Packing Electronics & TV Screens

Service Overview

Packing Electronics & TV Screens Without Damage

Electronics and TV screens are the most expensive and fragile items in a modern home. Unlike furniture, a scratched screen, a bent HDMI port, or a cracked internal motherboard often means the device is completely ruined. Learning how to pack electronics properly requires a specific system of pressure management and rigid organization—whether you are moving a studio apartment in Vancouver or a large family home in Burnaby.

This guide explains the correct methods for packing TVs, monitors, computers, and small electronics. By following this system, you reduce the risk of breakage, eliminate the frustration of lost cables, and ensure your digital life is ready to plug in as soon as you arrive.

Risks and Materials (very important)

Why Electronics Break and Choosing the Right Boxes

Most damage happens before the truck even moves. Screens crack because boxes are oversized, allowing the TV to bounce, or because cables were left loose to scratch the panel. The number one cause of damage, however, is pressure.

The Golden Rules of Protection

• Always Upright, Never Flat: Laying a flat-screen TV on its back puts stress on the center of the panel. One bump in the road can cause it to crack under its own weight or the weight of items stacked on top.
• No Loose Movement: The goal is to immobilize the device inside the box. If you shake the box and hear movement, it is not packed correctly.

Box Selection Strategy

Your box choice is your first line of defense. The original factory box with its custom Styrofoam inserts is always the safest option. If you do not have the original box, do not improvise with standard flimsy cardboard. You should purchase heavy-duty, telescoping TV boxes from nearby moving supply stores, or you can add them as a rental option through our moving box rental page. For smaller monitors and desktop towers, our reusable plastic moving crates offer superior crush protection compared to cardboard, which you can rent through our box rental page.

Packing Screens

Step-by-Step: How to Pack TVs and Monitors

Packing a television or a computer monitor requires more than just wrapping it in a blanket. You must protect the delicate glass surface from both impact and texture marks.

1. Preparation and Disassembly

Start by unplugging all power cords and HDMI cables (we will cover cables in the next section). If your TV or monitor has a removable stand or feet, unscrew them. Leaving the stand attached often prevents the screen from fitting into a box properly and creates a leverage point that can snap during transport.

2. The "Soft Layer" Technique

Never tape bubble wrap directly to a screen. The air pockets can leave permanent circular marks on anti-glare coatings, and tape residue can damage the plastic frame. Instead, wrap the screen completely in a soft, anti-static foam sheet or a specialized moving blanket. Secure the tape only to the wrapping material, never the device itself.

3. Boxing and Immobilizing

Slide the wrapped screen vertically into your telescoping box. If there is empty space on the sides or top, fill it tightly with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap. The TV should feel solid and heavy, like a single unit, not a rattling box.

Computers and Accessories

Packing Computers, Consoles, and Cable Management

While desktop towers and gaming consoles are sturdier than glass screens, they contain sensitive internal components like hard drives and graphics cards that hate sudden shocks.

Protecting Internal Components

Before packing any computer, back up your important data. If you have a custom gaming PC with a heavy Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), we highly recommend opening the case and removing the GPU to pack it separately. The bouncing of a moving truck can cause a heavy card to snap off the motherboard. Wrap the tower in plenty of bubble wrap and place it in a snug, medium-sized box.

If you have old printers, broken monitors, or outdated cables you don't want to move, do not pack them. We can handle the e-waste pickup for you before moving day to save space, or on the same day if it is a local move and not a long-distance move.

Managing the Cable Chaos

Nothing delays unpacking more than a box of tangled wires. Label every cable before you unplug it using masking tape or color-coded stickers. Taking a picture with your smartphone is recommended as well, before unplugging all the wires. Coil them neatly and secure them with zip ties or velcro. Ideally, place the cables in a bag and tape that bag to the outside of the wrapped device (on the back or side, away from the screen) so the parts stay together without scratching the finish.

Logistics and Unpacking

Safe Loading, Transport, and Acclimation

How you load the truck matters as much as how you pack the box. Electronics boxes should always be marked "FRAGILE - THIS SIDE UP" on all four sides. When loading, place screens against a flat wall or a heavy, flat item like a mattress. Never leave a TV box free-standing in the middle of the truck where it can tip over.

The Temperature Rule (Winter Moves)

If you are moving during the winter, your electronics will be cold when they come off the truck. Do not plug them in immediately. Cold electronics brought into a warm house can develop internal condensation. If you power them on while moisture is present, you can short-circuit the device. Let TVs and computers sit at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours to acclimate.

If you are worried about handling high-value setups, server racks, or large home theatres, it is often safer to request a professional moving estimate and let our experienced team handle the technical lifting and logistics.

FAQs

FAQs: Packing Electronics and TV Screens

Should TVs be packed flat or upright?

Always upright. Packing a TV flat allows the screen to flex under its own weight, leading to cracks. It also increases the risk of damage if other items are stacked on top of it.

Do I need special boxes for electronics?

Yes. Standard single-wall cardboard boxes often crush under the weight of electronics. Use double-walled boxes, original factory packaging, or specialized telescoping TV cartons for maximum protection. You can rent them from us as part of our moving supply rental service.

How do I protect screens from scratches?

Always place a soft, non-textured layer (like a foam sheet, anti-static cloth, or soft cotton sheet) against the glass before adding bubble wrap or moving blankets.

Can I pack electronics with other household items?

It is safer to keep electronics separate. Mixing a heavy game console in a box with books or kitchenware increases the chance of the items shifting and crushing each other.