Packing up a computer usually means getting down on your hands and knees to unplug a mess of cables and connections. A time consuming task - even for people who know what they are doing! Using these tips should make packing it up a little easier.

By far the easiest thing to do is to repack the computer into the manufacturer's boxes. They were built for your computer and will protect it well.

Don't have the original boxes? Then here are some suggestions that will make your life easier.

The best packaging supplies for computer equipment are foam pads, bubble wrap and clear plastic bags. Foam chips should not be used as they contain and produce static electricity; which may harm computer components.

Your first step is to back up all your important data before doing anything.

Turn your computer off and unplug it from the wall. Label the cords and cables so you know where to plug them back in later. Some people use a diagram and others take a photo.

Packing Your Computer Equipment

Cables - To avoid nasty tangles, wrap cables with twist ties, tape, or elastic bands.

Hard Drive - The hard drive is usually left in the computer. However, if you need to remove it, it should be packed snugly in the center of a large box with foam pads and styrofoam holding it in place in a static free bag. Static can damage the drive and erase data.

Monitor - Wrap the monitor in a plastic bag to protect the screen. Then place it in a large box. Use bubble wrap, foam pads and styrofoam to immobilize the screen.

Keyboard - First, wrap the keyboard in a piece of foam first and then add a layer of bubble wrap. Put it in a separate box.

Sound Cards and Memory Chips - Normally, you wouldn't want to remove these. But should there be any need to remove and pack any internal parts such as sound cards, or memory chips, they must be wrapped separately in Anti-Static bags. Regular plastic and paper products can damage these components. After the item is in its protective anti-static bag, it can then be cushioned with bubble wrap and foam pads.

Mouse - If you have an old mouse that still uses a cable, loosely loop the it and secure with a twist tie. Then place it in a plastic bag to keep dust out of the track ball. If you have a wireless mouse, remove the battery/batteries if there are any before storing it in a plastic bag.

External CD Rom Drives and Modems - Similar to the keyboard, these items should be boxed individually and wrapped in bubble wrap and foam pads for protection.

Printer - Remove all trays, arms and paper and wrap them in plastic bags. The printer, too, can be put in a plastic bag and packed with foam and styrofoam in its own box.

CDs and DVDs - Simply store these in any of the standard cases. These products are very durable and will take a lot of punishment.

In closing, box each item carefully so that individual pieces won't bump into each other. You may want to label each box as FRAGILE - THIS SIDE UP and/or DO NOT STACK.

Be careful! If you follow these tips, you may be seen as a 'computer set up expert' and be invited to set up all your friend's computers, too.

Good luck!