Technology plays a huge role in our lives today. From storing important data to providing the ultimate entertainment experience, our computers and electronics are important – and expensive – assets. Therefore, you need to give extra attention and care to properly packing and moving these delicate items.
Packing and moving your computer.
Before you disconnect your computer system, remember to back up all data. If the hard drive is damaged during transport, your important data could be lost. But if you've backed up your hard drive, the lost or damaged data can be replaced. Several back-up methods are available, including copying files to CDs or DVDs or uploading your data to an Internet storage provider.
To protect your computer system from mechanical failure or damage due to the normal physical shock that can occur during moving, you must follow certain procedures. The American Moving and Storage Association has provided the following guidelines to help you ensure your computer is ready for packing:
- Remove any inserted disks and CDs from the disk drives and CD-ROM drives. These drives should be left empty.
- Before packing, follow the hard drive moving instructions for your specific operating system.
- Prior to Windows 95®, contact the manufacturer's technical support for specific shipping instructions. These systems may need to "park and lock" their recording heads prior to moving to prevent hard drive disk damage.
- For Windows 95® or newer, "park and lock" is completed automatically when the system is shut down.
- For Apple computers, review the owner's manual or contact technical support for shipping preparation and instructions.
- Properly shut down the computer.
- Before unplugging any cables, label each cord and its corresponding port with color-coded stickers. This will allow for faster, easier reassembly at your new home.
- Pack your system in the original packing carton if possible. If not, ask your moving company to provide packing materials with ample protection capabilities.
- When preparing a printer, copier, or fax machine for the move, first remove all paper to prevent paper jams in the equipment's components during transport. Then remove all ink and toner cartridges to prevent spills and damage during the move.
- For other computer system equipment (i.e., speakers, scanners, external drives, etc.), use the original shipping containers if possible. Refer to your owner's manuals for special packing and moving instructions.
Packing and moving your electronics.
Whenever possible, it's best to pack your electronics in their original boxes. Refer to the owner's manuals for special moving instructions.
- CD/DVD players
To prevent transit damage from vibration, remove all discs from the player and lock the unit prior to packing. Most players have a lock underneath the unit. Pack the player flat, not on its side. - Television sets
Remove antennas and small dishes from your roof and disassemble if necessary. Some television sets require servicing before and after the move. Refer to your owner's manual for specific moving instructions. - VCRs
Remove all tapes and close player doors. Pack the unit flat, not on its side. - Satellite dishes
Check with your satellite dish service provider. Some providers will provide a free dish at your home as long as you leave the existing one intact at your current residence. - Home theaters
Mark all cables and corresponding ports with colored stickers to make reassembly quick and easy.