this post was submitted on 02 May 2025
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Moving servers and rack equipment (lemmy.world)
submitted 3 days ago by dogma11@lemmy.world to c/selfhosted@lemmy.world
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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.

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[–] thanksforallthefish@literature.cafe 24 points 3 days ago (6 children)

I've been in charge of relocating several data centres.

We tore everything down, servers out of racks etc.

All servers, fabric switches drive arrays etc were individually wrapped in bubble wrap then the heavy removalists cloth then into the large metal moving boxes (1500mmx1500mmx1500mm roughly) before being stacked so they couldn't move around, followed by ratchet straps securing groups of kit together.

All this was done by professional removalists - no reason you can't do it though.

Basically the principle is flexible padding (bubble wrap) to allow for movement close to the device without impacting it, heavy shock absorbing material (the felt), then put into a robust container (metal box) so limiting impact risk.

I'd strongly recommend NOT to leave them in the rack - a couple of screws vibrate loose and then that device drops onto the one below it, bounces up and down through the journey and wrecks them both.

If it's a mile up the road, sure, you'll probably be fine and get away with it, multiple hours on the road ? It's not surviving it.

[–] dogma11@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago

Thanks for the information!

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