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How to Pack Your Electronics: TV, Computer, Speakers, Receiver

Find out how to move your electronics safely and reconnect easily

By Mitch Kline on July 9, 2014

How to Pack Your Electronics: Tips on Moving Your TV, Computer and More
Typically expensive and difficult to reconnect, packing electronics can be one of the most challenging parts about moving. Make the process easier by checking out simple solutions.

Packing up and moving electronics requires a bit of planning, patience and the right materials. Think about how your TV, stereo system and computer were packaged when you got them. That’s essentially what you’re going for, maximum protection of all screens, knobs, and inputs. Keeping track of which cords go to what devices and where they plug in is essential to keeping the frustration of reconnecting at a minimum.

Disconnecting

If possible take photos or make a diagram to illustrate how your TV, computer and stereo components and other devices connect with each other. It’s a good idea to label each cord so you know what it goes to and how it connects. Make sure one or two helpers have a firm hold of your TV if you’re removing it from the wall. Back up all computers or any files you want to save just in case something happens during the move. Take out all CDs or DVDs from devices, including computers. Label remotes and any extra controllers. Now’s a good time to dust and even vacuum electronic devices, especially receives and speakers. It’s a good idea to remove ink cartridges and batteries, especially if there’s a chance your electronics are going to be subjected to heat. Store ink cartridges and toner in a sealed plastic bag.

Packing

If you had the foresight, or more likely the storage space, to hang on to the original boxes your electronic equipment came that is the best way to move it. Many manufactures and moving stores will sell you boxes that match or come close to the original packaging. The other option is to purchase bubble wrap or thick foam roll to protect screens on TVs and monitors and provide a cushion around speakers, printers, and other fragile electronics. Measure the screen then cut enough material to cover the entire screen and overlap in the back so it can be taped and secured. Foam peanuts have a tendency to stick to electronic devices so make sure you use antistatic material. Crumbled newspaper and soft blankets or small pillows work well to fill empty space in boxes and provide cushioning. It’s a good idea to put rolls of newspaper or cushioning along the top and bottom of the box your TV or monitor is going into. Make sure nothing moves around once the box is closed.

Speakers should be kept upright to avoid damaging internal components. Carefully load stereo receivers in boxes to make sure knobs and inputs don’t get broken.

Never pack more than one heavy device in a box. Label boxes and indicate how they should be carried to ensure no one sets a TV screen down. Pack all power cords, cables and remotes according to the devices they go with. Tape them together or use clear plastic wrap to bind them together if you’re putting multiple cords in a box.

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