Packing Electronics: A Comprehensive Guide
Packing electronics feels like one of those things that should be easy - until you’re staring at a tangled mess of cords, juggling a $2,000 laptop, and trying to figure out which box your PlayStation will be safe in. Whether it’s a TV, router, speaker setup, or gaming console, electronics are some of the most expensive - and fragile - things you’ll move.
If you want to make sure they survive the trip in one piece (and power back on without giving you a panic attack), here’s everything you need to know to pack electronics safely.
1. Back It All Up
Before you start unplugging anything in your current home, back up important files. This applies to laptops, desktops, hard drives, consoles - anything that stores data you’d rather not lose.
External hard drives, cloud storage, or even a quick drag-and-drop to a USB will do the job. It might seem boring, but it’s a great tip to give you additional piece of mind while you’re packing your electronics.
2. Take Photos Before Unplugging
This is one of the most underrated moving electronics tips we give customers, and one that all of our professional packers practice. Before you start pulling out cords, take a clear photo of the back of each device. Ports, HDMI setups, speaker wires - all of it.
That way, when you’re staring at a sea of black cables in your new lounge room, you’ll know exactly where everything goes.
3. Use Original Boxes (If You Still Have Them)
Original boxes are built to fit your device perfectly, so if you’ve still got the box for your TV or gaming console, use it. Most include foam or protective inserts that help absorb impact during transport.
If you don’t have the original packaging, don’t worry - our Jim Boxes are a great alternative. They’re made from durable, hard plastic and are available in a versatile 70L size. Perfect for delicate items like speakers, screens, or computer accessories that need sturdy protection.
4. Wrap Carefully and Pack Snugly
Screens and delicate tech should always be wrapped in a soft cloth or towel to avoid scratches, then bubble wrapped for shock protection. Always pack electronics upright and fill any empty space in the box to prevent movement.
If you’re not sure how to wrap something properly, our professional packing service can help. We offer partial and full packing options, with every member of our team trained in protecting fragile and high-value items like electronics. Whether it’s one tricky screen or your whole entertainment setup - we’ve got it covered.
5. Label Everything - Cords Included
Label the box, label the cords, label the screens - while packing, there’s no such thing as too many labels! As you unplug each cable, pop it into a ziplock bag and write what it belongs to. Keep the cords with their device - either in the same box or taped to the side in a labelled pouch.
On the box itself, write:
“FRAGILE - Electronics - This Side Up”
Clear labelling helps our movers (and future you) know how to handle it.
6. Keep Essentials With You
Keep anything you’ll need within the first 24 hours - chargers, your laptop, modem, remote controls - with you, not on the truck. Same goes for anything super valuable or hard to replace.
We always recommend this to customers, even when we’re handling the entire move - just in case something delays unloading, or you want to Netflix and decompress at 11pm before unpacking the mountain of boxes in your lounge room.
Final Thoughts
Packing electronics isn’t difficult - it just takes a bit of care (and the right materials). Whether you’re doing it yourself or handing it off to the pros, your gear should arrive safe, snug, and ready to plug straight in.
Need a hand with packing, moving, or just want to use boxes that won’t fall apart halfway down the stairs? We’ve helped hundreds of Melbourne locals move their electronics without a single cracked screen. Call or text Jim’s Removals and Storage at 0427 014 711 for a quote today!
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