We’re moving. These two words are enough to strike fear into the strongest of us. I can relate. This past Friday, my wife and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary. When we got married, she moved everything to where I was living. A month later, we moved into a new apartment two states away. Two years later, we moved back to where we started. Three months ago we packed up yet again and moved into our current place. Believe me, I’m aware of the struggles and concerns of undertaking such a task, and am in no hurry to repeat it! To a lot of us, the most daunting part of all is getting your technology from point A to point B. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way, and today, I’ll share a few tips to help you overcome the challenge.
Summer officially started yesterday, and so far, 2015 seems to be the summer of moving. Finish Line is involved in two relocations already! With this experience, we’ve developed a bit of a system. The first step in this “system” before beginning the unhooking process is to assess the future needs of technology in the new home. Will you be keeping the same Internet Service Provider (ISP)? If not, will you be changing from DSL to cable? These questions will influence what cables, line conditioners, etc. need to go with you and which can be thrown out. Next, if there’s any question at all with how things are connected, take pictures! I can disconnect desktop computers, monitors, printers, routers, and the like in my sleep, but fax machines drive me crazy. I don’t know why, but they always throw me! The first thing I do is take a picture of the way they’re hooked up so there’s no mental debate in the future. Pretty much every cell phone out there, from flip phone to smart phone has a camera. Use it! Lastly, before disconnecting anything, make sure everything is shut down properly. Shut computers down via the “Start” button, turn off monitors, printers, speakers, whatever is currently running before turning off a power strip or UPS. Only then should you unplug anything from an outlet. Ensure that no power is going to any of your equipment now so you won’t be sorry later.
As components are disconnected, think about ways to improve your setup in your new home. Could you use a new desk to make things more comfortable and convenient? Should your monitor be located differently? Are you reaching too far for your mouse? Is your chair putting too much strain on your lower back? Now is the time to think about these things. Lastly, take a look at the mass of wires between your desk and the wall. Could things be routed differently to make them neater? Would tie wrapping wires together help? How about a wire loom? The last thing you want is to have your feet tangled in wires. For one thing it’s annoying, and it can also be damaging to whatever component that wire belongs to if it’s suddenly unplugged.
There are two types of people in this world: those who are afraid of technology and those who aren’t. If you find yourself in the first group, Finish Line is here to help. If you’re up to the challenge, consider the tips above. Moving is one of the more stressful events a human being endures. Don’t make it worse for yourself, and don’t make it last any longer than it has to. I’ve Got to Keep on Moving!