In addition to desktop computers or laptops, most home offices have a printer or all-in-one machine that makes life easier. But how are you supposed to pack these delicate electronics? Just follow these basic guidelines, and you’ll be able to pack your electronics without worry.

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Moving Supplies You’ll Need to Pack Your Printer and Other Electronics

  • Medium or large moving boxes
  • Original boxes, if available
  • Twisty ties
  • Zip-top baggies
  • Packing paper
  • Packing tape
  • Permanent black marker

Steps for Packing Your Printer and Other Electronics for a Move

1. Set up a packing station

Gather all of the moving supplies you’ll need, then clear space to pack your printer and other electronics.

2. Take photos

Before you disconnect any plugs, cords, or cables from your printer or other electronics, take photos to remind you they will reconnect after your move.

3. Disconnect cables and wires

Turn off all of your electronics and accessories before disconnecting them. Then, disconnect cables and cords. Wrap each cord and secure the bundle with a twisty tie. Place the cables that belong to a specific electronic in a zip-top baggie and label it. Don’t mix cords and cables of various electronic equipment in the same bag. Detangling and sorting them isn’t worth the time and effort required. Note that even with cables and cords removed, some electronics work on back-up batteries. Ensure that you have turned off all equipment.

4. Detach removable parts

You must remove all feeders, paper holders, and add-on accessories. Wrap each one individually in packing paper, sealing with tape, then label the package.

5. Remove toners and ink cartridges

Unless you can guarantee that your printer will travel throughout the move in an upright position, remove the ink cartridges. Seal them in zip-top baggies. Laser printers, no matter the shipping position, must have ink cartridges removed. Transit can cause ink cartridges to leak, which can damage the internal parts of your printer (not to mention creating a mess). It’s best to consult the owner’s manual that came with your printer to know the best way to deal with ink cartridges and toners.

6. Prepare your boxes

Ideally, you’ll pack each piece of equipment in its original box. But if you don’t have those boxes, no worries. Measure your printer or all-in-one, paper shredder, and other large-size electronics to make sure you have the right size box to pack each item with plenty of cushioning. Allow at least three extra inches on all sides, bottom, and top, to pad the box adequately. Be sure the printer sits upright in the box.

You can safely pack all of your electronics in moving boxes if you cushion each item sufficiently. Be sure to carefully prepare each moving box by taping the bottom seam with several layers of packing tape and put a three-inch layer of crumpled packing paper in the bottom of the box.

7. Pack each electronic separately

Wrap each electronic item separately in several layers of packing paper, then label and place it in the box. Cushion each item with plenty of crumpled packing paper. Include the baggie of cables and cords that goes with each item. When the box is almost full, place another layer of crushed paper on the top and close the flaps.

8. Seal and label each box

Seal the top seam with packing tape and label the contents of each box, so you can easily access needed office equipment right after your move. Also, include the destination room on the label. For example, the box might read ‘Home Office: Printer.’

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