CTR Organizing Team

Packing up a computer can be a hassle! It is tempting to just unplug everything, throw it all in a box and not worry about the time it will take to untangle the cords when reconnecting it. The purpose of this article is to help you pack your computer in an organized way that will allow you to successfully protect it during your move as well as setting it up when you unpack Using these tips should make packing it up a little easier.

By far the easiest thing to do is to repack the computer into the manufacturer’s boxes. They were built for your computer and will protect it well.

If those items are no longer available, the following measures will help make the job easier and protect your computer.

Whatever you do – don’t use foam chips (sometimes called peanuts) – they can produce static electricity; which may harm the computer. The preferred packaging supplies are foam pads, bubble wrap and clear plastic bags.

Your first step is to back up all your important data before doing anything.

Turn your computer off and disconnect it from all power sources. Before removing cords and cables it will be helpful to label each one with the port that it plugs into. Color-coded stickers and connection diagrams make reassembling your computer quick and easy. You could even take a photo of the back while it’s still connected.

Packing Your Computer Equipment

Cables – To avoid nasty tangles, wrap cables with twist ties, tape, or elastic bands.

Hard Drive – The hard drive is usually left in the computer. However, if you need to remove it, it should be packed snugly in the center of a large box with foam pads and styrofoam holding it in place in a static free bag. Static can damage the drive and erase data.

Monitor – Wrap the monitor in a plastic bag to protect the screen. Then place it in a large box. Use bubble wrap, foam pads and styrofoam to immobilize the screen.

Keyboard – First, wrap the keyboard in a piece of foam first and then add a layer of bubble wrap. Put it in a separate box.

Sound Cards and Memory Chips – Usually, you just leave these inside the computer. But if you do have to remove them, be sure they are wrapped separately in Anti-Static bags. Normal plastic and paper products may damage these components. Make sure that each piece is cushioned with bubble wrap and foam pads.

Mouse – To keep the mouse clean, put it in a little plastic bag. If you have a battery-operated wireless mouse, remove them before storing it in a plastic bag.

External CD Rom Drives and Modems – These pieces of equipment should be wrapped in bubble wrap and packaged individually.

Printer – First – remove all trays, arms and paper. Wrap them in plastic bags before boxing them. Then, place the printer in a plastic bag in the center of its own box. Use foam and styrofoam to protect the fragile parts.

CDs and DVDs – These products are very tough. Using the usual jewel case is usually enough protection. CK.

In closing, box each item carefully so that individual pieces won’t bump into each other. You may want to label each box as FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP and/or DO NOT STACK.

Be careful! If you follow these tips, you may be seen as a ‘computer set up expert’ and be invited to set up all your friend’s computers, too.

Enjoy!

When it comes to clutter, there are two kinds of people in the world. The keepers – those that save everything (just in case they might need to use it one day) – and the tossers – those that get rid of nearly everything (and suffer the consequences when they have thrown out something they do need later).

Have you ever noticed how often they marry each other? They say opposites attract…

By writing this article, it may seem as if I’m trying to ruin my business; however, the fact is that eventually we all buy and/or collect more things than can fit into the size of house we can afford. If you can delay the inevitable garage sale or storage space rental for a couple of years – well, why not save your money?

To tell you the truth, I think we (most of us, anyway) will continue to acquire things and eventually run out of space. I think it’s safe to say that the storage business will be around for a long time.

Now, let’s get on with it! Here are the ten tips.

One – Besides dust bunnies, what do you keep under your bed? Why not use that space for rarely used linens, blankets, suitcases, or clothes?

Two – Use your walls for storage. Install shelving in strategic places for books, CD’s, toys, linens and towels, etc.

Three – To regain some of your kitchen counter, buy appliances that can be hung under the cabinets. Do you use stackable canisters and hanging racks?

Four – Mount pots and pans on a wall or hang them from a ceiling rack.

Five – Find some second hand cabinets to make extra space in your basement or garage.

Six – Make or purchase your own closet organizer. Two poles hanging one above the other for shorter garments.

Seven – Do you have space in your closets for a set of stackable, rolling wire baskets?

Eight – Mount racks and hooks inside closet doors to organize shoes, ties, and belts.

Nine – Purchase a wardrobe in situations where there simply are not enough closets.

