How to Pack a Computer Monitor for Moving

Written, Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim

Fact Checked by Wellknown Moving

Updated: October 21, 2025

The monitor is the most vulnerable part of computer equipment. One awkward turn of the box or a slight bump can leave cracks, spots, or dead pixels on the screen. Therefore, the question of how to pack a computer monitor for moving is not a formality, but a necessity if you want your equipment to arrive intact.

These instructions combine advice from professional movers and recommendations from monitor repair specialists. We have compiled only those techniques that really work for home and office moves, tested on dozens of workstation relocations.

Before packing, it is important to remember four main risks:

• pressure or bending of the matrix during transportation;
• shaking and vibration in the truck bed;
• incorrect positioning of the box (screen down or without support);
• exposure to moisture and temperature changes.

In the following steps, you will learn how to avoid these problems: what to replace the original box with, what materials to use to protect the screen, and how to secure the monitor so that it can withstand the journey without a single scratch.

Preparing before packing the monitor

Before you start packing a computer monitor for moving, it is important to prepare the equipment properly. This step saves time when setting up your workspace and protects the device from damage.

What to do before packing:

• Take a photo of the connections. One photo of the back panel and cables will help you quickly restore the layout after the move.
• Turn off and disconnect everything. Disconnect the power supply, remove the cables, remove the stand, and put the screws in a small zip bag.
• Label the cables. Stick small labels or pieces of masking tape on both ends — label where each one connects (HDMI, DisplayPort, power, USB). This is especially helpful if you have multiple monitors.
• Inspect the device. Make sure there are no cracks, loose mountings, or dust on the screen; wipe it with a microfiber cloth.

Prepare packaging materials:

• the original box or a rigid box of a suitable size;
• bubble wrap;
• a sheet of thick cardboard for the screen;
• corner protectors or foam profile;
• soft cloth;
• strong adhesive tape and marker;
• zip-lock bags for cables and screws.

Do not do this:

• do not leave cables connected;
• do not twist the cords around the stand;
• do not press anything against the screen.

How to properly protect your monitor screen

Of all the components of a monitor, it is the screen that suffers most often during transport. Even slight pressure during shaking in a car can leave a mark on the matrix, broken pixels, or a stripe in the center of the screen. To prevent this from happening, you need to create a protective layer that absorbs shocks and does not exert direct pressure on the surface.

The first layer should be a soft fabric, such as clean microfiber or flannel. It does not leave lint and protects against scratches. Place a sheet of thick cardboard or thin foam plastic the size of the screen on top of the fabric. This creates a rigid barrier between the screen and the packaging materials. Only then can you wrap the monitor in bubble wrap. It is better to make two layers and secure them with masking tape so that the packaging does not shift during transport.

Do not apply bubble wrap or packing paper directly to the screen—pressure points from bubbles or folds can leave marks. This is especially important for matte or glossy IPS and OLED panels. Also, do not use foam without a barrier layer: it can crumble and rub against the surface.

We use this method when moving office equipment and know from experience that even when packed tightly in a vehicle, the screens remain in perfect condition. The diagram below shows how to distribute the protective layers correctly and what mistakes are most common.

How to pack the monitor stand and accessories

Once the screen is ready, the next step, if your monitor has a detachable stand, is to remove it. Even if the design seems sturdy, the stand can damage the screen or case when shaken in the box. We regularly encounter situations where the stand left behind causes scratches during transport.

First, carefully detach the base—in most models, it is attached with a screw or latch at the back. If there are fasteners, put them in a small zip bag and label it. Wrap the stand itself in bubble wrap or soft cloth and secure it with tape. Do not place it next to the screen in the box — it is better to put it on the side or, if the packaging allows, in a separate compartment.

Collect all cables, adapters, and connectors in separate bags and label them: “HDMI,” “power,” “USB-C,” “fasteners,” etc.

How to choose a box and place a monitor

If you haven't kept the original packaging, finding a suitable box is key to packing a computer monitor for moving. Use a strong, double-walled cardboard box that’s about 2–4 inches wider and taller than your monitor. For example, a 24-inch screen usually fits well in a box around 24" × 18" × 8". Never use boxes with thin walls or worn creases, as they cannot withstand weight and impact loads.

Before placing the monitor inside, line the bottom of the box with at least 2 inches of padding — foam, dense bubble wrap, or tightly crumpled paper all work. The monitor should be in an upright position, as it stands on the table. This reduces the load on the screen, especially during shaking or tilting during transport. Placing it horizontally increases the risk of deformation and cracks, especially when loaded from above. Fill the space on the sides and top with the same materials to prevent the device from moving inside.

Close the box tightly, tape the seams with two layers of tape, especially in the center and at the edges. If necessary, reinforce the bottom with an additional strip of tape. The more securely the monitor is fixed inside, the less likely it is to be damaged during transport. A table with approximate box sizes for different monitor diagonals is provided in the next section.

Labeling the Box and Moving It Safely

Even if you’ve followed every step of how to pack a computer monitor for moving, the job isn’t finished until the box is properly labeled and secured for transport. A well-protected screen can still be damaged if the box is turned the wrong way or dropped without warning.

Use a permanent marker to clearly label the box with “Fragile – Monitor – This Side Up” on multiple sides. Add arrows to show the upright direction and, if possible, apply printed labels like “Handle with Care” or “Do Not Lay Flat”. These simple markings help both professional movers and friends understand how to handle the box without guessing.

During transport, always keep the monitor upright, never flat or face down. In a moving truck or car, wedge the box securely between soft items like pillows, blankets, or cushions to prevent it from tipping or sliding. One effective method is to place it directly behind the front seat so it can’t fall forward or lean. A monitor can shift significantly even on a short drive, so stable positioning is just as important as careful packing.

Tips from professional movers

Some monitors require special handling, especially curved and ultra-wide models. Their shape makes corners and edges more vulnerable to impact and vibration, even if the packaging seems secure. We recommend using foam profiles or corner pads to provide additional protection around the perimeter. In practice, this helps to avoid chips and microcracks that often occur during transport in tightly loaded vehicles.

Another important point is temperature conditions. LCD matrices and internal electronics do not tolerate overheating and sudden temperature changes well. Therefore, do not leave a packed monitor in a car in the summer sun or in the winter cold, especially for a long time. If the move takes several hours, try to transport the equipment in the passenger compartment rather than in the trunk or cargo area. Temperatures that are too low for transporting a computer monitor are dangerous primarily because of the likelihood of condensation forming as a result of the temperature difference. Upon arrival at your destination, do not unpack the equipment for 2-3 hours.

Finally, we recommend checking in advance whether your insurance covers the transport of equipment. In some cases, home insurance moving house may include protection for electronics against damage, but not always. Check the terms of your policy or discuss this with your insurance company. This is especially important if you are transporting expensive equipment or working remotely and cannot afford downtime due to breakdowns.

Conclusion

Even if you know how to pack and move a monitor properly, it’s not always possible to follow every recommendation for transporting digital equipment. If the device is too large or heavy, making it difficult to move safely, it’s best to contact experienced professionals. WellKnown Moving will provide secure packing, careful loading, safe delivery, and gentle unloading of your computer monitor without any risk of damage. Trust the skills of movers who specialize in handling all types of equipment!