Packing a Computer for Long-Distance Move

Nowadays, you depend on your computer for everything from at-home job opportunities to connecting with family and friends, so when planning a long-distance move, you want to take proper steps to protect your computer for the long journey ahead. Before you start packing your computer, you should make sure that you have enough packing supplies and other materials you may need for the job. If you no longer have the cardboard box that your computer came in, find a thick-walled box with the dimensions you need. Additionally, you should have on hand heavy-duty packing tape, bubble wrap, Ziploc bags, and packing paper. (If you don’t have packing paper, blankets or towels are good substitutes.)

Next, you should prepare your computer for the move by backing up any essential data. To do so, you can transfer all important files to an external hard drive or use a cloud-based server. If the data is not particularly extensive, you can use a USB flash drive for backup. After you’ve made sure all your critical information has been backed up, it’s time to start:

Properly Packing Your Computer

 Shut down the computer and take a photo of all the cords in the back so that you remember how everything was connected. Then:

• Disconnect all cords, secure them with cable ties or rubber bands, and store everything in a Ziploc bag.
• Clean the computer by wiping it down thoroughly and clearing dust from vents.
• Wrap the computer tower (CPU) a few times over with bubble wrap and secure it with tape.
• Bubble-wrap the monitor in similar fashion, making sure not to tape the monitor itself. The monitor screen is the most fragile part of the system, so, for extra protection, you can also wrap it in a blanket.
• Lay packing paper, towels, or blankets at the bottom of the original computer box or a similar thick-walled box.
• Place the CPU in the box first, then the monitor, screen facing downward.
• Fill any empty space with packing paper to prevent components from jostling around during transit.
• Shut the box and label it “Computer” and “Fragile” to alert movers that this box requires careful handling.

At Atlantic Relocations, we are experts at both residential and commercial long-distance relocations. Whether you’re moving your personal computer or the system you rely on in a small business, we can help you pack, move, and deliver your equipment safely to your new location. With expertise honed by more than 40 years of industry experience, we are well-qualified to move you anywhere in the United States. Contact us for more packing tips, or to learn more about our moving services.