Packing & Moving Tips for the Home Office

If you have a home-based work or business, or simply have a study room, you want to ensure an organized move. As much as possible, you want all your things to arrive safely in your new home. To get your space ready for moving, there are a few steps you can take so you won't have to deal with the overwhelming amount of documents, books, receipts, and files to keep.

So let's get your home office in order... starting with your computer. Check out this home office series and learn everything you need to know about packing and moving your home office or den:

Packing and Moving Your Computer

If you have a laptop, you just carry it in your bag and take it with you in the care. But if you have your desktop at home, you need extra effort to keep it safe. You need to handle it with special care during the moving process. Aside from the hardware itself, the data is valuable and often irreplaceable. Just like any other electronics, computers are are delicate items that should be safely packed and moved.  Follow these tips to ensure safe transport of your computer:

Create a backup file
What's in your computer is equally valuable with the hardware so you want to make sure your data is protected, especially financial records and other important files. Also, make a backup of your family photos, music collections, videos, and other files before you pack it in the box. You can use a DVD or CD, external hard drive, or USB. They are affordable and can store decent amount of files. You can also sort your data into folders.

Disconnect the cables
After backing up your files, turn off your computer, monitor and any other peripherals. Disconnect all the cables and tie them using twisty ties or velcro tiles. Label and store them in a different box than the hardware. Remember to wrap the keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals before sealing the box.

Secure the box
After creating a backup file and arranging the cords safely, it's time to pack your desktop. Use the original packaging or purchase a packaging kit with padding.

Keep the CPU in an upright position with the motherboard side down. Make sure the box is padded properly so the computer isn't snug inside the box. Protect the items inside the box and make sure it has adequate cushioning materials to prevent damages during transport.

In addition, the monitor should be handled with care. Get the appropriate size of box and padding for the screen. CRT monitors are usually stored with the screen side down cushioned with packing paper or bubble wrap. Flat screen monitors can be packed like a mirror. Use a specialty box or if you have the original packaging, make sure that the bottom is properly sealed and well-cushioned.

If you are going to pack multiple computers, pack each peripherals in the same box of each computer. Mark the boxes as "Fragile" and by their respective rooms.

As your professional movers deliver it to your home, make sure to safely put it back together. Plug the power cable last and upon checking that everything's working and you haven't lost any data, you're good to go.

For more tips on packing and moving your home office, stay tuned!