How to Move a Home Office: Protecting Computers, Monitors, and Sensitive Equipment

With more Rochester residents working from home than ever, home offices have become one of the most important (and expensive) areas to move carefully. Computers, monitors, hard drives, printers, cables, modems, microphones, cameras, and office furniture all require proper packing and organization to prevent damage.

Whether you're relocating within Rochester, moving to the suburbs, or heading out of state, this guide shows exactly how to pack and move your home office safely.

1. Back Up All Important Data Before Moving Anything

Before you unplug a single cable, back up your devices. Moving introduces vibration, temperature changes, and accidental drops that can damage hard drives and SSDs.

Create at least one backup:

• External hard drive

• Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)

• NAS device

• USB drive for critical documents

Backing up first prevents permanent data loss if equipment gets damaged.

2. Photograph Your Setup for Easy Reassembly

Take clear photos of:

• Cable connections behind your computer

• Your monitor arrangement

• Microphone or camera setups

• Printer or scanner wiring

• Modem/router configurations

These photos make reassembling your workstation much faster.

3. Organize and Label All Cables

Cables cause major frustration during a move if they’re not organized.

Use:

• Zip ties

• Velcro straps

• Small Ziploc bags

• Labels or painter’s tape

• A small bin dedicated to cable storage

Label each bag clearly:

• “Monitor cables”

• “PC power cord”

• “Printer cables”

• “Router/modem cables”

This eliminates guesswork during setup.

4. Use Original Boxes When Possible

If you kept the original boxes for your:

• Monitor

• Desktop

• Printer

• Speakers

• Microphones

• Cameras

Use them. These boxes are custom-formed to protect the device and often include foam inserts.

If not, here’s how to pack safely.

5. How to Pack Monitors Safely

Monitors are extremely fragile and should never be packed loosely in a moving truck.

Packing steps:

• Remove the stand

• Wrap the screen in soft microfiber cloth

• Add several layers of bubble wrap

• Place upright in a double-walled box

• Fill gaps with packing paper

• Label clearly: “FRAGILE – MONITOR – THIS SIDE UP”

Never lay monitors flat in the truck. They should always travel upright.

6. How to Pack Desktop Computers

Desktops, especially gaming PCs with GPUs, require careful handling.

Steps:

• Power down and unplug

• Remove and wrap the power cable separately

• Wrap tower in bubble wrap

• Use a double-walled box

• Add foam padding on all sides

• Keep tower upright, never sideways

• Label both sides of the box

If your desktop contains liquid cooling, keep it upright at all times.

7. How to Pack Laptops and Tablets

Laptops are simpler but should still be handled carefully.

Tips:

• Use a padded laptop sleeve

• Separate charger in a different pouch

• Do not pack under heavy items

• Keep it with your essentials box if possible

Most homeowners choose to transport laptops personally.

8. Secure Hard Drives and External Storage

Hard drives are vulnerable to shock.

Best practices:

• Wrap in anti-static bubble wrap

• Place inside a protective case

• Never place them loose in a box

• Keep them with your personal essentials if the data is critical

SSDs are more durable but should still be packed properly.

9. Safely Transport Printers and Office Machines

Printers, scanners, shredders, and office machines contain moving parts.

Packing tips:

• Remove ink or toner cartridges

• Tape down lids and paper trays

• Wrap the machine in padding

• Pack upright in a sturdy box

Ink leaks easily with temperature changes, so keep cartridges separately sealed.

10. Disassemble Large Office Furniture

Desks, bookshelves, and filing cabinets can be heavy and awkward.

Steps:

• Remove drawers

• Empty all filing cabinets

• Tape keys to the inside of a drawer

• Disassemble large desks when possible

• Wrap glass surfaces in thick blankets

Movers can handle all disassembly if preferred.

11. Protect Your Important Documents

Important paperwork should not go in a moving truck.

Keep the following with you:

• Passports

• Birth certificates

• Business documents

• Contracts

• Tax files

• Client records

• Licenses and IDs

Use a binder or waterproof folder.

12. Set Up Your New Home Office Quickly

To reduce downtime:

• Set up your modem and router immediately

• Follow your photos to reconnect cables

• Place monitors at correct height to avoid neck strain

• Test your webcam, microphone, and speakers

• Ensure outlets and surge protectors are working

Getting your workstation back up quickly makes the transition easy.

Let Roc City Movers Help Move Your Home Office Safely

Roc City Movers handles home offices with the same care we give to fragile household items. We move:

• Computers

• Monitors

• Servers

• Printers

• Cameras

• Desks

• Filing cabinets

• High-value electronics

We bring all necessary equipment to protect your belongings during transport.

Contact us or use our pricing estimator to schedule your move.