How to Pack Your Computer for a Move

by: Wendy Moyer

If you're planning to move you will have to give extra special care to preparing and packing your computer. Because it can take a bit more time than anticipated, so you won't want to leave it till the last moment.

If you take the time and care to properly pack your computer it will probably arrive safely. But what if you don't pack it right? What would you do if you arrived in your new home and your computer was inoperable? If you rely on it like many people do you'll be in quite a fix.

That's why you should take the time to backup your hard drive before the move. Make copies of your data on either external hard drives, floppy discs, CDs, DVDs, etc.

Pack your backups separate from the computer. Ideally you'll want to keep them in a lockable box where they will be safe and sound.

Before you pack it check to see that your disc drives don't have any discs in them. After checking you could put an expendable disc in the drive. Most computers will allow you to park the recording heads. This will give you extra insurance against damaging your hard disk.

You can get the instructions if you consult your owner's manual, contact the manufacturer, or do a search on the Internet.

A lot of computers require a program called SHIPDISK.EXE to park their recording heads. This program is usually found on a diagnostic disc that came with the computer.

After running the program you will most likely see a blinking red light on the drive indicating that the heads are safely parked. The next time you turn on the computer the heads will automatically unpark themselves.

Next, figure out what box you will pack your computer in. The best option would be the box it originally came in. If you don't have that, either find one that's approximately the right size or ask your moving company if they have a box for your computer that you could buy or rent.

Make sure that it's adequately padded and that the computer fits firmly and securely in the box. If it slips around it can easily break.

Unplug the computer from the electric socket before you start disconnecting the cables. If you're not computer savvy you should label each cable and indicate where it will go when you unpack your computer and what it is used for.

Keep the computer's base either flat or on its side - the way it is when you use it. If you turn it upside down it could alter the position of some of the parts and make it difficult to start up again.

Seal the box securely. Then mark the box FRAGILE - COMPUTER EQUIPMENT on the front, top, sides, and bottom of the box.

On moving day let the moving people know, before they pack their van, which box the computer is in so they can plan accordingly. Tell them not to turn the box on its side or upside down so you won't have any problems restarting it in your new home.