How to Pack Electronics and Cables So Nothing Gets Lost
Original boxes, the photo-before-you-unplug trick, and what to carry with you instead of shipping.
Published 2025-12-10 · 5 min read · Packing
Use the original box when you still have it
Manufacturer boxes are designed with foam inserts shaped precisely for that device, which makes them the safest option for TVs, monitors, and computers whenever you've kept them. If you no longer have the original packaging, a dedicated TV box with foam corner protectors and a flat-panel bag is the next-best option, since flat screens are especially vulnerable to pressure cracks if packed like a normal box item.
Photograph your setup before you disconnect anything
Before unplugging a home theater system, computer setup, or any multi-cable device, take a clear photo of the back panel showing which cable goes where. This turns reassembly at the new home from a guessing game into a five-minute task. Bag each device's cables together and label the bag with the device name, rather than tossing all cables into one box to sort out later.
Protecting devices from static and impact
Anti-static bubble wrap is worth using for anything with exposed circuit boards or sensitive components, since standard bubble wrap can occasionally cause static discharge. Pack electronics upright in their normal orientation whenever the box allows it, and avoid stacking heavy items on top of any box marked as containing electronics. Let devices sit at room temperature for a few hours after a move before powering them on, especially after a cold or hot truck ride.
What to carry with you instead of shipping
External hard drives, laptops, and anything with irreplaceable data are worth carrying personally rather than putting on the truck, simply because a truck ride is not the ideal environment for the most fragile and highest-value items you own. If a full-service pack is otherwise handling your move, it's reasonable to ask your crew to set these specific items aside for you to transport yourself.
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