Whether you’re simply changing the desk location of an employee or relocating your entire office, chances are that at some point your business will need to move your computer equipment. If the move is not done properly, you risk damaging the equipment or the data that is stored within the equipment. That’s why it’s important that you take the proper steps to move all your equipment correctly. While the proper moving steps are not difficult, they can potentially save you a lot of time and stress.
The first thing you need to do before you move your computer is make sure all your information is backed up on an external source. This can mean either in cloud storage, on a server, or an external hard drive. The back-up comes in handy in case any files are damaged during the move, ensuring that you don/t lose any important information.
When the day of the move comes, make sure everything is removed from your computer (including DVDs, flash drives, etc.) Once everything is removed, completely shut down all of your computer equipment (including the monitor and any additional equipment) before you turn it off. Once it is shut down and powered off, then you are ready to start disconnecting the cords.
The worst of unpacking is finding a jumble of cords and having no idea where they go. So save yourself a little time in the long run and label your cords as you disconnect them. This can be as basic as using masking tape to tell you which cord belongs to which machine. Carefully coil the cords and place them in a labeled plastic bag or box.
If you have a printer connected to your computer, once everything is unplugged, you will want to open the printer and remove or disconnect any ink or laser cartridges. Place them in a separate container that can be stored with the printer.
Once everything is disconnected, you are ready to start packing. The best packing material are the original boxes. However, if you don’t still have the original boxes, you can get boxes of similar sizes for each part of your computer. Pack them separately in order to prevent damage. Wrap each part of your computer with shock resistant insulation, such as Styrofoam or packing peanuts. Make sure your monitor has a covering over the screen to prevent the glass from cracking or being scratched. Your tower should be arranged in the box according to the manufacturer’s recommendation (usually upright).
Once every part of the computer is in its individual box, snugly wrapped and insulated, securely tape the box and label its contents. This way you will know where each part is located when you are ready to unpack.
