Back Up Data Before Anything Is Unplugged
Back up computers, phones, tablets, and external drives to cloud storage or a second drive before move day, since a drive that survives the trip is never guaranteed. Keep any external backup drive with you personally rather than in the moving truck, so the original device and its backup never travel together in the same box.
Photograph and Label Before Disconnecting
- Take a photo of the back of every setup, such as a TV console, a desktop computer, or a router and modem, before unplugging anything.
- Label both ends of each cable with masking tape or a color-coded sticker, naming the device and the port, for example “Console to TV, HDMI 2.”
- Bundle each cable with a Velcro tie rather than a tight zip tie, which can pinch or crimp the cable’s insulation.
- Place each device’s cables, remote, and power adapter in a zip-top bag, and tape the bag to the device or place it in the same box.
Packing Computers, Consoles, and Small Electronics
Use the original box and foam inserts whenever they’re still available, since they were designed to hold that exact device in place. Without the original box, wrap the device in an anti-static bag or soft packing paper, place it in a sturdy box sized close to the device, and fill the remaining space with crumpled paper so nothing shifts. Pack laptops, tablets, and game consoles with a layer of padding on every side, and keep heavier items at the bottom of the box.
Before packing, remove discs from game consoles and optical drives, take batteries out of remotes and controllers to prevent corrosion during storage, and remove ink or toner cartridges from printers so they don’t leak. Label each box with its room and contents and mark it fragile, but avoid writing “laptop” or “computer” in large letters on the outside, which tells anyone handling the box exactly what’s in it.
Loose Components and Lithium Batteries
Pack loose hard drives, memory cards, and similar components in individual anti-static bags, then in a padded box, so a bump doesn’t transfer directly to the part. Many moving companies don’t transport loose lithium batteries, power banks, or large battery packs because of fire risk, so check with your mover before move day and plan to carry these items personally. Devices with a built-in battery, like a laptop or phone, are generally fine to pack, though most households keep them with them anyway.
Moisture, Temperature, and Portland Weather
Electronics are sensitive to condensation, which forms when a cold device is brought into a warm, humid room. During Portland’s rainy season, boxes sitting on a wet driveway or in an unheated truck can pick up moisture even when packed correctly. Keep boxes covered and off wet pavement during loading, add a silica gel packet to boxes holding sensitive equipment, and let a device that spent time in the cold sit at room temperature for a few hours before powering it on. Plugging in a cold or damp device is a common cause of damage that looks like transit damage but isn’t.
Value, Weight, and What to Carry Yourself
A mover’s standard valuation coverage is calculated by weight, and electronics are light for what they cost, which is the same coverage gap that applies to jewelry. Carry laptops, phones, tablets, external drives, and any irreplaceable device with you instead of placing them in the moving truck, and check whether your homeowner’s or renter’s policy covers electronics in transit.
What to Avoid
- Packing cables loose in one large bin, which makes it nearly impossible to match them to devices later.
- Wrapping electronics in plastic bubble wrap directly against the device without an anti-static layer for components like drives and memory.
- Stacking heavy items on top of boxes holding screens, monitors, or computers.
- Powering on a device immediately after it spent time in a cold or damp truck.
Setting Up at the New Home
Unpack and set up the most-used devices first, such as the router, modem, and a primary computer, using your photos and cable labels as a reference. Test each device before discarding its packing materials, so any damage can be documented against the move rather than discovered weeks later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to keep cables organized during a move?
Label both ends of each cable, bundle it with a Velcro tie, and store it in a zip-top bag taped to the device it belongs to. Photographing the back of each setup before unplugging gives a second reference.
Do I need the original box to move electronics?
No, but the original box and foam inserts offer the best fit. Without them, use an anti-static bag or packing paper, a sturdy box sized close to the device, and crumpled paper to fill any gaps.
Will movers transport lithium batteries?
Many moving companies don’t transport loose lithium batteries or power banks because of fire risk. Check with your mover ahead of time and plan to carry these items yourself.
How long should I wait before turning on electronics after a move?
If a device was exposed to cold or damp conditions, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before powering it on, so condensation can evaporate.
