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.
realbadat@programming.dev 2 hours ago
I’m fine with keeping equipment in the rack if its secured, but I always remove the cabling. I personally don’t think people pay much attention to that part.
I’d also put packing between devices. Since its all going in the uhaul, I wouldn’t personally feel the need to separate anything out of the rack, I’d probably leave it in and just check all my mounts are secure. I’d also make sure the rack is secured well in the uhaul, strapped in with a blanket between it and the wall.