Whether you’re relocating on your own or you’ve hired state-to-state movers, if you are packing by yourself, knowing how to pack a TV for moving is a must. We’ve grown so accustomed to our television sets that we’d hate to see them damaged or broken or spend even a day without them. TVs may not be as heavy and bulky as they used to be, but they still require proper handling while transporting now more than ever, as flat-screen versions are much more delicate.
The average cost of interstate moving is around $4,000 – so the last thing you want to do is damage your television and pay for repairs. So, after you’ve created your checklist for moving to another state, check out these tips for a damage-free and stress-free moving of your television set.
It’s Best to Pack the TV in the Original Box It Came In
The original box your flat-screen TV came in is your best and safest option for transporting it when moving to a new state. So, use it if you still have it. Besides being a perfect size, it should also have the foam pieces for protection that fit your TV just right as they were created specifically for it. However, chances are you don’t have it, as most people don’t like or have space for hoarding boxes. You also might be in the middle of a last-minute move and simply can’t find it. Either way, don’t worry – there are other options.
Buy a Heavy-Duty Double Wall Box Designed for Flat Screen TVs or Make One Yourself
If you don’t have the original one, buy a heavy-duty box from your mover. They usually come with foam pieces. Know the size of your television and get the right one for you. If not, you can get two wardrobe boxes, cut them, and create your own DIY TV box to match your dimensions. Seal all sides with tape properly.
Know What Other Packing Supplies You’ll Need
Prepare the right packing materials for moving your television. If you don’t have the foam pieces, you’ll need zip ties, packing tape, furniture pads or towels, and plastic wrap. Whether you are buying a box or making one by yourself, make sure it’s the right size. And if you are making it, go big on the tape so it’s strong enough for transport.
It’s Time to Unmount and Detach
In order to pack the TV into a box, you should first dismantle it. Detach the cords and gather them together. Then secure them with the zip tie. If your TV is mounted, refer to the manual to remove it from the mount. If it’s on a plastic base, remove the plastic base.
Snap a Photo of the Cords – You’ll Be Happy You Did
Before you detach the cords – take a picture of them, so you know which cord goes where when reattaching it. It will make the process a whole lot easier. Pack the cords, base, and the remote together with the TV, avoiding one of the most common moving mistakes people make in this process. You wouldn’t believe how many people misplace or lose the remote.
Clean the Screen With a Microfiber Cloth Before Packing
Before you pack your TV, clean it with a microfiber cloth to avoid the dust particles damaging the sensitive screen. While it may sound unimportant, scratches may occur during transit, so it’s best to do every little thing to avoid any potential damage.
How to Pack a Flat-Screen TV for Moving?
Before you get on to work, make sure the area where you’ll be doing the packing is clear of any obstacles. The last thing you want is to damage the TV or stumble over something and get hurt. Once you’ve got all the moving essentials and the television has been properly detached, wrap it with blankets and secure it with tape. Put extra coverage on the front area where the screen is.
Leave No Wiggle Room
Once you’ve finished wrapping, put the TV in the box and secure it with tape, especially on the seams and edges. Put the remote, cords, and the plastic base inside the box, and make sure there’s no wiggle room to avoid damage. You can fill the box with anything – more padding or even socks or towels.
How to Move a Flat Screen TV Without a Box?
While this is not ideal – it’s doable. You’ll have to buy foam corner protectors – either from your mover or online. Secure the TV with them and wrap, wrap, wrap. No, seriously, go all out with plastic stretch wrap if you are not using a box, and then be equally generous with the blankets.
Proper Way of Storage and Transport
Keep the TV upright during storage and transport. Also, place it near some sturdy and heavy items like a mattress, for example. You don’t want it to tip over and fall during transport or get otherwise damaged. Pay attention to these storage and transport methods and your items will make it to your new place without a scratch.
Consider Bringing in the Pros
We hope these tips will help, however – if you are not confident you’ll be able to transport your TV safely – consider using the moving services of professional long-distance movers. If you decide to do all the packing by yourself, check out what the most commonly forgotten things to pack are, so you don’t forget them or turn to professionals for help with packing.
