Introduction to Moving a Television Set
Although they may be bulky, flatscreens are extremely fragile, and if the screen is damaged it’s nearly impossible to fix. Let's prevent that by giving you core ways on how to pack a tv for moving and help protect your tv during your move so you don’t have to miss out on binge watching your favorite shows!
Preparing for the Move
As with any task related to moving, a little planning and organizing up front will help not only with the move itself, but also the unpack and set up at your new home. Before packing the TV, you'll find it helpful to perform the following:
-
Get masking tape and pen to label the cords before you unplug them all to speed up the setup process at your new home
-
Grab a large storage bag (gallon size if you have) to hold all of the cords, manual, and remote
-
Make sure that all power, HDMI, and audio cables are unplugged from the TV, as each of the HDMI and audio ports are fragile
-
Find necessary tools to remove your TV mount (if you're taking it with you)
-
Clean the screen and back of the TV (for you neat freaks) to remove dust
-
Remove any legs or the stand, if you're using those now
Choosing the Right Packing Materials
As with any job, the proper tools and materials make the difference between success and failure. Here are some choices for the right packing materials, depending upon what you have available, what you have budget for, and what type of vehicle is being used to move.
Use your original TV box during your move
After moving a few times, we can say that the original TV box is the best way to keep your tv protected during your move (it’s also free which is a huge bonus). Now, it takes space to store the box and protective styrofoam, so consider the space versus how often you move. If you only have the box, we recommend either you or your movers shrink wrap your tv before putting it inside of the box, this will give it a little more protection without making it too bulky to fit inside the box like blankets would.
Purchase a tv moving box
Now this is the most expensive choice when it comes to packing materials, but it's well worth it, given the price of a new flatscreen TV. You can search for a sturdy moving box that fits the dimensions of your tv, or you can purchase an adjustable tv box that will fit your TV perfectly. You can find them at home improvement stores. Home Depot has a selection of TV boxes that will cost between $20 and $70, depending upon size. Most of the boxes are adjustable for size of TV, and come with corner bumpers, and a protective sleeve that goes over the TV before going in the box.
Moving blankets, bubble wrap, packing tape, and shrink wrap
If you don’t have the original box that the tv came in or have time or budget to purchase a tv box, you or your movers can wrap your tv in bubble wrap, blankets and cover the blankets in shrink wrap. A good supply of soft packing materials, like bubble wrap and packing peanuts, in addition to tape are vital to a successful packing job.
Packing the TV
Here's when the fun starts! Find a friend to help, as it can be a fight to get a TV inside a moving box by yourself. Start packing the television, taking care during the packing process to protect the screen and cable inputs from damage.
Protect your tv with blankets and shrink wrap
If you have the original box and materials or a box from Home Depot, it's just a matter of wrapping the screen with plastic stretch film, adding the corner bumpers, using strapping tape to hold packing materials in place, and sliding it back into the box. Fill extra space with bubble wrap, and tape the adjustable box with strapping tape to hold the two pieces together. Label the box to help movers identify where the unit will be placed in your new place.
If you're using blankets and shrink wrap, position the television on the blanket in a manner that is going to ensure the entire screen gets covered while packing. additional layers if needed, and use strapping tape to secure blankets to it. Then make sure to shrink wrap everything to provide more protection.
Don't forget to pack the remote, cords, and the manual
Remember, staying organized will make life easier when you go to unpack and set the TV back up. Packing these items in the TV box will ensure everything is there and allow you to get to your shows sooner.
Always ensure that the bag of TV items isn’t pressing against the screen
The TV screen is the most fragile part of the television. If the cord is pressing against the tv after boxed, it can cause a break in your screen. Make sure that the cord, remote, and mount is wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in the box on the back side of the TV, keeping it well away from the TV screen.
If you're using blankets and shrink wrap to pack and move the TV, use the same steps, but we would recommend also taping the supporting items' bag to the back of it for safe keeping, then using blankets to cover the TV, and finally taping and shrink wrapping the blanket to keep everything in place.
Added Protection and Support
We suggest that you use packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or towels as added protection in the box. By doing so, you will prevent damage due to any shifting within the box itself and against any accidental dents in the cardboard from handling.
Hiring a Professional Moving Company
When hiring a professional moving company, the company will ask for details during their moving process. Typically one of these questions involves your TV and if you have a large flatscreen to move. Ask if they can take down the TV and perform the same steps to pack a TV if you're uncomfortable doing it yourself. Also ask if they have TV boxes, bubble wrap, and/or other protective materials for purchase, or if they will use blankets and wrap.
Many movers will ask for a waiver on TVs due to their fragile nature, so it may make sense to have them place the TV in your personal vehicle to transport.
Loading and Transporting the TV
Larger flatscreen TVs are typically a two-man job and loading a TV into a moving truck should be done so the TV is in an upright position and not laying flat. A personal vehicle is best, but if you can't use your car, make sure you load the TV upright, and put it in a place on the truck that will prevent damage.
Unpacking and Setting Up the TV
Once you've transported your TV to your new home, begin by unpacking the TV from its moving box and find your supporting TV items. Before setting anything up, make sure to plug in the TV, turn on the power, and check for any issues with the screen. It makes no sense to plug everything in and mount it on the wall, only to discover that it was damaged in transport.
If the TV made it safe, then gather up your mounts, a level, and other necessary tools to get the TV mounted to the wall as you desire.
Final Thoughts
Flatscreen televisions are not cheap to replace, and in many cases more fragile than most other household items. Planning and preparation will ensure that not only does your TV arrive intact, but will also be easier to set back up in your new home.