How to ship a computer- Unplug the components, bubble wrap them individually, put them in a cushioned box or the original packaging, and then into a larger cushioned shipping box. Close and seal the shipping box and get a reliable shipping company.
You may want to ship a computer for different reasons or needs.
As the sender, your priority should be to get the computer to the recipient safely without any damage or broken parts.
But do you know how to ship a computer correctly?
If not, then you will need our guide below. It has details and tips about safe shipping.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Prepare
- The computer to ship
- Original manufacturer’s packaging (if available)
- Measuring tool to get approximate component sizes
- A big enough box to accommodate the computer components
- A shipping box- should be larger with about 6 inches on every side than the original manufacturer’s packaging or the box with the components
- Bubble wrap to protect the computer components
- Sealable plastic bags for any small accessories
- Rubber bands or zip ties to tie the cables and cords
- Packing supplies. You can use packing peanuts or air pillows here but don’t use crushed paper
- Packaging tape for sealing and reinforcing the boxes
- A legible package label with the necessary shipment details
- The money you will use to take care of shipping fees and extra charges
How to Pack Computers
In this guide, you will learn how to ship computers safely and efficiently, like a pro. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage during shipping.
1. Data Back-Up
Suppose your computer has crucial data; back it up.
It is not always guaranteed that your computer will stay safe while in transit.
2. Get the Dimensions of Computer Components
Measure the largest computer components to get suitable box sizes.
3. Unplug, Secure, and Pack the Computer Parts
Unplug any connections.
If you have the original packaging, wrap the parts in bubble wrap and put them in the packaging. Add cushioning if necessary and seal.
If you don’t, bubble-wrap the big parts like the tower, monitor, and computer keyboard in multiple layers of bubble wrap, seal them and then put them in a compact box.
This box should be well cushioned for the items to fit snugly and stay intact during transportation.
Once the big parts are secure, it is time to add accessories like the computer mouse, cords, and cables into the same box.
Bubble wrap the accessories individually and tape the bubble wrap before putting them in the box.
Tie any cords and cables with rubber bands or zip ties before bubble wrapping.
If you have other smaller items like screws, put them in the plastic bags and add them to the box
Add extra cushioning materials to ensure the contents in the box are not shifting, and then close and seal the box appropriately.
4. Pack the Shipping Box
Fill the bottom of the large shipping box with packing peanuts or air pillows.
Place the box with the packed items or the original manufacturer’s packaging such that it is at the center of the shipping box.
Fill empty voids with more packing material to prevent possible movement during transportation.
The best approach is to ensure the inner box is surrounded by about 3 inches of packing material on every side.
Close and seal the shipping box with two or more strips of packaging tape.
Use the “H” sealing method to ensure the box’s top, bottom, seams, and flaps are secured.
5. Label Your Package
Place the shipping label on the package and pass packaging tape over it to prevent the details from smearing and remain in place.
You can add a “Fragile” sticker on the box to alert handlers to handle it with care.
6. You’re Ready to Go
Your computer is now ready for shipping.
Depending on your arrangement, you may take it to the mailing station or wait for it to be picked up.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship Computers?
The shipping costs you incur usually vary from one shipping company to another.
The main factors shipping companies consider are the weight/size of your shipment, its destination, and the kind of service you will use.
Ideally, you should be ready with about $100-$400, but these are not guaranteed prices.
For more accurate costs and quotes, use a shipping calculator.
Large and heavy items will require more money than packages packed to be smaller and lighter.
If your computer is being shipped internationally, you will pay more than for one shipped domestically or locally.
Usually, this is due to customs charges or import duties.
You will also pay more if you use a shipping company’s express service than the standard service.
Since computers are expensive, you can insure your shipment, but insuring also adds to the shipping costs.
Shipping a computer may take from two days to a week.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Computers
We recommend using a shipping company alongside shipping software to cut down the costs needed to ship a computer.
Our recommendation here would be to use UPS and Pirate Ship.
You must create an account with Pirate Ship if you don’t have one to print the postage and obtain the labels.
UPS offers reasonable shipping rates.
However, the charges are discounted when you use it with a Pirate Ship.
Once on the Pirate Ship page, you can view all the available UPS services and choose the one you feel suits you best after filling in the required shipment details.
Final Thoughts
Shipping a computer can be daunting if you do it for the first time.
Computers are expensive and come with fragile components, but you can successfully send one if you package everything adequately to reach the recipient.
Our guide above will help you with that.
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