Moving Tips - Computers Stereo VCR CDs DVDs
Moving Computers
What you will need: Tape, small pieces of cardboard, plastic bags, original packing box and foam forms -or- two sets of moving boxes, one larger than the other (for double-boxing components), packing peanuts. Use our free self move calculator here to figure out what packing supplies you will need.
How to pack: Back up all the files on your computer. Your computer company may recommend that you park your hard drive. That means using a special program (possibly called SHIP.EXE) that makes recording heads in the hard drive pull back from the data area into a safer area of the CPU. Check your operator manual for details.
Pack your disks in a separate box making certain not to pack anything magnetic in the same box. Bundle cables and wires and color code them to match the holes for easier reconnection in your new home.
If your computer is completely cooled off, put each component part in a plastic bag to keep dirt out during the move. Place each piece inside the foam forms in their original boxes.
Fit cables and other accessories in the sides of each box and fill with packing peanuts. If you do not have the original boxes, use the double-box method. Fill the smaller of the two boxes with packing peanuts, put the bagged monitor or CPU in the middle, and fill the box the rest of the way so the component sits in the middle of the box without touching the sides.
Fit in cables and accessories, close and seal that box, then fill the bottom of the second box with packing peanuts, put the sealed box in, and fill all around the rest of the way with packing peanuts.
If you have a small printer, you can pack it with your CPU. Be sure to remove the printer ink cartridges. If your printer uses pins to form-feed paper, leave the paper in during the move to keep the pins in place. Tape each box shut and boldly mark on all sides Fragile - Computer.
VCR
What you will need: Tape, original packing box complete with protective foam forms -or- tape, medium sturdy box, heavy plastic bag, foam forms or packing peanuts, utility knife. Get the packing supplies you will need here.
How to pack: Unplug your VCR and be certain the interior elements have cooled off before you begin to pack it (3 hours). Check your manual to make sure there are no special moving preparations you need to make to stabilize internal components. Wrap up the cord and secure it tightly with a twist tie.
If you have the original packing box, complete with protective foam forms: Place your VCR into the box, place foam form on top. Tape the box shut securely. Boldly mark arrows pointing upward on all sides and label “Fragile – VCR.”
If you do not have the original packing box with foam forms for your VCR: Begin with a medium sturdy box. Purchase foam forms. Cut and contour the forms to completely cover all four inside walls of the box. Cut two more pieces, one for the bottom of the box and one for the top. Place one form in the bottom of the box and place the VCR inside on top of it. Completely fill any empty spaces between the VCR and outer contoured foam forms with tightly packed wadded packing paper (not packing peanuts). Place the last contoured piece of foam form on top of TV. Tape the box shut securely. Boldly mark arrows pointing upward on all sides and label “Fragile – VCR”.
If you must use packing peanuts instead of foam forms be certain to place your VCR in a heavy plastic bag and seal it tightly at the top before placing it in the box containing the packing peanuts.
Moving and Packing CDs and DVDs
What you will need: Tape, packing peanuts or packing paper, small moving boxes. All the packing supplies you will need can be found here.
How to pack: Pad the bottom of the box with wadded packing paper or packing peanuts. If you do not have a lot of CDs or DVDs and if your box is big enough place your entire CD/DVD holder (filled with CDs or DVDs) in the center. Fill in tightly all around and on top with packing peanuts or wadded packing paper.
If you have a large collection of CDs or DVDs, they can weigh a lot. Divide them into several small boxes. Place a stack of CDs or DVDs in the middle of each box and fill in tightly all around and on top with packing peanuts or wadded packing paper. Tape boxes shut and mark CDs and DVDs.
Collectibles
What you will need: Tape, small and medium moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts or packing paper. Use our free self move calculator here to figure out how many moving boxes you will need.
How to pack: Wrap each fragile item separately with bubble wrap and tape. Put a layer of packing peanuts or wadded packing paper in the bottom of the box. Place wrapped fragile items in followed by a layer of packing peanuts or wadded packing paper. Continue to layer until you have filled the box putting a final layer of packing peanuts or wadded packing paper on the top. Seal with tape and boldly mark on all sides “Fragile – Collectibles”.
Moving Stereo Components
What you will need: Tape, plastic bags, original packing boxes and foam forms -or- two moving boxes (one a size larger than the other), and packing peanuts. All of the packing supplies on this list can be found here.
How to pack: Make sure all components are completely cooled off. Use color-coded tape to mark where cables and cords should go in the equipment for ease of set up when you get to your new home.
Check your CD player manual to see whether you need to tighten screws that will keep internal components from moving around. If you have a turntable, tape down the platter the record sits on and tape the arm to the arm rest (pack the plastic turntable cover separately from the turntable, if it comes off, or screw it down if it comes with that ability).
Put all stereo components in individual plastic bags to keep them from getting dirty during the move and to keep packing peanuts out of the equipment. Put components in original boxes, or put them in double boxes. The component goes in the smaller box filled with packing peanuts, and the smaller box goes inside the larger box, also filled with packing peanuts.
Do not bundle components together in the boxes unless they are small enough to be separated by packing peanuts. Tape the box shut and label Fragile Stereo/Audio
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