When getting ready for a move, the computer is one of the most important things
you'll have to pack. Since your computer can contain pictures, financial
records, and a bunch of other important documents, you need to use extra care
when packing it up.
What You'll Need
In order to pack up your
computer, you'll need the following supplies:
- Original computer packaging
- Small-to-medium boxes
- Paper pads
- Stack of packing paper
- Roll of packing tape
- Permanent marker
How To Pack Your Computer
Before you even get to
packing the computer, you should back up your files. The last
thing you want is to go through the trouble of moving your computer to the new
home, only to find that its memory has been erased.
Additionally, before
dismantling the computer, check to make sure there aren't any disks, flash
drives, or other items inside or attached to the computer tower. Once they are
clear, turn the computer off.
Before removing any wires, though, you'll
want to label them. Simply wrap a piece of tape around one end of the wire, and
label it with what part of the computer it belongs to (e.g., tower, monitor, or
printer). Then, you can remove the wire, bundle it together, and put a piece of
tape around the bundle to keep it together.
You also need to take special
care when packing up printers, copiers, fax machines, and scanners. The ink or
toner cartridges should be removed from these items and placed separately in
plastic bags. The wires connecting these items to the computer should also be
removed, as described above.
Once you have prepared the computer and its
components, you can start actually packing them. It is best to use the original
boxes and packaging, but not everyone holds on to these things. If you do not
have these materials on hand, then you should wrap each component of your
computer in paper pads to keep them protected.
After wrapping the
computer in paper pads, you will need to put each item in a box that is only
slightly larger than the item itself. A snug-fitting box will keep the computer
from moving around, thus reducing the chance of it getting damaged.
Line
the bottom of the box with plenty of crumpled packing paper. Then, carefully put
the computer component in the box, and surround it with more packing paper. Make
sure to provide extra cushioning on the corners of your computer and on the top.
Once the computer is sufficiently padded and doesn't move around inside the box,
tape it shut and
label the box with the contents and destination.