your devices come with all sorts of peripherals, so you’ll also have to detach and unplug them before you start preparing the object. These components are packed separately but should be kept near the original item when boxed up, or they will easily get lost in the shuffle. Despite being crucial for running your gadgets, power cords and chargers are some of the most commonly forgotten things to pack. They also get tangled pretty quickly, so it’s best to use twist ties or rubber bands to secure them once they are winded up.
Considering computers, internet routers, and similar objects come with lots of these peripherals, it would be a good idea to take pictures with everything attached before you start unplugging. Although this is one of the more common things people forget to do when relocating, doing it will allow you to easily set up the device as soon as you move in. Keep all cables and smaller peripherals in plastic bags once they’re detached from the main machine, and you’ll be all set. These relocation hacks are essential for those who have a ton of similar belongings, as you can easily miss a cable two when there’s a ton of them lying around the place.
However, cables aren’t the only peripherals you’ll come across, and many large objects will have something specific that has to be dealt with. Like some items movers won’t move that can easily spill over, it might be better to eject the cartridges from the printer just in case, as the ink would be impossible to remove. The same goes for batteries or anything else that can leak.
How Do You Package Electronics for Shipping?
Since we’re not talking about packing books, you can’t simply throw the devices in boxes and hope they don’t get damaged during transport. Before you start loading the goods, each box will have to be appropriately padded with some of the materials we mentioned. While paper might be suitable for packing dishes and some large items, boxes containing more fragile gadgets will have to be padded with bubble wrapping, styrofoam, or even peanuts. Don’t skimp on the materials, as you’ll need large quantities to prevent any movement within the container. Once you create a layer of padding on the bottom, slowly lower the wrapped item in the box, then continue adding more padding on the sides and top before closing the lids and taping it.
Label Each Box That Contains These Items as Fragile
Whether you’re dealing with pots and pans or delicate gadgets, labeling is one of the critical parts of your preparations. Firstly, it allows you to find any device you need quickly and without having to open all the containers as soon as you move in. Secondly, it prevents mix-ups from occurring, saving the belongings from potential damage due to mishandling. This is particularly important when hiring Philly movers to assist you, as they won’t know what each container will hold since they haven’t packed them. Label the boxes with electronic devices as fragile right away, and you won’t have to worry about any of these problems. It’s pretty straightforward, as you can write down “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” with a simple marker. There are also plenty of custom-made signs that you can print or buy at one of the local supply stores.
How to Prepare Specific Devices for Relocation?
Now that all the necessary preparations have been made, it’s time you finally learn how these things should be packed. While many electronic devices are inherently fragile, packing each item will vary slightly depending on its type. The next few chapters will go over some of the most common electric objects you’ll have to prepare when relocation.
How to Protect the TV Like a True Professional?
While more and more people are turning away from watching television, almost everyone still has a TV in their living room, as where else would the rest of the furniture be pointed at. A large flat-screen TV is easily one of the most expensive pieces of technology you can own, so it’s not surprising that you’d want to secure it from any potential damage at all costs.
Packing a TV starts with unmounting it from the wall or taking it off the stand. Considering the display is its most delicate part, cover it with a large piece of cardboard or foam sheets, which you’ll secure with tons of bubble wrapping or paper. To keep the whole thing from unraveling, cover the entire thing with plastic shrink wraps. Once that’s done, you only have to lower it in a pre-prepared container in the upright position so that the display is facing the sides. That’s the same position it should be placed onto the truck, as putting anything on the display will easily cause it to crack.
How to Prepare a Home Computer and a Laptop for Relocation?
Considering a high-end computer can cost upward of $2,000, you must do everything you can to prepare your machine correctly. While securing the monitor is the same as boxing up a TV, packing a computer case is slightly different. Although you’ll often use bubble wrapping, placing styrofoam sleeves in crucial spots will also keep the tower safe despite being significantly cheaper. Laptops are even easier to secure. If you have a laptop sleeve or a good backpack, you’ll be ready to go.
How Do I Pack My Stereo Equipment for Moving?
If you haven’t already guessed it, securing a stereo will be very similar to what we mentioned with the computer case. However, sometimes this equipment can be so big that you’ll have to separate the individual speakers from the station. You should be particularly careful when loading it onto the truck, as taller equipment like this can easily topple during transport. That’s why it’s good to secure it against one of the walls or between furniture where it can’t move. If you want to see how a stereo receiver can be packed, check out the video below.
How to Keep These Items Safe in Storage?
Before you start preparing the devices for moving and storage in Philadelphia, make sure that the facilities you plan on using are climate-controlled. After all, you’ll move with a lot less relocation stress knowing that your valuable stuff is kept under appropriate storage conditions. The unit shouldn’t have low humidity and some strong shelves where you can easily place your things, as leaving them on the floor certainly isn’t a good option. Lastly, batteries and some components are known to leak when stored for too long, so you might want to remove them just in case.
Need Some Help With Packing These Devices? Our Philadelphia Moving Company Is Ready to Assist You
The bottom line is that anyone using lots of padding shouldn’t have a problem securing any devices. However, this means you’ll require a ton of supplies just to move efficiently. Besides, this is only one of the many tasks you’ll have to cover. If you think changing your address and learning how to organize important documents might not seem like much, you’ll be stretched thin once you add all the things to do after relocating. Don’t wait to feel overwhelmed by all the obligations, and let Philadelphia Movers take care of all the boxing up for you.
Our residential moving services in Philadelphia will allow you to transport all your devices safely anywhere in the city. You won’t even have to worry about getting supplies, as the service comes with everything included. The same is true for commercial relocations, which are perfect for businesses that want to move a large number of electronic devices. These were only some of the services we offer, so if you want to learn more about everything our company can do for you, contact our customer support and request a free estimate.