1. Call the professionals

   Before attempting to move your wall-mounted television, TV antenna or satellite dish, be sure call your moving company for their suggestions. If you are unsure of how to dismantle and reinstall your electronics you can call one of Winnipeg's many experts in this area such as Winnipeg Geek Squad

   Professional movers may also offer the added service of packing sensitive electronic items like plasma televisions to minimize the chance of damage occurring by jarring, static electricity or extreme temperatures.

   GoGetter can pack your electronics for you! Call us before hand to discuss so we can be sure to have all materials and supplies on hand for packaging your electronics.

2. Consult the owner's manual for tips and precautions

   The next important step is to locate and consult your instruction manuals for all electronics that you plan to move and set up in your new home. These manuals may contain important information, instructions and tips for disconnecting certain items, safely packing and reassembling, so it is imperative that you review these details first.

   Once you have gone over the information, be sure to collect all of the manuals together and put them in a safe place for easy access once you move.

3. Prepare items before packing

   Following any specific instructions given in the owner's manuals, begin backing up important software on your computers and removing media like DVDs and CDs, storing them in their proper cases.

   If you plan to pack and move a computer printer, make sure to remove the ink cartridges and lock the heads in place to prevent damage.

   To make reconnecting of your electronics much simpler, take the time to map out a diagram showing how your wires were connected. This will take away a lot of the guesswork when you are ready to reassemble everything in your new home.

   Don't forget to make a list of all the electronics that you own along with their corresponding serials numbers to submit to your homeowner's insurance company for added piece of mind.

4. Label the cords and accessories

   Unplug all of your electronics and bundle and label the wires and cords along with the corresponding manuals and accessories. Twist ties can be used to keep the wires compactly bundled and then all items can be placed in clear plastic bags to be packed with the appropriate equipment.

5. Warm up before plugging in

   Keep in mind that plasma televisions are highly sensitive to extreme Winnipeg temperatures and many electronics will need to warm up and recalibrate once they arrive at their new destination. It is a good practice to allow all electronic equipment to warm up to room temperature before plugging them in and using them.

   Tips for Moving in Winnipeg's Cold Climate

Suggested Packing Material for Electronics

The following items should be used to adequately protect your electronics and ensure their safe arrival at their new destination.

• Sturdy Boxes: It is recommended that you pack your electronics using the original packaging, if available. If that is not an option then it is advised that you use brand new boxes for electronic items to ensure the maximum integrity of the carton used to transport your valuable items.
• Bubble Sheeting: Be sure to purchase a generous amount of bubble sheeting (bubble wrap) to protect the glass screens on your televisions and computer monitors from scratches and breaks and to minimize the impact of shock and vibrations. Pay special attention to the corners and edges and use foam wedges or shoulders (if available). The use of proper cushioning material cannot be stressed enough.
• Anti-Static Loose Fill: It is very important to note that regular Styrofoam loose fill (peanuts) cause static electricity which can damage electronic items. Make sure that you stock up on anti-static loose fill for packing your home electronics to fill up extra space in the packing box as extra protection.
• Packing Tape and Cloth-Backed Tape: While regular packing tape can be used to seal up your packing boxes it is a good idea to invest in some cloth-backed tape to secure bubble sheeting on any glass surfaces or where there is concern about abrasion or marking of the surface. If cloth-backed tape is not available, masking tape can be used instead since it is generally easier to remove and less likely to leave glue residue on the surfaces of electronics or glass screens.

Don't Have Packing Material on Hand?

GoGetter can pack your electronics for you! Call us before hand to discuss so we can be sure to have all materials and supplies on hand for packaging your electronics.

To purchase packing material GoGetter suggests renting reusable plastic boxes and wardrobe storage from FROGBOX, and all other packing materials from stores such as: UHaul or SSInc.