Do you need to move a tech startup to a new office? Would your living room gadgets make a computer store owner jealous? If you have a lot of electronics that need to move to a new location at the same time, you need some special preparation to ensure safe packing, safe transit, safe unloading, and safe setup. Here are a few electronics moving techniques and concerns to keep in mind before putting everything at the mercy of a bumpy ride.

Dismantle Dangling Components

Computers and many other electronic devices may seem sturdy, stable, and strong on the inside, but some internal components may as well be hanging on by a thread. Especially with custom computers and modded gadgets, it's hard to confirm how strong an internal connection may be.

Expansion cards are a fragile, potentially expensive example and warning. They connect to a computer's motherboard via a wafer-thin connector that slides into a slot. This connector is made out of the same material as the rest of the card, but is a different shape and usually supports an uneven load. 

This is usually fine for a computer's normal situation, as there isn't much movement for computers on a desk or on the floor. There's also a fastening screw that adds stability. Unfortunately, a moving truck's trip can shake the expansion card like a diving board.

An expensive diving board that handles complex audio (sound cards) or is the main point of gaming and graphic design computers (video/graphics cards).

It's best to remove such cards to make sure that they don't snap off in transit. The same goes for any older or previously damaged electronics that may have loose cases, connectors, or screens. Take them apart now or secure them tightly, unless you want all of that loose, unhinged energy to break your electronics apart during the drive.

Safe Dismantling And Transit For Dismantled Parts

When removing any components or handling exposed electronic components, static is your enemy. Unfortunately, the enemy can be anywhere and is even more likely to strike as you move around.

Walking on a carpet, brushing against other static-charged objects, and simply moving around a lot can give you the static charge needed to ruin thousands of dollars of electronics just by touching them. Instead of risking damage, make sure to have an anti-static strap and anti-static storage bags for your electronics.

Wear the anti-static strap when handling any electronics with exposed metal contacts--including small transistors and capacitors. Pretty much any black chips on a board are dangerous even if you can't see the metal part since static can arc over and through these chips to cause damage.

Follow the directions on anti-static equipment, as there are a few techniques that need to be observed for electronics safety. If there aren't any instructions, the basic steps are to place an anti-static strap around your wrist like a bracelet, attach the clip to unpainted metal, then carefully place components into anti-static bags. Seal the bags with their own adhesive, or fold the opening over and close using tape.

Contact a box truck rentals professional to get a truck that offers a stable drive, and ask about any anti-static storage options such as a carpet-free truck. Companies like Midwest Moving and Storage, Inc., may be able to help meet your needs in this area.