Preparing Computers for your Laurel Movers

One of the things certain to be needed to move when you are changing homes is a home computer and all of its equipment. Between the leads and cords, the drives, the CPU and the ‘mouses’, as well as everything else that comes with it, moving a computer is a minor military operation in itself. For most Laurel moving companies, it is another item that they will take due care with, but for you, it may be something that you will want to move yourself. So, we’ve put together a guide to preparing a computer system for a move.

Make an Inventory

With everything that is involved, it is advisable to make an inventory of each item that you need and begin to organise which ones will go in which boxes. It’s best to be systematic about this, perhaps looking at the computer unit as the central piece and noting everything branching out from it. Disks, external drives and USB flash-drives should be included in this.

Find the Original Boxes

If it is at all possible, use the original boxes when packing. Hopefully, you’ll still have the styrofoam parts to protect the monitor, drive and keyboard. If not, then you can use paper or rags to wrap them, but bubble wrap is ideal. Remember to secure the boxes with tape inside and out. All electronic items should be boxed in their original boxes too. Failing that, find a box that is closest to the correct size and cushion the items as well as you can.

Mark the Wiring

With so many wires involved in the set-up, it’s worth tagging or marking them to make it clear what each one belongs to. Color stickers work well too. When they are marked then pack them away with their partnering items, if that is possible.

Protect the Principal Pieces

There are of course several pieces to the main unit, and the principal items will need to be protected well. These include the monitor, CPU and keyboard.

Monitor – just like a TV you need to protect the glass screen so use bubble wrap to wrap around the whole monitor. This added protection should cushion it from any banging around while on the road.

Keyboard – the original box would be ideal but, failing that, be sure that the keys are protected. Stack it on its side and be sure that it can’t move easily. There should be enough cushioning (paper, cloth, bubble wrap) to not allow a fall to break a key, but it’s best to secure it on its side.

CPU – the drive, or computer tower, should not be standing up at al while on the journey. Make sure that it is on its side. These are generally heavy enough to balance well on their side, and should be strong enough should something small fall on it. Again, bubble wrap is a great tool.

A computer is a delicate item, so it should be carefully loaded onto the truck (or into your car if you decide to move it yourself). But before you begin, don’t forget to back-up all of your files. That way, should anything go wrong, you at least have not lost work, documents or pictures – which could turn an accident into a catastrophe!