Let’s face it. Home is where the TV is. As soon as you move to a new place, the first thing you want to get unpacked and set up is the TV. It makes your new home feel like “home,” keeps the kids calm and relatively focused, cheers things up, and allows everyone to put their feet up and order a celebratory pizza. Consequently, when dealing with such precious cargo, the TV must receive careful handling during the move that will ensure its safe arrival. If you don’t know how to move a TV properly, it could mean a rather inauspicious welcome to your new place.
At Colonial Van Lines, we don’t think anything as precious as the TV should be left to non-professionals. But just in case you want to try your hand, we thought we could help you out by giving you a few tips on how to move a TV. But, we must warn you, it is no easy task. Here is what it takes to move a TV properly. When you need professional help, feel free to contact us.
How to Move A TV: The Basics
Light and compact as they may seem, flat-screen TVs are one of the most expensive and difficult belongings in your home to move. Remember, that even a slight chip or crack is enough to put the kibosh on your Netflix binges, UFC finals, or Judge Judy episodes. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you take all the necessary precautions to get your flat screen television from point A to point B in pristine condition.
How to Prepare to Move A TV
Start by taking a picture of the back of the TV and any other home theatre components. Print it and pack it with the TV. This picture is going to be worth its weight in gold when it comes to identifying where all the cables need to go once you get to your new place.
Next, label the cables with colored electrical or painter’s tape. Consider putting a colored piece of tape on the input of the TV and a matching piece of tape on the corresponding cable. It may also be a good idea to write identifying words on the tape, such as “power” or “Blue Ray player.”
Although it may seem intuitive to pack the cables in the box along with the TV, keep in mind that the cables may shift and cause damage. Err on the side of caution by using a separate box for the remote, the cables, and the stand, which can be detached from the TV. Label the box with the room where the TV will be located, so you can set it up a.s.a.p. when you get to your new place.
BTW, if your TV is mounted, be prepared to refer to the nightmare otherwise known as the owner’s manual to remove it from the mount. Get assistance if necessary, especially if the TV is large.
How to Pack a TV for Moving
Remember that you’re dealing with a full face of glass here. Add to that the thin design and you’ve got one fragile device on your hands. That’s why it’s especially important to follow the proper packing guidelines on how to move a TV.
- How to Move a TV in an Appropriate Box: “Save the box.” It’s the cry heard from men around the world who have purchased an electronic device, small gadget, or tool. And never more have these words rung true than in the case of a flat-screen TV.
However, if you’ve gone ahead and ditched the box, don’t despair. There are specialty TV boxes available to fit various sizes of televisions. These can be picked up online or at any specialty packing store. Keep in mind, that they can also be supplied by a professional moving company.
- How to Protect the Screen: Even if you do use the original box, take extra care to prevent the screen from scratching or breaking. Bubble wrap will do the trick; but if you prefer to use materials that you already have in your home, any scratch proof sheet or blanket will work. Secure the blanket with a rope, tape, or moving grade shrink wrap, making sure that these fastening materials do not come in contact with the screen.
- How to Move a TV in an Upright Position: Always keep a flatscreen TV in an upright position to avoid applying pressure that could cause permanent damage to the lightweight glass. After the TV is wrapped, slide it into the box vertically.
Add additional packing materials along the sides and top to secure the box and keep it from moving or shifting during transport. Seal the box with packing tape and write “Fragile” in several places so everyone involved in the moving process gets the message. End by indicating “this end up” so you end up with a broken TV!
For more on the technology of flat screen TVs, check out “Glass is the Key to Super Slim T.Vs with Brilliant Images” on corning.com.
How to Move a TV With Colonial Van Lines
Now that you know how to move a TV on your own, here’s how to move a TV with Colonial Van Lines.
- Call us up and request our free transparent rate quote.
- After you have time to think it over, let our professionals work with you to create a package customized to your needs and budget.
- Our experienced professional will show up on the day of the move with all the materials you need and pack your flat screen with care.
- We’ll move your TV to your new location, unpack it and set it up so you can enjoy your TV in your new house with minimal stress and hassle.
Call us today and request our free rate quote and we’ll show you how to move a TV without lifting a finger.