How To Pack a Computer

If you're reading this post - you probably have a computer, and you are probably moving soon. Most people's computer is one of their most valuable item. It's not just the monetary value of the computer, but the information inside. Family vacation pictures, work files, and personal content are all stored in that computer. So your clothing can be piled up in a box, and your framed pictured can be put in bubble-wrap - your computer needs special attention.

To help you pack your computer and monitor on your own, we've created a useful step-by-step video tutorial. Follow the steps instructed below, and your computer should be ready to use on the other side!

Blanket Wrapping

A great way to give your furniture an extra layer of protection during moving transport is what we refer to in the business as "blanket wrapping." If you can't guess what this means from the term . . . well, let's just say that blanket wrapping is exactly what it sounds like. The nice thing about blanket wrapping is that it takes care of two common moving problems with one stone. First, packing blankets and quilts is always difficult because they tend to be bulky, but don't generally weigh very much. Many take up an entire box, and that's if they fit at all. Second - Furniture (especially wooden furniture or furniture with wooden legs) tends to get knicked and scratched in transit. By wrapping your larger pieces of furniture with your blankets and securing them with twine . . . you don't need to box the blankets and you're furniture is guarded against knicks and scratches! Oh the joys of clever packing.

Moving Furniture

Moving large furnture like couches and bedroom sets can be dauting. Leaving the large stuff to the professional movers is the safest and easiest way to make sure everything makes it to your new home safely, but here are a few things you can do to make it easier on the hired hands.

- Take apart anything that can be dismantled. This means removing legs from couches and dis-assembling items like bed frames.

- Keep all of the nuts, bolts, washer and screws together. Using sealable plastic bags is the best way to be certain you don't lose anything.

- Tape shut all drawers to cabinets and dressers.

- Last, any exposed legs of couches, tables or chairs should be wrapped in bubble tape for protection.

Packing Books

Books can be a tricky thing to pack. Even though they're sturdier than a lot of the average home-owners possesion, they're one of the most commonly damaged items on moving day. Here's an easy guide to make sure you're books stay safe all the way to their new home.

1. Create a list of all titles and a key for which are in which box.
2. Secure the bottom of all your boxes well. Use at least three layers of tape
3. Don't over-load. Books are dense, so make sure you can lift the box before you seal it up. Also, using more boxes with less books guarantees they won't burst open en route
4. Line the boxes with more valuable editions with bubble wrap and cover the books with cloth.
5. Pack larger, coffee-table books at the bottom of boxes.
6. Pack all other books spine down.
7. Fill all empty spaces within your boxes with bubble wrap or packing paper.

The Importance of a Packing Key

The key to succesful packing is just that . . . a key. Before you box all of your items, organzie them into related groups (keep the kitchen supplies with kitchen towels, etc). As you pack, keep a running tab of what goes into your boxes. Finally, when you close them up, use a colored marker or some pre-made labels to distinguish each box from the others. When you're finished, create a master key of all the boxes so when you move into your new place you'll know exactly where everything is.

Packing Materials

After thinking about it a while, I decided there was no better way to begin my moving blog than starting with the basics. So today I'm keeping it simple - here are a few guidelines for the most basic element of moving . . . what materials you need to start packing. Here's a list of everything you'll need to make sure all your belongings are packed up safe and sound.

- Boxes. Whether you buy them new or find them behind a grocery store, there are two important factors to consider. First, make sure you get a good variety of sizes and second, make sure they're sturdy.

- Packing Peanuts

- Tissue paper for fragile items

- Corrugated paper for knick-knacks and figurines

- Sturdy tape to seal everything up

- Scissors and/or a sharp knife to cut tape and packing paper