How to Pack a PC for Moving: Keep Your Gaming Setup Safe & Organized

If you’re a gamer, you know your setup isn’t just a desk full of electronics. It’s the heart and soul of your hobby. Whether you built your personal computer (PC) from scratch or just invested in your first gaming laptop, every piece of gear matters. Moving that setup takes more than a few boxes and bubble wrap. One rough bump in the truck could mean cracked glass, damaged cables, or corrupted save files.

National Van Lines has nearly a century of experience moving, including transporting setups built by serious gamers. With the right prep, you can protect every component and get back online without missing a beat.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Prepare your PC and components
• Pack your tower and key parts
• Handle monitors and accessories safely
• Properly load and transport your tech and gear

Pro tip: While this guide focuses on PC setups, the same techniques apply to your other beloved consoles, from PlayStation to Xbox and beyond.

How do I get my PC ready to move? 

Great moves start before you even touch the packing tape. Before you unplug a single cable, make sure your digital life is backed up and protected in a cloud-based system or an external hard drive. If you use platforms like Steam or Discord, make sure you have your login information ready to go, just in case you need it down the road at your new place.

Next, give your PC a quick cleaning. Dust fans, vents, and filters so you’re not trapping grime inside your tower. While you’re at it, snap a few photos of your setup. Those reference shots will save you time when you’re reconnecting everything later.

Then gather your materials:

• Anti-static bags for loose components
• Bubble wrap or foam sheets
• Zip ties or Velcro straps for cables
• Sturdy, double-walled boxes
• Soft padding like towels or packing paper

If you still have your PC’s original packaging, that’s a major bonus. Those fitted foam inserts and snug boxes are made to handle travel, making them the safest option for your rig.

What steps should I take to pack my PC for moving? 

Between the glass panels, water cooling systems, and high-end GPUs, your setup deserves careful attention. Proper packing helps protect delicate parts that can cost hundreds to replace and keeps your tower safe from bumps or sudden movement. The goal is simple: cushion, stabilize, and seal everything securely for the road ahead.

Here is a quick step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Power down and unplug everything. Shut down your PC completely, flip the switch on the back of your power supply unit (PSU), and unplug every cable. Disconnect monitors, accessories, and peripherals like keyboards or controllers.
   
2. Organize and label your cables. Use zip ties or Velcro straps to group cords by device. Label each bundle with painter’s tape or a small tag so you’ll know what connects where later. Keeping cables organized makes setup faster once you’re unpacked.
   
3. Remove key components if possible. Detach your graphics card (GPU), hard drives, and custom cooling systems. Wrap each one in an anti-static bag, label it clearly, and store them in a padded box. If you’re unsure how to remove a part, check your PC’s manual or the manufacturer’s website first.
   
4. Secure what stays inside. For parts that can’t be removed, such as RAM sticks or cooling fans, place soft foam or bubble wrap inside the tower to hold everything steady. This prevents components from shifting during travel.
   
5. Protect the tower exterior. Reattach or tape the side panel shut, then wrap the entire case in two layers of bubble wrap or foam padding. Pay extra attention to corners and glass panels, since those areas are most likely to crack.
   
6. Box it up right. Choose a sturdy, double-walled box that’s just a little larger than your tower. Stand the PC upright, fill open spaces with soft padding like towels or packing paper, and make sure nothing can move.
   
7. Seal and label. Close the box securely with heavy-duty tape and label several sides with “Fragile – PC – This Side Up.” Clear labeling tells movers exactly how to handle it.
   

Every PC build is unique, but the same principle applies to all: protect what you’ve built. Spending extra time on careful packing keeps your investment safe and gives you confidence when moving day arrives. Once this step is done, your PC will be ready to handle the miles ahead.

How should I pack my monitors, accessories and other gaming gear? 

Your screens and accessories deserve the same care as your tower. A cracked display or bent cable can derail your setup before you even plug it in. Monitors, consoles, and peripherals all need to be padded, labeled, and packed in a way that prevents pressure or vibration damage during the move.

Here are some quick tips on how to pack each item:

1. Monitors and TVs: Use soft cloths or foam sheets to cover the screen surface, then wrap the entire monitor in bubble wrap. Slide it into a box that fits closely, keeping it upright to prevent pressure on the screen. Fill any extra space with soft padding.
   
   PRO-TIP: Check out our full guide on how to pack a TV for a move if you’re curious to learn more!
2. Consoles: Treat large systems like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X as you would your PC tower. Wrap them securely in foam or bubble wrap, place them flat in a padded box, and avoid stacking anything on top. This also applies to older, smaller consoles like the Nintendo GameCube or the Sega Genesis. For Nintendo Switch players, consider investing in a carrying case for your system if you haven’t done so yet.
3. Accessories: Controllers, headsets, webcams, and keyboards should be placed in small padded boxes or zip-top bags. Label everything so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

Before sealing the boxes, give each one a quick shake test. If anything moves, add more padding until it’s snug. Then close, tape, and clearly mark them as “Fragile – Electronics.”

A few careful steps here go a long way. When your screens and accessories are packed tightly and labeled clearly, reassembling your setup after the move becomes faster, smoother, and a lot less stressful.

What do I do with all my tech and gear on moving day? 

Even when everything’s packed perfectly, a little extra care on moving day can make a big difference. Electronics are sensitive to temperature, vibration, and stacking pressure, so treat your setup like the high-end equipment it is.

If space allows, transport your PC tower, monitors, and smaller accessories in your personal vehicle instead of the moving truck. The climate control and stable ride help prevent condensation or heat damage. Avoid leaving your tech in a parked car for long stretches, especially during extreme temperatures.

When loading boxes, make sure electronics go on top of heavier items and stay upright. Double-check that your “Fragile – PC – This Side Up” labels are clearly visible to anyone handling the boxes. If movers are helping, let them know which boxes contain computer equipment so they can handle them carefully.

Before the truck leaves, take a quick inventory of your electronics. Write down what’s packed and where it’s loaded. That small detail helps you stay organized and confident that every part of your setup is accounted for.

Protecting Your Setup for Every Move

Back in the early days of gaming, setups were simple. A single console, a few wires, and maybe a small CRT screen. Today’s gaming rigs are far more advanced and far more delicate.  When you take time to pack correctly, you’re preventing damage and preserving performance. Careful prep and organized packing make it easy to plug back in and start playing without headaches or costly repairs. As the old Legend of Zelda saying goes, “it’s dangerous to go alone,” so take this advice and run with it. You’ll thank yourself when you’re gaming in your new home. 

You just learned how to pack a PC for moving, and how to protect your gear and games along the way. What if you have other collectibles you’re looking to protect? Keep learning in our blog about toy storage tips for long distance moving. 

Or, if you’re ready to start exploring your moving company options, get a quote today. We’re ready to help you make your next move successful and smooth.