Affordable Storage

Packing up a computer can be a time consuming and stressful affair! But it doesn't have to be. Using these tips should make packing it up a little easier.

Do you still have the boxes and packing supplies it came with? It may be obvious, but I'll go ahead and say it anyway Those boxes were specifically designed for your computer and will provide excellent protection. Use them if you can.

Don't have the original boxes? Then here are some suggestions that will make your life easier.

The best packaging supplies for computer equipment are foam pads, bubble wrap and clear plastic bags. Foam chips should not be used as they contain and produce static electricity; which may harm computer components.

Back up all data before disconnecting the computer.

After you unplug the computer, label all the wires and cables so that you know how to connect them later. Some folks us color-coded stickers. Others draw connection diagrams. You could even take a photo of the back while it's still connected. Whatever method you use will certainly make reconnecting your computer quick and easy.

Computer Equipment Packing 101

Cables - To avoid nasty tangles, wrap cables with twist ties, tape, or elastic bands.

Hard Drive - You shouldn't need to worry about the hard drive. It stays in the computer. But if you do need to remove it, it should be placed in a static free bag and packed snugly with foam pads and styrofoam.

Monitor - First - place the monitor in a plastic bag to protect the screen. Then, put it in a large box leaving plenty of space for bubble wrap, foam pads and styrofoam.

Keyboard - Protect the keys of the keyboard with a piece of foam and then wrap the whole thing in plastic and/or bubble wrap. Box separately.

Sound Cards and Memory Chips - You shouldn't have to remove these. If, for some reason you do, though, they must be wrapped separately in Anti-Static bags because regular plastic and paper products can damage these components. After the item is in its protective anti-static bag, it can then be cushioned with bubble wrap and foam pads.

Mouse - If you have an old mouse that still uses a cable, loosely loop the it and secure with a twist tie. Then place it in a plastic bag to keep dust out of the track ball.   If you have a wireless mouse, remove the battery/batteries if there are any before storing it in a plastic bag.

External CD Rom Drives and Modems - These should be packaged individually in plastic bags and then boxed with bubble wrap and foam pads for protection.

Printer - Remove all trays, arms and paper and wrap them in plastic bags. The printer, too, can be put in a plastic bag and packed with foam and styrofoam in its own box.

CDs and DVDs - These products are very tough. Using the usual jewel case is usually enough protection. CK.

In closing, box each item carefully so that individual pieces won't bump into each other. You may want to label each box as FRAGILE - THIS SIDE UP and/or DO NOT STACK.  

Be careful! If you follow these tips, you may be seen as a 'computer set up expert' and be invited to set up all your friend's computers, too.

Good luck!

With three weeks left to go before your move, the real work of moving is just beginning.

If you have any rooms that need to be painted, now is the time to start on them, so they'll be completely dry and ready to be occupied in time. Order any packing supplies you don't already have on hand now, so you won't run out.

Those of you moving with school-age children will want to start investigating the reputations and performance results of schools in your new area. If you choose a school outside of the district your new address is in, make sure you know what has to be done in order to enroll your child there.

Now is also the time when you'll want to go through the estimates you've been collecting from moving companies and van rental agencies. Once you have them narrowed down to the best candidates, you can book appointments to have them come out and give a final estimate based on the actual contents of your home.

Having the utilities transferred out of your name on the right date is very important-too soon and you'll be working in the dark, too late and you'll be paying for services you don't need. You want to ensure that the utilities in your new home are started in your name on the right day as well.

Let your Internet provider know that you're moving now, too; if they have to come out and pick up or move your equipment, they'll need plenty of advance notice to get you on their schedule. Failure to contact them in time could result in an interruption of service or having to pay a fine.

There's no rest for the weary once the moving day countdown drops below the four-week mark!

This article was written by Affordable Edmonton Storage. Click here to get your own unique version of this article. Good luck with your move!