As a tech-savvy person, you love your electronics and you can't live without them. So imagine packing up your flat-screen television, surround-sound system, or desktop computer only to discover it hasn't survived the journey to your new home.
Electronics can be a bit tricky to pack for moving day. Unlike clothes or books, electronic devices and components can easily become damaged if packed or handled incorrectly. The following offers a few smart tips that can save you some grief when it comes to packing fragile electronics.
Reuse the Original Boxes
Remember the boxes your electronics originally came in? If you haven't already recycled them or simply thrown them away, then now is a good time to repurpose them for moving day.
The benefits of reusing your original boxes are threefold. For starters, the original boxes may still contain form-fitting cardboard inserts and Styrofoam padding, which comes in handy for preventing excess movement and minimizing vibrations that could damage or even destroy your electronics.
Secondly, you'll save plenty of money on new cardboard boxes and other packaging solutions by reusing your original packaging. And last but not least, reusing your original boxes helps save the environment by reducing unnecessary waste and the need for new boxes and packing material.
Add Plenty of Padding
Whether you decide to reuse the original boxes or use brand-new ones, make sure there's plenty of padding available to cushion your electronic devices against shock. The rough-and-tumble process of moving from one place to another can take its toll on your electronics. Constant shock and vibrations from rough handling can cause delicate components to come undone or even shatter on impact.
While Styrofoam provides ample cushioning against impacts and harsh movement, Bubble Wrap and inflatable air pillows also provide a large degree of protection for electronics. Soft towels can also provide impromptu protection, but only for electronics that aren't highly vulnerable to static electricity. Newspaper can also be used in place of packing paper, but only on electronics without fragile screens to scratch.
Minimize Static Electricity
Speaking of static electricity, it also happens to be the scourge of most electronics. Minimizing static electricity is crucial for protecting your most valued investments from premature failure. Whenever possible, you should always use Bubble Wrap, bags, and other packing materials specifically designed to mitigate electrostatic discharge.
Packing materials aren't the only danger when it comes to static electricity buildup. The human body also generates enough static electricity to permanently damage sensitive electronic components. Ground yourself properly before packing computers and other sensitive electronic devices and components.
Avoid Moisture Buildup
Moisture buildup can be just as deadly for electronics as static electricity. Even short-term exposure to high humidity conditions can cause electronic contacts and other components to corrode, preventing them from operating properly.
A little desiccant can go a long way toward protecting your electronic devices. Add a silica gel packet to each box containing your electronics. The silica gel absorbs any moisture that comes into contact with it, keeping your electronics a bit drier during your move.
If you need to store your electronics in a self-storage facility for a while, make sure the facility is climate-controlled. Use storage pallets and shelves to keep your boxes a few inches off the floor and away from walls.
Keep Plugs and Cables Together
Some electronic components require a surprising number of cables and plugs to function properly. The last thing you need is to lose track of these cables -- some of which are expensive and tough to find -- during your local or cross-country move.
Fortunately, keeping all of your plugs and cables together is relatively easy. Start by labeling each cable, making notes of which devices and ports they plug into as you go along. Use zip ties to keep the cables neatly bundled and place them in an anti-static bag. Label the bag with the device those cables belong to and pack them along with your device. For more information, get in touch with a moving company.
