Electronics, Static, and Safety While Moving

Electronics, Static, and Safety while Moving

It’s time to move and you’re aware of the dangers of static. Electronics can be fried in an instant if too much static builds up in their conductors. Lucky for you, we have some suggestions on how to keep your electronics safe while you move.

Wrapping Your Electronics

There are many different types of wrap on the market for household goods moves. They all keep electronics safe from static, but the way they do it differs depending on which sort you’re using.

Static film is a static-proof, PVC-based plastic that can be used on wrap or bag many different types of electronics. This is likely the most-used static prevention film on the market as of this writing, with most retail companies using it as initial packaging. If it’s being used to ship a product to your house, it will certainly protect that product on its way to your new home.

Paper wrap with no protective padding is often used to protect electronics with no exposed parts. Things like video game consoles, DVD players, or other items that are completely encased in plastic are typically safe from static shock when wrapped in simple packing paper. These items can also be wrapped in a layer of tinfoil for the very concerned, though it is usually up to the client to do that.

There are forms of static-free bubble wrap, though they are rarely used because of the rise of static film. If so desired, this does allow you to add an additional layer of protection for things like external hard drives.

Sensitive Data

For those carrying sensitive data, we highly recommend storing a second copy in some form of cloud storage or carrying a hard copy with you. Though movers are incredibly careful with computers and other data-containing hardware, the unavoidable motion of the truck may be too much for your data to handle.

Many moving companies are in the process of offering data storage in the cloud along with their personal belongings’ storage and shipping. Some companies have already formed packages to give private residents a chance to protect their intangible data with the same company being used to transport their belongings. We recommend speaking to your moving company about your options regarding this new, proven way to protect the kind of data you just can’t get back.

Irreplaceable Electronics

For electronics that cannot be replaced, such as very old technology that is no longer made, we strongly recommend transporting it via a moving company willing to wrap it for you. Old technology is especially sensitive and must be taken care of with kid gloves. Mention these items during your moving inspection to assure that they are noted and appropriate materials are brought along on moving day.

Data Safety

Ask your moving company about their policy on data safety and their privacy protection guarantee. Most moving companies have these in standard print throughout their contract, assuring that no one will harm or look at your private data. These are solid contracts with wonderful companies standing behind them.

However, it does not hurt to log out of your accounts and run down batteries on chargeables. If you have an old laptop with saved passwords to social media or credit card data, consider placing a password on at the start screen. This will protect your data and your laptop.

If you find that your private data has been disturbed after a move, many moving companies are able to hire any variety of online tracking parties to find out who has it, where it’s been sold, and how you can control any damage that may be happening during an identity theft problem.