Electronics are typically the most valuable items in a move by dollar value — and one of the most commonly damaged. Unlike fragile dishes where the risk is obvious, electronics can be damaged by static electricity, temperature extremes, and improper orientation, not just impact. The approach for packing a TV is different from packing a computer, which is different from packing small peripherals.
This guide covers each major category with the specific handling it needs.
The Most Important Rule: Original Boxes When Possible
The original manufacturer's box for a TV, monitor, or computer is designed to protect exactly that item through exactly the kind of handling it will experience in transit. The foam inserts conform to the device's shape, the box size prevents shifting, and the cardboard is often reinforced specifically for the item's weight distribution.
If you have original boxes, use them. If you don't have them, the next step is TV-specific boxes from a moving supply store (typically $20–45 for a large TV box). Improvising with whatever box is available is the choice most likely to result in a cracked screen.
Before You Pack Anything: Photograph Your Setups
Before disconnecting anything, photograph the back of every device and every cable connection. Take multiple photos from different angles. This takes three minutes and eliminates hours of setup confusion at the destination — particularly for entertainment centers, multi-monitor workstations, and home office setups where the cable configuration is non-obvious.
Store the photos in a cloud album labeled "Electronics setup — [move date]" so they're accessible from any phone or computer when you're unpacking, even before your computer is set up.
Televisions
TVs are large, fragile, and expensive. Three rules for moving a TV safely:
Always transport upright. Flat-screen TVs are not designed to support their own weight when laid flat. The screen panel is supported by its frame when vertical; when horizontal, the center can flex and crack under the weight distribution. Even a short trip in a car should be upright.
Never put other items on top of or against the screen. Even soft items can press against the display and cause pressure damage. The TV should have its own space in the truck.
Protect the screen surface. Wrap the screen side in bubble wrap, then use blanket padding on the exterior. If you're using a TV-specific moving box, the foam inserts handle this. If you're improvising, the screen is the priority — protect that surface first before anything else.
Removing the stand: Most TV stands detach for transport. Remove it, wrap it separately, and pack it in the same box as the TV if space allows. Keep the mounting screws in a labeled bag taped to the inside of the box.
Computers and Laptops
Desktop computers
Desktop towers should be transported upright when possible — the same orientation they sit in during use. Horizontal transport can allow the CPU cooler or heavy GPU to stress their mounting points under vibration. If the original box isn't available, use a medium moving box with substantial foam or crumpled paper padding on all sides. The computer should not be able to move within the box when you shake it.
If you're concerned about a high-end build with a heavy GPU or elaborate cooling, removing the graphics card and transporting it separately in anti-static packaging is worth the effort for a long-distance move. Static discharge from inadequate packaging can destroy a GPU or RAM stick even when there's no visible impact damage.
Laptops
Laptops can go in their original boxes, a laptop bag, or a well-padded medium box. The hinge is the most vulnerable point — don't pack a laptop with the lid open under pressure. Close it fully before packing. If packing multiple laptops in a box, separate them with foam or bubble wrap so the corners don't press against each other's screens.
Monitors
Like TVs, monitors should be transported upright and never have anything resting against the screen face. The original box is strongly preferred. Without it, use a monitor-specific moving box or wrap the monitor with two layers of bubble wrap (screen side padded heavily) before placing in a double-walled box.
For multi-monitor setups: pack each monitor separately. Stacking monitors — even with padding between them — creates pressure points at the bezels that can crack the panel behind them.
Gaming Consoles
Gaming consoles are more durable than TVs but still need care. Original box is ideal. Without it, wrap in bubble wrap and pack with padding on all sides in a medium box. Avoid extreme temperature — leaving a console in a hot car or truck during summer can damage solder joints and stored data. Move consoles in your climate-controlled vehicle if the trip is long.
Remove any discs or cartridges before packing. A disc in the drive during transit can scratch if the drive mechanism shifts.
Cords and Cables
Cables are where most electronics unpacking goes wrong. Every item generates at least 2–3 cords, and after a move they end up in a pile that takes an afternoon to sort out.
The cord labeling system that actually works
- Label both ends of each cord before disconnecting: use masking tape + marker or cable labels. Write what device it connects to and which port ("TV — power," "Monitor — DisplayPort," "PS5 — HDMI 1").
- Bundle cords per device. Coil each device's cords together and secure with a twist tie or cable tie, then put all cords for one device in a labeled zip bag: "TV cords," "MacBook cords," "printer cords."
- Pack cord bags with their device. The TV cord bag goes in the TV box. The computer cord bag goes in the computer box. This ensures cords arrive where the device they belong to arrives.
- Use a QR label. If you're using QR code box labels, log the specific device and its cords in the box contents so you can search "TV HDMI" from your phone and know exactly which box to open.
Small Electronics and Peripherals
Keyboards, mice, external hard drives, routers, smart home hubs, and other small electronics can go together in a medium box with padding, but keep a few rules in mind:
- External hard drives need anti-static packaging. Wrap in anti-static bags (available at electronics stores) before any other padding. A static discharge can wipe a drive even without impact damage.
- Pack small electronics densely but padded. They're generally more durable than screens — just ensure nothing can shift and press against a screen or crack an LCD.
- Label with contents. "Peripherals — office" tells movers and tells you what's in the box without opening it.
What to Keep in Your Car
Some electronics shouldn't go on the truck at all. Moving to your car:
- Laptop (if you need it en route)
- Phone chargers
- External hard drives with irreplaceable data
- Anything with lithium batteries that shouldn't be exposed to extreme temperature
- High-value items you'd want covered by personal auto insurance rather than moving company liability
Note: most moving companies' standard liability for lost or damaged items is $0.60 per pound — a $1,500 laptop that weighs 4 lbs would be covered for $2.40 under standard liability. If you're shipping high-value electronics, either get full-value moving insurance or move them yourself.