Moving a home office takes more planning than packing boxes. It means managing piles of paper, electronics, and delicate cords without misplacing anything. When work depends on fast setups and reliable tools, small mistakes become big delays. We take a simple approach to organizing each part so that nothing gets lost or tangled on the way to the new place.
Start With the Paperwork First
Before touching cables or packing monitors, focus on documents. Paper piles grow fast in a home office, but most of them don’t need to move with you. Go through every drawer and sort out what to shred, scan, or keep. That way, we’re only moving the papers that still matter.
Use labeled folders with dates and clear names. Group things by type like receipts, contracts, and tax records. Place them in waterproof plastic containers with secure lids. For extra safety, take pictures of the most sensitive papers and store them in a cloud backup. As a result, there’s always a second copy if something goes wrong in transit. Before closing up the container, double-check that it includes nothing loose or unmarked.
Label Every Single Cable
Tangled cables are the first thing to go missing during a move. That is to say, they often all look the same when tossed together, even if they don’t belong to the same device. We always start by unplugging one item at a time, labeling its wires with simple tags like “printer power” or “monitor HDMI.”
Next, we wrap each cord gently using velcro strips or elastic bands and place it in a clear plastic bag with its matching device. Smaller tools like USB drives, Bluetooth receivers, and adapters go in the same bag to avoid hunting for them later. For extra visibility, stick the label outside the bag as well. This method also prevents bent wires and helps protect fragile ports during transport.
If you’re unsure where each wire plugs in, take photos of the setup before taking anything apart. For larger desks or computer towers, this trick saves hours of guessing when reconnecting everything.
Pack Your Electronics the Right Way
Every screen, computer, and hard drive needs extra padding. We use thick bubble wrap, packing blankets, or foam sleeves made for electronics. Each item should have at least two inches of protection on every side. That way, even if a box shifts in the truck, it won’t crack the screen or damage internal parts.
It’s smart to pack each device alone in its box whenever possible. For example, laptops should never share space with metal desk organizers or power bars. Stack lightest items on top and mark every box with “fragile” and the device’s name. We also avoid extreme temperatures for electronics in storage. So, if your move includes a delay between homes, make sure those items stay inside with climate control.
To make setup easier, we use color-coded stickers or post-its on each device and the boxes they belong to. This trick speeds up unpacking and reduces the chance of misplaced tools or cords.
Secure Backup for Digital Files
Accidents happen. So before packing any computer or hard drive, back up important files to two places. One should be an external drive you carry separately. The other should be a cloud storage account. In the rare case that equipment gets dropped, lost, or delayed, you’ll still have access to everything you need.
We suggest saving one final version of your home office files the night before the move. Keep that copy organized into simple folders by project or year. Most importantly, label the backup drive with your name and contact info just in case it’s misplaced. To reduce confusion, don’t use that backup for any other purpose during the move.
For those handling sensitive work data, double-check that backup methods meet security needs. Encryption can protect private or financial info if stored online or on portable drives.
Make a Box Just for Daily Essentials
Sometimes a move takes longer than planned. For that reason, we always pack a separate small box with the things needed to keep working if there’s a delay. That includes a charger, notebook, mouse, basic cables, and login information for email or cloud files.
Label this box “open first” and keep it with you in the car, not in the truck. It should also include any client notes or physical documents you’ll need in the first two days. Don’t forget a power bar and surge protector to get devices running quickly once you arrive.
If you’re moving between properties and need time between access points, having a backup plan helps you stay productive. For more support planning a move with gaps between dates, check our advice on how to manage delays during home moves.
Break Down Furniture With Care
Large desks or shelves should be disassembled before moving. We take apart each piece with the right tools and bag up the screws and fasteners with clear labels. For example, if a desk has a removable drawer system, we take it out, wrap it separately, and store the hardware in a taped bag inside one of the drawers.
Glass tops need padding on all sides, wrapped with blankets or foam. After that, we tape the wrapping gently to avoid any sliding during the move. Every wood surface is covered to prevent scratches or dents.
Even adjustable chairs with wheels need attention. Wrap the legs or arms with soft cloths and secure moving parts with light tape. When moving office furniture from tight rooms or staircases, careful steps save both the furniture and the home from damage.
Keep Track With an Inventory List
To avoid confusion, we write down every item that leaves the house. That means electronics, files, drawers, and even cable bags. For each box, we number it and write a list of its contents on a notepad or in a digital file. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be easy to check during unpacking.
If you’re hiring a moving company in Calgary, giving them a copy of your list helps track boxes from point A to point B. That way, if a container is misplaced or delayed, it’s easier to locate what’s inside and find a quick fix.
We also recommend taking photos of valuable items before packing. In case of damage or loss, you’ll have a visual record to support any claims.
Don’t Forget Passwords and Access Codes
Moving often means reconnecting to different Wi-Fi, printers, or shared drives. So, we gather all the login details, license keys, and passwords before the move. Write them down in a small notebook or save them in a password manager. Either way, don’t count on remembering every detail when you’re tired and mid-move.
Also, save contact info for your internet provider or IT support. If something doesn’t work after setting up, you won’t waste time searching for help. Some clients even write down printer IPs and desktop shortcuts that help restart work fast.
In addition to the usual planning, our moving services contact page is open if you want to speak directly with a team who handles moves like this daily.
FAQs
What should I pack last when moving a home office?
Pack daily use items last, like chargers, pens, and your work laptop. Keep those tools with you instead of in the moving truck.
How do I protect paper files from water damage?
Place documents in sealable plastic bins. If possible, add silica packets to reduce moisture during transport.
Is it okay to move a computer without its original box?
Yes, as long as it’s well-padded. Use thick bubble wrap, soft blankets, or foam sleeves. Avoid loose items in the same box.
What if I lose a cable during unpacking?
Take photos before unplugging devices. That way, you can identify missing cables easily and reorder only what’s needed.
Do I need to inform clients about my home office move?
Yes, especially if your schedule will be disrupted. Let them know about downtime and how to reach you during the move.