How To Move Computers Long Distance

In this day and age, your personal computer is undoubtedly one of your most valued possessions. Not only is it an expensive piece of machinery, but it contains so many pieces of your private life—emails, photos, music, documents—and so much more that you’d be lost without. That’s why, when making a long-distance move, you want to make sure your computer is properly protected and handled with care.

Preparing your computer

The first step to safely moving your computer is to prepare it for the move by:

• Backing up your data using a cloud-based server, making sure all disc drives are empty, and properly shutting the computer down
• Taking a picture of all the cords in the back so you know how everything was hooked up
• Removing all cords, flash drives, and other accessories and storing them together in a Ziploc bag
• Thoroughly wiping it down and cleaning dust out of any vents before packing it up

Packing your computer

Once your computer is cleaned, backed up, and properly disassembled, use the following guidelines to ensure it is packed up securely:

• Use a thick-walled cardboard box that is large enough to accommodate your computer components and the ample material that will be surrounding them
• Reinforce the corners and seams of the box with heavy-duty packing tape
• Wrap the CPU (tower) a few times over with bubble wrap and secure it with tape
• Wrap the monitor in a similar way, being careful not to tape the monitor itself
• Further wrap the CPU and monitor with blankets, towels, or packing paper
• Create a “nest” in the bottom of the box with a blanket or packing paper
• Lay the CPU in first, as this is likely the heaviest of the components
• Lay the monitor in the box with the screen facing downward
• Fill in any empty spaces with packing paper so that the components are kept snugly in place
• Clearly label the box “Fragile” and “This Side Up” to signal to movers that this package requires special care