Pro Moving Tip: Photograph Your TV Cables Before Unplugging
Thirty seconds with your phone can save thirty minutes of frustration on move-in day. Before you unplug your TV, take a clear photo of the back panel. You’ll capture the exact positions of HDMI, power, audio, and streaming device cables so your setup is plug-and-play in your new home.
Why this tiny step matters
Modern entertainment setups can include a TV, soundbar, gaming console, streaming stick, cable box, and external storage. Each device competes for a port, and many TVs label inputs in small print that’s hard to read once wall-mounted. When you photograph your current setup, you create an instant reference that eliminates guesswork. No more swapping HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 repeatedly, and no more hunting for the ARC port that controls your soundbar. It’s a simple safeguard that reduces stress, speeds up move-in, and prevents avoidable service calls.
Step-by-step: Do it in under a minute
- Clear the area: Pull the TV out from the wall if needed and switch on a lamp or use your phone’s flash for a bright shot.
- Take a wide photo of the entire back panel showing the labels and all connected cables.
- Take close-ups of tricky areas: eARC/ARC, optical audio, ethernet, and any HDMI labels.
- Label the cords with masking tape: “HDMI-PS5,” “Soundbar,” “Cable Box,” etc.
- Coil and bag each device’s cables in a zip-bag; put the remote and power adapter in the same bag.
- Pack a “first-night tech” box: remotes, power strip, HDMI extras, and the TV mounting hardware so setup is immediate at the new place.
Bonus packing tips for electronics
- Use the original TV box if available; otherwise, choose a TV carton with corner foam or thick bubble wrap. Keep screens vertical—never flat.
- Protect remotes and small dongles by taping each bag to its device or placing in the “first-night tech” box.
- Photograph the back of your modem and router too. Mark which cable is from the wall and which goes to the router’s WAN port.
- Back up consoles and streaming devices before the move and eject discs to avoid drive damage.
If you prefer a hands-off approach, our crew can pack and label electronics for you, and we’ll place everything where you want it in your new home.
Make move-in painless
Recreating a working entertainment setup on the first night helps everyone relax. A quick reference photo means you’ll plug each cord into the correct port the first time. Combined with a clearly labeled box and a small tool kit, your living room can be up and running in minutes.
Request a Free Estimate ·
Need short-term storage? ·
We specialize in senior moves
Comments are closed.