Before packing, back up important files and note any settings or account details you will need later. Photograph complicated cable arrangements so you can reconnect equipment without guessing. Power devices down fully, remove batteries or detachable accessories where the instructions recommend it, and disconnect cables without pulling on the leads.
Use original packaging when available, or wrap each item in protective material that prevents movement. Pack screens upright where practical and avoid placing heavy objects on top of them. Keep small accessories, remotes, and screws in labeled bags associated with their devices. Do not leave loose items inside a computer case or a television stand where they could shift during transport.
Mark boxes as fragile and keep them away from moisture, extreme heat, and pressure. For equipment with a hard drive, follow the manufacturer's guidance for safe transport. At the new location, let devices adjust to room temperature if they were exposed to cold before powering them on, and check cables for damage. Reconnect one system at a time, verify each device works, and only then route cables neatly into their final positions.
Extra Steps That Save Time and Prevent Damage
A few less obvious preparations can make the difference between a smooth first evening in your new home and hours spent troubleshooting. Most of them take only minutes before the move but are hard to fix afterwards.
Deal with accounts and licences first
Some software and services tie a licence to a specific device. If you plan to replace or wipe a computer during the move, deauthorise or sign out of those services beforehand so you are not locked out later. Check that two-factor authentication codes are not stored only on a device that will be packed away. Keep your phone, charger and any authenticator app with you rather than in a moving box.
Plan your internet before you arrive
Contact your internet provider well ahead of moving day to arrange a transfer or a new installation, because appointment slots can fill up. Pack your router and modem in a clearly marked box that travels with you or is unloaded first. If the new property is larger or has a different layout, it is a good moment to rethink placement. Our guide to mesh Wi-Fi versus a single router can help you decide whether your current setup will still cover every room.
Handle batteries and power gear carefully
Lithium-ion batteries in laptops, power banks, cameras and e-bikes deserve extra care. Do not pack damaged or swollen batteries, and avoid leaving them in a hot vehicle. Many movers have rules about what they will carry, so ask in advance. Wrap surge protectors and power strips separately so their prongs do not scratch screens.
Pack a first-night essentials box
Fill one small box with what you will need immediately: phone chargers, a power strip, the router and its adapter, an HDMI cable, basic screwdrivers, cable ties and the bags of screws for your TV mount or stand. Labelling it on every side makes it easy to spot among dozens of identical boxes.
Check insurance and document condition
Photograph valuable equipment, including serial numbers, before packing. This helps with any claim if something arrives damaged and also makes warranty support easier. Confirm what your moving company's cover includes, as standard protection is often limited, and consider whether your home insurance extends to items in transit.
Once everything is running again, revisit placement rather than copying the old layout. A new room may suit a different TV position or speaker arrangement, and our notes on getting the most from a 4K TV cover viewing distance and lighting worth considering.