A Useful Checklist for Moving with Technology
Moving can be a stressful and confusing time. Especially when you’re handling valuable technology. Whether it’s moving homes or offices, it’s important to take some extra precautions. Both for your fragile items as well as your precious technology. Here’s a useful checklist for moving with technology.
We created this checklist to make sure you can get through this process without any problems. Use this to help ensure your technology is secure when moving.
Run a Complete Backup
Back up all of your data before you start disassembling your technology. Make copies of all necessary files, documents, photos, and other irreplaceable data. You have the option of using an external hard drive, cloud storage, or both. By doing this, you’ll feel more at ease knowing your data is secure. If anything happens during the move, you don’t have to worry about your data.
Organize and Label Cables
Untangling a mess of cords is a struggle we all know. It’s especially tough when you’re eager to set up your devices in the new place. Take some time to organize and label your cords prior to packing to avoid this hassle.
Use twist ties or cable ties to properly bundle them up. Label each cable with its respective device using tape. We promise that taking this one step now will save you a lot of time and frustration later.
Pack Devices with Care
Whenever possible, pack your devices away in their original packaging. This is why you don’t want to throw those out if you the storage space for them. The original packaging certainly provides the best shipping protection. They’ll typically have designated compartments to secure each component.
If you don’t have the original boxes, use sturdy cardboard boxes. To avoid any damage, wrap each device in bubble wrap or anti-static foam. Stuff any empty spaces in the boxes with packing peanuts or crumbled paper to guarantee a snug fit.
Remove Batteries and Ink Cartridges
Moving your printers “as is” would seem like the easier thing to do. However, it’s not always the smartest thing in a move. It’s important to take out the ink cartridges from printers and any other device that requires ink. Do this step before packing your electronics. During transit, ink can leak or dry out. This alone can screw up your printer and make them useless.
Remove the batteries from any device that has them, like laptops, cameras, and remote controls. This is a safety measure that will prevent anything powering harm which can harm the device in the move. Separately place cartridges and batteries in labeled sealed bags.
Take Pictures of Cable Connections
Take a quick photo of the connections on your devices before unplugging the cords. When it comes to setting up things at your new place, this visual guide will be quite beneficial. You won’t have to worry about remembering where each cable goes. And you won’t spend hours attempting to figure it out. You can quickly get back up and running by simply consulting the pictures.
Pack Your Wi-Fi Equipment Separately
When moving a home or office, one of the first things we do is reconnect to the internet. Pack all of your Wi-Fi network equipment separately from other items to make it easier.
Your modem, router, ethernet cables, and other network connectors fall under this category. Clearly label this box “Wi-Fi Equipment” and you’ll know where to go first.
Secure Fragile Screens
Are you moving any TVs or monitors, or any other equipment with a delicate screen? Then take some extra precautions to secure them from scratches and breaks.
Cover the screen with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth. Use tape or elastic bands to keep it in place. This will protect the screen from accidental contact during travel. Additionally, make sure to pack these goods vertically to lessen the chance of damage.
Let Movers Know About Fragile Items
Inform the moving company you hire about your technology upfront. Tell them about the delicate nature of your devices and other tech items. Label the boxes holding this equipment clearly with “fragile.” Give them the necessary instructions so they can handle them with care. You can lower the chance of an accident by expressing these concerns upfront.
After the Move, Test Everything
You don’t want to find out there were issues during the move on a busy Monday morning. Turn on your devices after you’ve relocated your electronics and reconnect the wires. Test them to make sure everything works and weren’t damaged.
On the outside, things might seem fine. But there is always the concern of internal damage. You want to be aware of this in advance so you can submit a claim or call an IT service professional for help.
Need Help Safely Moving with Technology?
Moving can be a stressful and difficult process, particularly when doing it with office technology. You can guarantee the security of your devices from points A to B with the right approach.
Do you require expert assistance to move your technology safely? Give us call and arrange a solution!
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STG IT Consulting Group proudly provides IT Services in Greater Los Angeles and the surrounding areas for all your IT needs.
