Delivery & moving

Prepare the print mechanism for transport

Follow the model manual’s moving or storage procedure. Some inkjet printers require cartridges or printheads to remain installed, while tank printers may have transport locks or tank valves; laser printers have toner and drum handling precautions. Do not apply a generic transport sequence across designs. If the manual does not give a procedure, contact the manufacturer before moving the unit over a long distance.

Remove paper from trays and close covers. Secure the scanner lid and document feeder as directed. Do not lift the printer by a tray, scanner lid, or cartridge door.

Pack supplies and accessories safely

Use the original carton and molded supports where possible. Keep ink bottles, cartridges, toner, power cords, and detachable trays separated as the manual specifies. Protect toner from damage and keep it upright where instructed. Seal ink bottles and place them in a leak-resistant bag if the manufacturer permits transport.

Label the power cord and USB/Ethernet cables. Keep packing inserts until the printer has been installed and tested. For shipping, follow the carrier’s packaging and hazardous-material rules for any supplies included.

Carry and set down the printer evenly

Use two people for a heavy multifunction or laser printer. Hold the stable chassis points identified in the manual and keep the unit level. Tilting a printer can move ink or toner in ways the manufacturer warns against. Avoid vibration and impact that can shift the printhead, scanner glass, or internal paper guides.

Place the printer on a sturdy surface at the destination and inspect for cracked trays, loose covers, or leaked ink. If shipping damage is visible, photograph the carton and unit before powering on.

Restore setup one connection at a time

After arrival, allow the printer to acclimate if it was exposed to cold or damp conditions. Reinstall any parts removed for transport and check the manual before unlocking a carriage or opening a tank valve. Connect power, then confirm the control panel reaches its normal ready state before connecting the computer.

Run only the model’s recommended check after moving. Print a nozzle or status test for ink systems, or a configuration/status page for laser devices if the manual provides it. Scan a page on multifunction models and verify network connection separately.

Handle ink and toner as separate transport cases

For refillable tank printers, check whether the manual requires transport locks, valves, or a level position before moving. Do not tilt the unit on the assumption that all tank systems are sealed. For cartridge inkjets, follow instructions about leaving cartridges installed and securing the carriage. For laser printers, keep toner and drum units in their specified orientation and protect them from light or impact if directed. If the printer will be shipped, ask the manufacturer for the transport procedure. A short move across a room may have different requirements than freight shipment. Keep any removed supplies in a sealed package and label them with the printer model.