By Stephen Davis
Special to UStorage.com
The best way to keep your computer safe and secure in a storage unit is to pack it in the original boxes and foam that it came in. However, many people throw these away or loose them. If you do not have any of the original packing for your computer, here is a packing procedure that will keep your device safe while they are kept in a self storage facility.
A simple home computer contains the following basic components:
• A CPU tower
• A monitor
• A keyboard
• A mouse
• A printer
For the simplest and most secure packing method, you will need:
• A large carton box
• A medium television box
• Packing tape
• Bubble wrap
• Packing paper
The best way is to pack your items for storage is to place them in one large box and use the medium box for the printer.
Begin by taping the bottom of both boxes to make them secure. Then use some packing paper to line the bottom of both boxes. The way to do this is to take a few sheets of packing paper and crumpling them into shock absorbing rolls.
Before you disconnect your computer, make note of the connections. You can either use a color coding system, or you can label the wires using paper tape, or you could just take a picture of every step. Once disconnected, twist roll the wires into one neat bundle and secure using a twist tie or some packing tape.
Place the CPU at the bottom of the box as it is the heaviest object. Lay the CPU on its side in the center of the box and pack the gaps at the edges using packing paper. Use some more packing paper to line the side of the CPU facing upwards.
Next wrap the bubble wrap around the monitor screen and back and secure it using the packing tape. Make sure the bubble wrap also wraps the edges so no tape marks are left on the monitor casing when it is unpacked. Place the monitor upright, diagonally in the box and fill the edges with packing paper up till half the screen height.
Wrap the keyboard in two sheets of packing paper in a manner similar to packing birthday gifts. Once this is done, pack it again in a second layer of two sheets of packing paper. Pack the mouse in the same way. As the mouse is a smaller object, one layer of packing paper will be enough to wrap it all up securely. Place the keyboard in the box beside the screen and place the mouse over it. Fill in the gaps using packing paper until the items are snug and secure. Close the box and seal it using tape.
Printers need a separate box due to their weight and fragility. The heavy printer has a delicate casing and loading trays that can crack easily. Place the printer in the medium box and fill the edges and the top with plenty of packing paper. Seal the box using tape and mark it ‘Printer.’
When moving your items into a self storage facility, Make sure that you also mark both boxes as ‘Fragile’ and indicate ‘This side up’ with an arrow beside it so anyone who handles it doesn’t damage the equipment in it.