Hi selfhosted community,

I’m in the process of moving across the country and need some advice on the best way to transport my server equipment safely. I have a 15U server rack, a 2U server, a 1U server, a 2U UPS, a 1U PDU, a 1U network switch, a 1U network router, and a 1U patch panel. I’m planning to pack everything into a 4×8 U-Haul trailer along with the rest of my bedroom, desk, and computer equipment.

I ran a few queries into a couple LLMs and they basically say to pack everything in the rack and secure it down. I just couldn’t see that working out at all. Figured I might get some human input.

Here are a few questions I have:

  • Packing: What’s the best way to pack these items to ensure they don’t get damaged during transport? Should I use bubble wrap, foam, or just some moving blankets?
  • Securing: I’ve got plenty of ratchet straps but is there any other - options I should be aware of?
  • Anything else I’m not thinking of atm?

Additional Tips: Any other advice for transporting sensitive electronic equipment would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your help! Looking forward to your suggestions.

  • InvertedParallax@lemm.eeEnglish
    31·
    1 day ago

    Trying to move my fully populated 42u rack to Europe.

    So far been doing it piecemeal, but that will have to accelerate at some point.

    • dogma11@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      1 day ago

      lol I feel small and inadequate.

      Have you had much in the way of bad luck with the move being done piecemeal?

      • InvertedParallax@lemm.eeEnglish
        2·
        1 day ago

        Meh, it’s going.

        I might do the rest at once, it’s about setting up a link between the two first (wireguard etc), then bringing servers over and up.

        What terrifies me is trying to move my monitors, those are massive and beautiful with 0 room for error.

        Used metal carriers with foam inserts for storage, but the balance is still back home.

        Fiber in Europe is glorious, so that helps.