Moving tech gear comes with its own set of worries—tangled cables, fragile screens, and sensitive components that can’t take a bump. Whether you’re moving a home office setup or coordinating a commercial transition, packing computers properly can make or break a smooth arrival. And while it may be tempting to toss everything into a few boxes and hope for the best, a more strategic approach will protect both your data and your equipment.
Look no further than this complete guide on how to pack your computer for moving day to protect your PC. Let’s walk through the right way to keep every device safe from socket to screen.
Prep Work Before You Pack
Before any cords are coiled or towers boxed up, set aside time—ideally 48 hours before moving day—to back up your system. Use an external hard drive or cloud-based solution to create a full system restore point. If your equipment is part of a business network, consult IT to ensure backups align with company protocol.
Next, unplug all devices. Take a photo of the setup beforehand, including cable arrangements and port placements, to save time and frustration during reassembly.
Coil and secure each cable individually using Velcro straps or zip ties, and label them with painter’s tape or preprinted cable tags. Group smaller components such as dongles, USBs, and chargers into labeled plastic bags or tech organizers.
When handling multiple workstations, creating digital checklists or print-friendly packing logs is worthwhile. These can help track who owns what, which accessories belong to each device, and what’s already been packed.
Accessories and Desk Items
Start with everything resting on top of the desk. Mice, keyboards, webcams, headsets, speakers, docking stations, proprietary test devices, and USB hubs are lightweight but still need protection. Wrap each item in bubble wrap or a soft microfiber cloth, then place them in a durable cardboard box with plenty of padding to prevent shifting.
Use zippered pouches, small bins, or drawer-style organizers to group similar accessories. Label each group by device or user, especially if you’re packing multiple setups. Remove batteries before wrapping any wireless gear to avoid leakage. Utilize anti-static bags for high-sensitivity accessories when possible.
Monitors and Screens
Monitors are among the most delicate components to move, and the most expensive to replace if cracked. If you still have the original box and foam inserts, use them. Otherwise, cover the screen with a soft cloth, then add at least 2 inches of bubble wrap all around. Avoid setting anything in direct contact with the screen surface, particularly packing paper or foam without a protective barrier.
Pack monitors upright, never flat, and confirm they’re snug in the box with no room to shift. Place corner protectors on the frame if possible. Write “Fragile – Monitor – This Side Up” on multiple sides of the box. For dual-monitor setups, pack the screens in separate boxes or place a dense layer of padding between them.
Laptops and Tablets
Packing a laptop isn’t as simple as sliding it into a backpack. The lithium-ion battery inside requires extra care. Steer clear of pressure on the device that could crack the battery casing or screen. Apply a padded laptop sleeve or a hard-shell case for transport, especially if the laptop will be sharing space with heavier items.
Don’t forget the accessories. Chargers, styluses, and external drives should be stored in mesh cable pouches or hard-sided storage cases, each visibly labeled. Avoid wrapping cords directly around the power brick, which can cause breakage at stress points.
When moving multiple laptops, tag each case with the user’s name or workstation number to speed up setup later.
Printers, Scanners, and Routers
Before tackling desktop towers, pack any other connected devices, such as routers, scanners, and printers. Unplug routers 12 hours before the move to avoid signal interruptions and give them time to cool. Be sure to disconnect all Ethernet and power cables, and label them before storing in a resealable plastic bag. Tape this bag to the base of the router to keep everything together.
While packing printers and scanners, remove ink or toner cartridges first to prevent leaks. Deposit cartridges in a sealed bag and cushion with paper towels. Secure the printer’s paper tray and scanner lid with painter’s tape to keep parts from shifting.
Wrap printers in packing paper, not bubble wrap, to prevent pressure marks on any glass components. Employ a well-fitted box with packing paper for cushioning.
Desktop Towers and Internal Components
A desktop tower may look durable, but the internal components—especially on high-end machines—are vulnerable to movement. If a rig includes a discrete graphics card, remove it before packing to avoid warping the motherboard during transit. The same goes for hard drives or expansion cards that aren’t securely mounted. Place these parts in anti-static bags and label them plainly.
Inside the tower, secure any remaining components with anti-static wrap or molded foam inserts. If you’re leaving parts installed, fill empty spaces with crumpled packing paper to limit movement.
Seal the tower in a thick plastic bag to protect against dust, then wrap in bubble wrap. Don’t forget to label ports and connections on the exterior with colored stickers or painter’s tape. If parts were removed, tape a warning note to the side panel to avoid confusion during setup.
Don’t Rush the Final Step
In the flurry of packing boxes, unplugging cords, and labeling gear, it’s easy to rush through the final step. But cramming items at the last minute or skipping protective layers is one of the fastest ways to damage equipment. Devices require organization, labeling, and storage, not just a quick toss into the nearest available box.
This is how to pack your computer for moving day to protect your PC—whether it’s one home setup or ten workstations in transition. A little patience now means less downtime later, fewer headaches, and greater peace of mind.
When you need help moving your workspace safely and professionally, Capitol North American offers commercial moving services tailored to protect your gear from start to finish. Whether you’re relocating a creative studio in Las Vegas, Nevada, an IT office in Madison, Wisconsin, or a remote team hub in Milwaukee, WI, our crews treat your equipment with the care it deserves.
From careful prep to final placement, Capitol North American gets it there safely, so you can plug in and get back to work.
