Safely Packing Your Electronics

In today’s households, electronics have become essentials in our everyday lives. However, electronics tend to be pricy and fragile, which makes the importance of packing them correctly critical when preparing to move. The best way to make sure your items are packed safely is preparing them accordingly, organizing them neatly, and packaging them securely.

Before you even start packing anything, make sure your electronics are properly prepared for the move. This is especially important if you are going to leave your electronics in boxes for long periods of time, but should also be considered for short term moves.

1. Be sure to back up any files or information from your computer/ cameras on either an external drive or the cloud.

2. Take batteries out of all your electronics to prevent overheating, and store the batteries away in a separate bag or box

3. Eject DVD’s, CD’s, and any other disks to prevent scratching

4. Tape down all the drivers shut in your electronics (EX: Xbox, DVD players, ect.)

Next, organize your cables so that you can match them up to their proper electronics again.

1. Unplug all the cables from their power sockets to ensure they don’t break in the move

2. Secure the cables that go with each electronic together with a rubber band or a twist tie

3. Place a label or colored sticker on both the appropriate appliance and cable (this will ensure that there are no mix-ups in cables, and will make it easy when you go to set up your electronics)

4. Place all your tied cables together in a separate bag to keep them from being damaged in boxes

Now that all your electronics are organized and dismantled properly, you are ready to pack them up.

1. If you kept your electronics original boxes, reuse them now accordingly (This is especially important for larger appliances, such as TV’s)

2. Before placing any electronics in boxes, make sure the bottom and sides of your boxes are cushioned (I would suggest using either bubble wrap or a towel)

3. Place a towel or blanket over the screens of your appliances to protect screens from being scratched (make sure not to use newspaper or packing paper, as they could scratch your screens)

4. For extra protection, tape small bits of paper over the power sockets of the appliances to prevent dust from coming in

5. When your appliances are tightly snug in the boxes, make sure to seal each box with packaging tape instead of simply folding the flaps over, to keep out the dust

6. Label each of your boxes accordingly on all four sides

7. If storing electronics in a storage unit, make sure to keep the boxes off the ground to prevent items from possible weather damage

—Pauline Verbest