In the current golden age of technology, an average American has access to over ten connected devices in their household, including mobile, computer, smart TV, and smart speakers. Electronic items have several delicate and essential parts that can be easily damaged if not appropriately handled during moving.
Receiving a damaged electronic item can be a nerve-racking experience for any individual or business. Therefore, here we share five tips to ensure your electronics’ safe moving.
Prepare temperature-sensitive items and secure batteries
Electronic gadgets have parts like disks, peripherals, batteries, toners, and ink cartridges that are sensitive to abrupt temperature changes. Be cautious when packing these items. Most electronics have chargeable lithium-ion batteries. They are prone to risks such as explosions, hazardous heat, sparks, and fire when improperly packed for shipping. Hence, before shipping any type of battery, safeguard all terminals against short-circuiting by covering them entirely with an insulating non-conductive material. You can also pack each battery in fully enclosed inner packaging to protect the exposed terminals.
Choose suitable packing material
Using the right packing material ensures the safety of electronic items, so they reach the destination in pristine condition. It is best to use the original carton the electronic item came in, if possible. If not, the three most common and safe materials for packing electronics are:
- Corrugated cartons: They have three layers of paper, including an inside liner, an outside liner, and fluting with a ruffled shape, which runs in between the two. They have three sheets together, protecting against a variety of weights and moisture.
- Void fill/air pillows: Protective packing, or void fill, keeps the items separate from each other and the corners, sides, top, and bottom of the box. Air pillows are cost-effective and provide protective cushioning for electronics.
- Water-activated tape: You must use water-activated tape for your carton sealing applications.
Protect the screen
Screens are the most vulnerable part of electronics like computers and TVs. It would help if you did everything possible to protect them from the other items in your cargo. For computer monitors, it is suggested for you to use monitor screen covers. For other things, rather than directly using bubble wrap on the screen, position the electronic device in soft moving blankets, place a cardboard cutout over the blanket-wrapped item, and then use packing tape to secure the cardboard. Don’t use newspaper to cover screens as the ink can scratch and stain the sensitive surface.
Organize cords and remotes
There’s nothing more frustrating than untangling wires and trying to figure out which electronic device they belong to. Wrap up your cords neatly and label them so you know which cable belongs to which device. Also, instead of putting all of your cords and remote controls in one box, please keep them in the same box as their corresponding electronic device. You can also take photos of how cables connect to respective devices for quick reassembling later on.
About InterWest Moving & Storage
We are experts in providing both domestic and international transit and relocation services. We take great pride in providing professional, reliable, and timely services that you can trust. You can call us at our toll-free number (800) 877-1091 for all your packing and moving requirements.
