Unless you plan to live in your home forever, there’s a good chance you’ll move onto bigger and better things at some point in the future. Perhaps you’ll move for work, move to be closer to your family, or even finally move into that home build you’ve been planning and working on for a decade.
There are all manner of households to move, from small apartments all the way up to regal mansions. But what about the modern standards of moving house? We all know it can be a little tough to move a large television from place to place, but what if your house is otherwise kitted out with the latest smart tech?
Is it possible that moving from one place to another with such valuable and sensitive equipment requires an extra touch and a deft hand who understands how to install and manage this process? We believe so, but you can be that person with a few preparations and insights.
It’s those we hope to offer you in this post. Without further ado, please consider the following advice:
Prioritize Electronic Packing
It’s not just how you package your home possessions that matters, but also how you wrap them. Purchasing a healthy amount of anti-static packaging, like bubble wrap, foam, and anti-static inserts can help you ensure the moving process won’t cause damage to your home items, even with all the movement and chaos of a full household move.
This way, you can wrap your television well even if you no longer have the box for it, while securing it correctly in your car if bringing it along with you. You can also use this to deconstruct certain belongings you have and wrap them individually. For example, if you have a top-of-the-line gaming computer, you might take out the GPU and RAM sticks, as well as your CPU cooler, and wrap them all individually to prevent the chance of bumps damaging sensitive components.
Streamline Cable Management
Any tech lover will be more than familiar with the constant dance we perform around cables and wrapping them appropriately. Sure cables can seem durable, but with constant bending, improper holding, and storage, they can break and fray like anything else. That’s why using cable holders can allow you to wrap them well and store them with as little space as possible.
Just be mindful of the big cables that might not bend as well, using hooks to hold them or packaging them with only one or two lengthway bends in a duffle bag can be helpful. This might include thicker cables you use for audio recording equipment in a home studio.
Also, make sure your cables are stored separately from your most expensive items. The last thing you need is for a cable end to scratch the lens of an expensive camera after the lens shield fell off in transit. Be mindful of how items are stored, and plan appropriately.
Use Reliable Movers
Most removalists understand the need to be mindful of the property of their clients. But the best removalists who truly understand tech and how to package it, even offering insurance if they do, can help you enjoy peace of mind. This way, even in the very unlikely event something gets damaged, you can rest easy knowing you’ll be fully reimbursed.
Moreover, experienced movers see many houses each week, and odds are at least a few of them have been kitted out to your standard as well. So, you don’t need to worry about finding a perfect “tech-adjacent” removalist firm, they’ve seen it all before. Just make sure to use a good service you can depend on.
Store Your Most Expensive Gadgets
It might be that some of your most appreciated and beloved gadgets are so valuable to you that you don’t want to leave them in the hands of a third party. That’s more than understandable. Perhaps you have an old MIDI keyboard from your favorite artist that serves as a massive sentimental token, or digital studio gear you need to keep safe for the benefit of your freelancing career.
Well, you don’t need to bring everything with you right now. Taking out a storage locker or unit can help you keep your cherished items safe, and that permits you to come back at any time of your choosing and pick them up. If you’re a little worried about your items being damaged in transit alongside the rest of your home items, this can be a vital step.
Backup, Backup, Backup!
Just in case something goes wrong, make sure to back up all of your data. The last thing you need is to see your camera get covered in water damage from your other bag, harming the SD card inside with all your priceless family photos.
Backing up everything and storing additional hard drives away before you move can be key. Also, make sure everything is updated and stored in your cloud where appropriate. You might even subscribe to a better storage plan for one month to make sure you have everything secure before you head out, such as a 2TB plan from a service like Google or otherwise. You might also share this with your partner to make sure they can access it too.
Plan For Wi-Fi Transitions
Remember that when you move house, you’ll likely need a new router or to reinstall your old one, which may give you a brand new IP address. If you don’t have to account information handy or your multi-factor authentication codes prepared, you might be locked out of your account. This is because some digital services that are notorious for tracking your login history might assume this new location and internet connection is coming from someone trying to steal your accounts.
So, check each account and make sure you have all your security tokens saved, just in case. The last thing you need is to be on the phone with support while you’re trying to enjoy your new household.
With this advice, you’re certain to enjoy smart moving wisdom, even if you had to update it a little for 2024.
