We are living in the Golden Age of technology, so the odds that any move you make soon will involve packing and moving a few electronic items are high. From televisions and gaming units to laptops and computers, knowing the right way to pack and move your electronics is important in making sure everything arrives at the new location safely.
Easy mistakes can lead to cracked screens, corrupted data, and expensive repairs. Here are the seven most common mistakes, and how to avoid them.
7 common mistakes when packing electronics for a move
1. Packing electronics too early
Many people pack electronics days before moving. But they end up having to reopen those boxes multiple times to use the devices again. The more your devices are handled, packed and unpacked, the more at risk they are of being damaged.
It’s best to leave your electronics to be packed very last and unpacked first so they’re time in the box is cut down.
2. Forgetting to record setups
TV units, home offices, and gaming systems can be really complicated, sometimes with over 10 different cables each. Take a photo of your cable setups that clearly show which cable belongs to which device and port.
Never unplug anything without having documented where it comes from first.
3. Using the wrong packaging
Not all packaging is equal. For example:
- Newspaper can scratch screens
- Thin cardboard collapses under pressure
- Pressure points in bubble wrap can leave marks
- Loose packing allows internal shifting
Your electronics need firm, well-fitted padding that stops it from moving inside the box. The best options would be to use the original box and packaging it came in.
But if you don’t have that anymore, many Melbourne removalist teams have specialty boxes and packing materials you can ask for during your move.
4. Laying TVs flat in the truck
It’s tempting to lay your TV flat on top of other boxes to save space in the truck. But flat-screen TVs are designed to stay upright. Laying them flat will put pressure unevenly on the screen and even small bumps on the road can lead the panel to bend or crack.
To be safe, always move TVs upright and secured. Make sure nothing is stacked on top or pressing against the screen.
5. Leaving devices out in the heat
Excessive heat can damage electronic devices like laptops, gaming units and desktop computers. A moving truck or parked car can get hot really quickly, especially on a warm Melbourne day. That heat can affect batteries, screens, and internal parts.
Never leave your electronics in the car for extended periods.
Be careful of cold conditions too. If your device is exposed to the cold and you turn it on too quickly, condensation can form inside.
After you finish the move, let electronics sit at room temperature for a few hours before switching them on.
6. Assuming insurance will cover it
Another common mistake is assuming all removalist insurance policies automatically include full coverage for electronics.
While many removalists do have transit insurance that covers electronics, those policies usually have certain terms and conditions, especially for high-value items.
Before moving day, confirm exactly what is covered and whether you might need extra protection for expensive electronics like big TVs and office systems.
7. Treating electronics like “just another box”
This might seem obvious, but removalists see this mistake all the time: Electronics should not be handled like any other box of stuff!
Never stack your electronics under heavy furniture or boxes, squish them in tight places, or place them in spots they can move during transit.
Group the most fragile electronics separately so movers can secure them properly (upright, cushioned and supported on all sides).
Final Thoughts
Most of the time, electronics don’t get damaged during a move because of major accidents. They get damaged because of small mistakes that cause a chain reaction.
If you’re about to move house, take the time to prepare your electronics properly. Trust us, a little work now will save you a lot of expensive repairs bills or replacements later.
FAQs on packing electronics for a house move
Should I remove my TV from the wall myself before movers arrive?
You can, but there’s more risk of damaging the TV if you try to do it yourself. It’s best to check with your removalist first. Some companies can safely remove and reinstall wall-mounted TVs, while others may need you to arrange this yourself.
Should I put electronics in my own car or the moving truck?
If possible, keep high-value or fragile items (laptops, computers, tablets) in your own vehicle. Bigger items like TVs and monitors can go in the moving truck, as long as they’re packed properly and secured upright.
Do I need to reset or wipe devices before moving?
You should wipe or dust your devices before moving. Dust can lead to grit, which can scratch and damage the surfaces. You don’t need to reset your devices, but they should be shut down completely, not just put in ‘sleep mode’.
Is it safe to stack electronics boxes together?
It’s safe to stack electronics boxes together as long as they’re similar in weight and packed securely. Don’t stack heavier boxes on delicate electronics.
