How to pack a computer for safe shipping
From ArticleWorld
On some occasions, you will need to pack computers to ship them somewhere. This can be the case if you are moving your office or giving it away to someone who comes to your place to pick it up with a car.
Computers are quite sensible equipment though, and, although they are getting more and more robust every year, some measures still need to be taken when packing and shipping them:
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Steps
- If it is available, use the computer's original box and packing. This is the best possibility.
- If not, get a heavy cardboard box (or more, if you need to pack more than just the central unit). It should be slightly bigger than the computer you pack, since it needs some space for whatever protective material you will use. Boxes have a weight capacity printed on their bottom, too. Make sure you will not pack heavier things than it can load.
- Wrap the computer in some cushioning material (bubble wrap is quite cheap and works well). Pack the central unit separately, securing everything with adhesive tape. Wrap peripherals separately and put them in their own boxes. The mouse, keyboard, speakers and anything alike can go in the same box, but the central unit, the monitor and any larger equipment should go separately.
- If any space is left in the boxes, fill it with bubble wrap or polystyrene bits. If you do not have these, some crumpled newspapers may do, but they are not as efficient. In the end, nothing should be able to move inside the box.
- Put a shipping label and your telephone number inside the box, just in case. Remove any older shipping labels the box may have and add the ones you are using. Seal the box with packaging tape.
- Make sure that the delivery and return addresses are clearly stated on the box. Add Fragile marks on every side of the box if you will use mail.