How to Safely Pack Electronics When Moving House

Electronics are among the most valuable and most vulnerable items in any house move. They are sensitive to impact, static, moisture, and temperature. Unlike a chipped mug or a scratched piece of furniture, a damaged hard drive or cracked screen is not something you can live with while you sort out a replacement. A little preparation before packing makes a meaningful difference.

Before any device goes into a box, back up everything on it. Hard drives and SSDs can survive a well-managed move without issue, but accidents happen. An external hard drive or cloud backup takes an hour to set up and removes the risk entirely. Do this before you disconnect anything.

Original packaging is purpose-built for the device it came with. The foam inserts are shaped to hold it securely and absorb impact from any angle. If you have kept the boxes, use them.

If you have not, the next best option is to wrap devices in anti-static bubble wrap rather than standard bubble wrap, which can generate a static charge that damages sensitive components. Pad the inside of the box generously on all sides so there is no movement once the box is sealed. A device that shifts around in transit is far more likely to be damaged than one that is packed snugly.

This is the step most people skip and most people regret. Before disconnecting anything, take a photo of the cable setup at the back of each device. Then label each cable with a small piece of tape marked with the device it belongs to. Reconnecting a television or a home office setup at the other end is straightforward when every cable is labelled. Without labels, it becomes a process of trial and error that no one wants on moving day.

Pack cables in labelled ziplock bags and keep them with the device they belong to, either in the same box or clearly referenced on the label.

Televisions are one of the most commonly damaged items in a house move. The screens are fragile and the stands make them awkward to handle. If you have the original box, use it. If not:

• Remove the stand if it detaches, and wrap it separately

• Wrap the screen in a soft cloth or moving blanket first, then add bubble wrap over the top

• Use a purpose-made TV box if possible. These are available from most moving suppliers and are sized to fit common screen dimensions

• Always transport a television upright, never flat. A screen laid flat can crack under its own weight if the box is placed on top of it or jolted in transit

• Label the box clearly with the screen size and mark it fragile on every side

Monitors follow the same principles. Remove the base, wrap carefully, and transport upright.

• Secure any internal components that may have come loose over time, particularly graphics cards, which can shift in transit. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, a technician can check it before the move

• Wrap the tower in anti-static bubble wrap and pack it in a box with padding on all sides

• Transport upright where possible

• Pack laptops in a padded laptop bag or sleeve, then place inside a box with additional padding

• Do not pack anything heavy in the same box

• Keep your laptop with you in the car rather than in the moving truck if possible. It’s easier to protect and you will likely need it in the first day or two at the new place

Consoles, streaming devices, soundbars, and speakers all need individual attention.

• Wrap consoles in anti-static bubble wrap and pack them in a box with padding on all sides. Keep controllers, cables, and accessories in a labelled bag in the same box

• Soundbars are fragile along their length. Wrap them fully and pack them in a box that fits snugly with no room to shift

• Speakers with fabric grilles should be wrapped in cloth or packing paper before bubble wrap to avoid the grille being pressed in

• Small streaming devices and set-top boxes can be grouped in a single box with individual wrapping and clear cable labelling

Printers are heavier and more awkward than they look, and the internal components need protection.

• Remove ink cartridges before packing and seal them in a ziplock bag. Cartridges can leak in transit, and the damage to a printer or to everything else in the box can be significant

• Remove any paper from the tray

• Wrap the printer in bubble wrap and pack it in a box that fits it reasonably well with padding around the sides

• Keep the power cable and USB cable in a labelled bag taped to the outside of the box

Keyboards, mice, and other peripherals can be grouped together in a single box with individual wrapping and clear labelling.

Some electronics should travel with you in the car rather than on the truck. These are items that are particularly valuable, irreplaceable, or that you will need immediately on arrival.

• Laptop or tablet

• External hard drives containing backed-up data

• Work phones or any device critical to your livelihood

• Camera equipment

• Any device containing data you cannot afford to lose

If you have a significant amount of electronics, high-value equipment, or simply want the peace of mind that everything is packed to a professional standard, Allied's packing service is worth considering. Our team has the materials and the experience to pack electronics properly, and your belongings are covered by Allied's transit insurance throughout the move. Your Personal Moving Consultant can talk through the options as part of your moving plan.

Get in touch with your local Allied team today for a free, no-obligation quote.