How to pack a computer for shipping

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Having a home office is more and more common these days. As video calls and remote working grow in popularity many jobs that used to require a commute to the office can now be done from home. This is awesome for wearing your pajamas for work and balancing children raising etc, but it does pose another set of objects that need careful packing before a move. If you have a home office and are about to move to a new house, read on for tips about how to safely pack and store a computer and other associated accessories.

Packing a computer for shipping or moving

While many people use laptops, which are easy to pack inside a case or sleeve and move along with the personal digital equipment a large computer or monitor requires a bit more thought. Before doing anything take a photo of the way any cords are plugged into your computer so you can quickly get set back up when you arrive at your new home. Next, unplug these cords and put them in a labeled bag! If you have the original packaging for the monitor, this is a really easy way to transport the fragile screen. If not, wrap the screen in bubble wrap of a soft cloth and secure it firmly so that it will remain protected on its journey, next cut a packing box down to size so that the monitor can be supported. Do not let the monitor be packed horizontally or have heavy items placed in the same box. If possible transport your office computer separately with you in a car instead of going in the truck. Monitors are extremely fragile on their screen side, so it’s really important to carefully label this box with arrows and directions for anyone that will be moving it.

The same goes with the actual computer: wrap in something soft, before packing in firmer materials such as a cardboard or plastic box. Tape the bag or cords onto this box or place them inside so these don’t get separated. While not as fragile as your monitor your computer should also be protected from bumps and falls. Once again protect it well and label it in detail!

Packing files and paperwork

Confidential or hard-to-replace paperwork should be packed separately and if possible transported personally to your new home. If you don’t have anything highly sensitive a great way to transport a lot of files is in temporary file boxes. These are reinforced on the sides and allow files from cabinets to be moved directly into the box still in their folders. A good practice is to use one box for each level of the filing cabinet so that moving them back is a breeze. If your filing cabin air isn’t too full, or if you have a mechanical moving device, you can tape your furling cabinet shut with the files still inside and transport it that way.

Packing up odds and ends from an office

An office is one of those spaces that can gather a lot of bits and pieces. These things might not seem important at the moment, but when you really need the stapler it can be a pain to have to open every box to find it! Use rubber bands to group pens and stationery together. Packing smaller items such as scissors, tape, and the stapler into Tupperware or lunch boxes will keep it all together. Be sure to label all your moving boxes well. Going into detail is critical hee. Don’t stop at ‘office’. List what is going inside and where it came from. For example, “the office — everything off my desk”. Pens, rulers, stress balls, and sticky notes.

Think about your immediate needs

Depending on your schedule, you can take a few days’ break between packing up and finally getting back to that Zoom call. If that’s the case, think ahead about any office essentials you might need. Keep your diary handy and be sure to add an out-of-office during the busy moving days!

Get moving help with CitizenShipper! Moving house with or without an office. CitizenShipper matches experienced drivers with people who need items moved. Simply post your needs on the site and you will receive personalized quotes from drivers in your area. You can review the driver’s experience, equipment, and previous jobs before accepting the match that you want.

Good luck with your move and happy home officing!

Originally published at https://citizenshipper.com on July 26, 2021.