Ten – If none of these ideas work for you, I have one last suggestion. Throw something out! I have 2 year rule: if I haven’t needed it in two years I AM living without it. I can throw it out. How about you?

By following these simple suggestions, I’m sure you’ll be able to open up our home a little more and – if you’re lucky – make room for more stuff!

Fortunately, yours’ is a well-traveled road and those who have gone before have given us these tips. Some organization at the start will help this project go more smoothly.

You Can Save Money By Packing Yourself – Packing your household goods is a very time and energy-consuming task. On average, it will take two people two full days to pack and prepare for the move of a 3-bedroom house.

If you haven’t got the time or energy, you can always hire others to do the job for you. Discuss your needs with professional movers. They will do as little or as much packing as you want. Get quotes from several as their prices vary widely. If you have something very delicate or valuable, why not have it professionally packed? You’ll increase your chances of it safely arriving to your new home. If you pack yourself, though, it can be a real money-saver.

As soon as you know you’re moving, try to do some downsizing. Do you really want to bring absolutely everything with you? Or can you use the move as an opportunity to lighten your load? Now is a great time for that Garage Sale! If not a garage sale, perhaps there is a charity in your community willing to redistribute your extra ‘stuff’.

Start by setting up your packing center. Use a large table for a firm work surface. It’s time to start collecting your packing materials.

How Many Boxes Do You Need? Using packing boxes specifically designed for moving can really make the difference in ensuring that your items arrive at their destination safely. They come in shapes and sizes specifically designed to fit a variety of household goods. You can buy them at self-storage facilities. Here are the usual moving box choices

Here is a guide for the number of boxes you might need. Most self-storage businesses will let you bring back unused boxes for a full refund, so take more than you think you need. 1 or 2 rooms: Sm. Boxes – 7, Med. Boxes – 3, Lge. Boxes – 3, China Boxes – 1, Wardrobes – 1 3 to 4 rooms: Small Boxes – 15, Med. Boxes – 8, Lge. Boxes – 6, China Boxes – 1 or 2, Wardrobes – 1 5 to 6 rooms: Small Boxes – 20, Med. Boxes – 12, Lge. Boxes – 8, China Boxes – 3, Wardrobes – 3 7 to 8 rooms: Small Boxes – 30, Med. Boxes – 20, Lge. Boxes – 12, China Boxes – 4, Wardrobes – 4

Box Descriptions Professional moving boxes come in a few different sizes: Smaller (2 cu. ft.) boxes for heavy items such as dishes, files and books Medium (4 cu. ft.) boxes for pots, pans, small appliances, lamps, shades, clothing, linens, and toys Large (6 cu. ft.) boxes for light/bulky items: pillows, bedding, stuffed toys Mirror or Picture Cartons are a great way to move art, framed posters, etc. China Barrels provide extra protection for dishes, fine china and glassware. Wardrobe Boxes are used for packing clothes and drapery (each wardrobe holds approximately 20 garments).

Besides being strong and durable, there is another, not-so-obvious advantage to buying proper moving boxes. The uniform sizes allow for quick packing and stacking. When you have boxes of every shape and size, it is really time consuming to fit them all together in the moving van. If you are renting a van using uniformly sized boxes will save you time and money.

Other Packing Materials Mattress covers to protect box springs and mattresses from moisture and dust Newsprint (preferably non print and in pre cut sheets) Tissue paper and/or bubble wrap for wrapping and cushioning breakable objects Styrofoam chips are necessary fillers for empty spaces and will prevent items from bouncing around inside the boxes Packing tape to seal the boxes Twine to seal boxes and tie loose items together Scissors or a sharp knife Felt markers and/or box labels Notepad and pen to list box contents as they are packed

Final Packing Tips – Label all your boxes on several sides. Include which room the box should be delivered to. – If there are boxes that you want to open first, write a number on them. – Start by packing out of season, or least used items first. Leave the things you use everyday to the end. – Tape important things together such as pins for shelves and bookcases to the bookcase, nuts and bolts for bed frames to the bed frame, etc. – Use crushed newsprint at the bottom of each carton for cushioning. – Fill empty spaces in the boxes with crushed paper. You don’t want anything to slide around. Put heavy items on the bottom and lighter things on the top of each box.

Let’s face it – moving is work. By following these suggestions you’ll be able to work smart – not just hard.