Moving a TV

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Mary Gray

Need to move your flat screen?

Ah, TVs of the 2000’s: expensive, large, and wonderfully defined. They’re beautiful pieces of technology, really, and yours would probably make a great centerpiece for your new living room.

However, that inspiring screen that showers you in color and HD images? Yeah, it’s also a wall-wide target just waiting to be cracked by the corner of a table while in transit.

When moving your TV, you need to take extra precautions to ensure that it arrives in your new home ready to play the newest blockbuster. Here’s what to do:

Collect Supplies

The safest way to move a TV is in its original packaging. However, unless you knew that you were going to be moving, odds are slim you kept the box. No worries. You can still pack your television safely by getting the following supplies:

Enough large blankets and/or furniture pads to cover your TV
Strong cardboard a few inches larger than the size of the screen
Bubble Wrap
Packing tape
Extra blankets to cover the television in the moving truck
Hand truck or dolly (optional, but beneficial)
Someone healthy and strong enough to help with the physical move

Except for the last one, all of these supplies can be purchased for a small price through your moving company, local U-Haul office, or home improvement store. You can also read our article about finding moving supplies for other resources.

Packing the TV

Keep your television in an upright position when packing. Your objective is to pad the television securely to protect it from damage during transport.

Wrap bubble wrap or blankets completely around your television set.
Place cardboard over the screen and tape it firmly in place.
Wrap again with bubble wrap/blankets and tape everything securely in place.

Moving the TV

Televisions are heavier than they look and awkwardly sized. Be prepared to have someone help you lift, carry, or roll your TV to the moving truck.

Keep your TV in its normal, upright position the entire time.
Lift one side of the TV while your helper lifts the other. Always lift with your legs.
Carry or use a hand truck/dolly to transport your TV to the truck.
Place your TV in one of the corners of the van to help prevent it from moving around.
Drape with another blanket or two for extra padding.
Pack other items and boxes firmly next to the TV so that it won’t slide around.
Do not pack anything on top of your television.

When unpacking your moving truck, remember to take caution with your TV, always moving it in the upright position and not on its side.

Winter Weather Warning!

If you have a LCD TV, you’ll want to be extra careful about moving it in the winter time. Because the plasma will probably freeze en route, you’ll want to let your TV thaw in your new home for at least 24 hours before plugging it in and turning it on.

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