Moving houses can be exciting but also extremely stressful. One of the biggest challenges people have is moving fragile items that they may own. Most technologies, such as TVs, speakers and computer game systems, are fragile, which is why it is important to ensure that you protect them as you transport them to your new place of residence.
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Below is our checklist for protecting your tech when moving house:
1. Back-up everything
While you are moving house, you may accidentally damage your technology. If this happens, it may be more difficult to get important files off the damaged device. By ensuring that you back up all of your devices before your big move, you can ensure that you still have access to that data even if devices are broken during the move.
You can back up data on USB sticks, other devices and on cloud services such as Google Drive and Dropbox. Storing your data in the cloud means that you can access your data from any internet-connected device.
You could create a folder that includes subfolders that include backup files for all of your devices. If you are storing sensitive information on cloud-based storage systems, you should set up multi-factor authentication that will send a code to the email address or phone number you used to set up the account. If it was you who tried to log into the account, you can enter the code, but if it was an unauthorised intruder, they would not be able to access the account.
Using multi-factor authentication security can prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information, such as documents that you may store passwords on. If hackers were able to access this information, they may be able to breach several of your online accounts in quick succession.
This means that you could be at risk of losing further information, and you could also lose out financially. If you lose money as a result of a hack, you should contact your bank and a fraud recovery expert who will be able to maximise the chances of you getting your money back.
2. Organise and label cables
Ideally, you should transport any cables that you have close to the devices that use them; if this is not possible, you should store your cables together and ensure that you label them accordingly. You can tie cables that correspond with each other with a zip tie to ensure that you know that they are associated with each other.
You can also mark cables with marker pens or attach tags or stickers to cables. Labelling your cables can make it easier for you to set up your devices when you understand what each cable is for.
3. Pack devices securely
Packing your devices within the packaging that will protect them on the journey reduces the possibility of damage. You can buy bubble wrap from retailers or if you are feeling extra thrifty, you could also ask businesses if they have any bubble wrap that their stock came in that they would otherwise throw out that you can take and use to wrap your belongings with.
Packing items in bubble wrap helps shield them from bumps that may occur during the moving process. You should pack the technology that you have wrapped in bubble wrap in cardboard boxes; ideally, the cardboard box shouldn’t be too much larger than the item you are fitting inside, as this reduces the amount your item will move around in the box during the moving process, which can, in turn, reduce the potential of any breakages.
4. Remove ink cartridges and batteries
Batteries or ink cartridges within your devices may become damaged during the move, meaning the contents of either one of these may leak into your devices. This could permanently damage your devices, meaning that you may have to either shell out high repair costs or have to buy an entirely new piece of equipment.
You should store all of your ink cartridges together in a zip-tie plastic bag; you should also do the same for your batteries. Ensure that you store both of these plastic bags in places where they are unlikely to be damaged.
5. Take photos of your cable connections
If you are unsure about the cable connections to your devices, you should take a photo of the cables fitting to your device at the moment so that you can use these pictures as a future reference if needed to help you set up your devices once you have moved.
If you are still unsure about how to connect your cables to your devices, you should look at online guides that will help you. There are also plenty of videos on YouTube that will give you a visual example of how to connect your cables to your devices.
6. Inform movers about fragile items
If you are using a removal company to help you move your items from one home to another, you should ensure that you let them know about any fragile items you are moving. This way, they can take extra care with these items to reduce the risk of damage. Some moving companies may allow you to insure certain items, which can give you peace of mind that if they are damaged on the way to your new house, you are covered.
7. Test everything after the move
Once you get to your new place, you should test to see if all of your devices and equipment are still in working order; if not, you can get your devices repaired and claim money on any insurance premiums you can set up to protect your items.
Testing your items early can also mean that you won’t get a nasty surprise days or weeks after your move when your devices no longer work. Being proactive allows you to detect these issues early, reducing the likelihood that you will be negatively impacted by the loss of your devices for an extended period of time.
Protecting your technology from damage while you move is extremely important. You should do everything possible to ensure the safety of your equipment to prevent you from having to shell out for costly repairs or even have to replace your items.
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Tom is a Digital Content Writer passionate about sustainable property & property trends. Regardless of the subject, he will always write blogs of the best calibre. Read more about Tom here.
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