How to Prepare Your Large Electronics for a Move

There’s no way around it—large electronics are one of the biggest hassles to move. These items are fragile and expensive to replace, so you want to make sure you take the time to prepare them properly before moving day.  

This guide will walk you through everything you need to do to prepare your TVs, gaming consoles, and computers for a safe journey to your new home. We'll cover what to do before you pack, along with the best ways to protect your electronics during transport. By following these steps, you can ensure your tech arrives ready to roll (or play, or compute) in your new place.

Top Tips for Moving Electronics  

Figuring out how to move electronics can be one of the most difficult parts of moving. Here are some helpful tips for moving electronics, with a specific focus on those larger, more fragile items:

Before You Pack:

• Backup Your Data: This is the golden rule of how to move electronics. Back up your computer files, phone contacts, and anything else you can't afford to lose to a cloud storage service or external hard drive.
• Gather Your Supplies: Stock up on sturdy boxes (ideally the originals for your electronics), packing peanuts, bubble wrap, packing tape, and Ziploc bags for any loose parts.
• Unplug and Power Down: Give your electronics at least 24 hours to cool down before packing. This helps prevent damage from internal condensation and reduces the risk of static shock during handling.

While You’re Packing:

• Use the Original Packing: If you still have the original boxes and packing materials for your electronics, use them! They were custom designed to perfectly house your device and provide optimal protection.
• Label It All: Clearly label every box containing electronics with its contents. This will save you time and frustration when unpacking at your new home.
• Cable Chaos: Don't let your cables turn into a tangled mess. Take pictures of how your cables are connected before unplugging them. You can also label each cable with its corresponding device to avoid confusion later. Additionally, you can tape them to their corresponding electronics when packing.
• Packing Like a Pro: Here's the key to moving electronics safely: cushioning. Wrap your electronics in bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or even towels to prevent them from shifting during transport. Fill any empty spaces in the box with packing materials to ensure a snug fit.

Moving Day and Beyond:

• Loading and Unloading: When loading your electronics, be mindful of placing them in a secure location within the moving truck or car. Avoid stacking heavy boxes on top of them.
• Set Up at Your New Place: Once you've arrived at your new home, unpack your electronics carefully and allow them to reach room temperature before plugging them back in. This helps prevent condensation from damaging the internal components.

Other Tips for Large Electronics:

• TVs: For flat-screen TVs, extra care is necessary. If you have the original stand, reattach it for added stability during transport. Keep flat-screen TVs upright, and never lay the screen down. Move the TV in its original box or a TV box if you have one, and wrap it generously with bubble wrap. Consider using cardboard corners for extra protection.
• Computers: For desktop computers, detach any removable components like towers, monitors, and keyboards. Pack them individually with proper cushioning. If you're packing a laptop, remove it from its carrying case and wrap it securely.

Learn More About How to Move Electronics and Other Items

By following our top tips for moving electronics, you can ensure your large electronics make it to your new home safe and sound. Remember, a little planning and preparation go a long way in protecting your tech treasures during a move.  

Need more help planning your move? This guide on how to remove unwanted junk (including old electronics) before moving day is a good place to get started.