Moving with my Desktop.

[DemonxOisin]

I will be moving to Calgary from Toronto in something like 2 months, and I´m trying to figure out the best way to get my beautiful lovely gaming rig there with me in one piece -.- Has anyone here moved with a computer before, and how did you go about doing it?

Would I be allowed to take it as a carry on? :/ Is that even a good idea? :P

[Haley53]

I would consider either checking an additional bag or taking it in a carry-on that would go in the overhead bins, and I would probably use layers of clothing underneath, to the sides, and on top of it to keep it from moving. :P I imagine if you pack it tightly within clothes or plastic bags or something to keep it padded and from shifting around, it should be okay. If you end up checking, I'd also use a thicker and more durable bag as opposed to a softer one.

[11MikesGirl21]

They make padded cases for moving electronics like a desktop. You might want to look into getting one of those. If that's a real possibility for you. I have a feeling that they are expensive.

[kirbycat]

If you're moving everything - monitor, keyboard, CPU, etc. - I'd either get a special packing case or even look into having it shipped. Which probably isn't cheap, but with something as valuable as a desktop I'd say it's worth the investment. Personally, I wouldn't want to worry about handling that much equipment in a regular carry-on.

[kittyo9]

I really don't think a carry-on will cut it, but you could try. I have a desktop that I bring back and forth from college to home every now and then, and I use a 26" suitcase with lots of padding (usually in the form of clothes... double duty ) to do it. While I don't take it on a plane, it works for my purposes, and it's easy to transport (WHEELS!), although it is heavy. However, I would be concerned with the value of the items. You can get padlocks for your zippers and stuff, but keep in mind that airline security sometimes just really wants to check your bag. What you could try is taking as many valuable components in your carry-on as you can and putting the tower in a checked bag with your clothes and stuff. If there are straps in your suitcase, definitely use them.

I'd DEFINITELY go for a bag with some structure, though. It doesn't have to be solid (especially since that would make the bag heavier on top of the weight from your tower), but a bag with some lining to keep its shape and stuff would probably provide better protection for your computer.

[Tooki]

How good are you with computers?

I know a guy who moved his desktop across Europe, by pulling out the Hard Drive, disk drives etc and putting them into individual anti-static bags. If you have the capacity to do this, I would.

But otherwise? Pad the thing up something fierce!

[DemonxOisin]

I really don't think a carry-on will cut it, but you could try. I have a desktop that I bring back and forth from college to home every now and then, and I use a 26" suitcase with lots of padding (usually in the form of clothes... double duty ) to do it. While I don't take it on a plane, it works for my purposes, and it's easy to transport (WHEELS!), although it is heavy. However, I would be concerned with the value of the items. You can get padlocks for your zippers and stuff, but keep in mind that airline security sometimes just really wants to check your bag. What you could try is taking as many valuable components in your carry-on as you can and putting the tower in a checked bag with your clothes and stuff. If there are straps in your suitcase, definitely use them.

I'd DEFINITELY go for a bag with some structure, though. It doesn't have to be solid (especially since that would make the bag heavier on top of the weight from your tower), but a bag with some lining to keep its shape and stuff would probably provide better protection for your computer.

I was just worried about how much it will be thrown around going into the hold... They are pretty rough in there :/

How good are you with computers?

I know a guy who moved his desktop across Europe, by pulling out the Hard Drive, disk drives etc and putting them into individual anti-static bags. If you have the capacity to do this, I would.

But otherwise? Pad the thing up something fierce!

I was thinking about doing this. My knowledge of computers is decent, but not good enough to fix something if it goes wrong, and I don´t have a friend who´s good with them in Calgary to help me out either D:

[Zapookie]

When you find out, let me know! My boyfriend is going to bring his computer here. He thinks he'll have to dismantle everything and pack each piece separately and put it back together once he gets here. So if there's a better way I'd love to know so I can pass on the info xD

[Tooki]

^^^

I think dismantling it is the best idea. He could carry the sensitive parts like the Hard Drive in his carry on if he wanted to.

I mean worst comes to worst, he could just bring the best components then buy a new case when he gets to his destination