How to Pack a TV and Electronics for Moving (Without Cracked Screens)

Flat-screen TVs, game consoles, routers, and computers are some of the most common “it worked yesterday” moving-day disasters. The good news: most electronics damage comes from a few predictable mistakes – loose screens, pressure from stacked boxes, and missing cables.

Here’s a simple, professional routine AstoriaQueensMovers recommends for moves across Astoria, Queens and the NYC metro area.

1) Do a fast backup and photo inventory
– Back up laptops and external drives.
– Take a photo of your cable setup (especially behind a TV or desktop).
– Photograph serial numbers for expensive gear (useful for insurance and warranty claims).

2) Gather the right packing materials
Best-case: use the original box with foam inserts.
If you don’t have it, use:
– a TV picture box (telescoping boxes are ideal)
– moving blankets (clean)
– foam corner protectors or thick cardboard corners
– packing paper (not newspaper ink on white surfaces)
– stretch wrap (to keep blankets in place – never directly on the screen)
– painter’s tape for labeling (won’t leave residue)

3) Prepare the TV
– Unplug everything and label cables (“HDMI 1 – Apple TV”, “Soundbar”, etc.).
– Remove the stand/legs if possible; bag screws and tape the bag to the stand.
– Place a soft layer over the screen (clean microfiber cloth or packing paper), then blanket-wrap the TV.
– Put it in the TV box and fill any voids so it can’t shift.

4) Pack consoles and small electronics
– Keep devices in their own box with a cushion layer on all sides.
– Use cable bags by device (one bag per device is easier than one “cable soup” bag).
– For routers/modems: label ports and take a quick photo before unplugging.

5) Load it the safe way
– TVs should travel upright, never flat.
– Don’t stack boxes against the screen side.
– Keep electronics away from the very back of the truck where bumps amplify.
– If you’re using a dolly, strap the box – don’t rely on balance.

Common mistakes to avoid
– Using bubble wrap directly on painted or glossy surfaces for long periods (it can imprint).
– Packing a TV in a box that’s too large without filling the gaps.
– Putting a TV flat under other items “just for a minute.”
– Forgetting to set aside remotes, power cords, and mounting hardware.

If you’d rather not DIY the fragile stuff, AstoriaQueensMovers can provide packing materials and professional wrap/box service for electronics as part of your move in Astoria, Queens and the NYC metro area. It’s usually cheaper than replacing one cracked screen.