If your moving day is just around the corner, it’s time to start packing large household items, including your TV. Whether you own a flat-screen or curved-screen display, your TV will need extra care when being packed and transported.
That being said, packing your TV for a move doesn’t have to be complicated if you have the right tools and follow the right approach. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about packing your TV securely.
TV Packing Supplies
You’ll need a few packing materials to protect your TV from damage during transit. It’s important to surround your TV with ample padding to prevent the screen from being cracked or scratched. Here’s what you’ll need to pack your TV:
1. An Appropriate-Sized Box
If you still have the original box your TV came in, you can use it for your move. These boxes are designed to fit your screen snugly and usually include inserts to keep everything in place. If you no longer have the original packaging, you can find a sturdy box that’s as close in size to the original packaging as possible.
2. Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap forms a protective barrier that will cushion your TV against impact during transit. When wrapping your TV, make sure the bubbles are facing inward to maximize their cushioning effect.
3. Packing Tape
Packing tape holds everything together and makes sure boxes stay closed. You’ll want to use packing tape that sticks well and keeps your TV box sealed throughout the move. You can also use it to secure bubble wrap and any additional padding around the TV.
4. Foam Padding
Foam padding helps absorb shock from impact and can prevent the TV from shifting in its box. If you’re not using the original packaging, foam padding can be a smart substitute to keep your TV protected on all sides.
5. Labels and Markers
You can use labels and markers to label the TV box with “This Side Up” and “Fragile.” Labeling multiple sides ensures your message isn’t missed and helps movers understand how to handle the box when loading and unloading it.
TV Packing Guide
Once you’ve gathered your packing materials, you can start preparing your TV for the move. Follow these steps to prep and pack your TV for transit:
1. Disconnect the TV
First, turn off your TV and unplug it from the wall. Carefully remove any HDMI cables, streaming devices, or gaming systems connected to the back of your TV. It’s a good idea to pack cables in bundles and label them so you can easily reconnect everything later.
2. Remove It From Its Stand or Mount
Next, detach your TV from its stand or wall mount, if applicable. If your TV is on a base stand, remove the screws securing the stand to the TV and keep them in a labeled plastic bag so they don’t get lost. You can tape the screw bag to the inside of the packing box or keep it somewhere you’ll remember. The detached mount or stand can be packed separately.
3. Clean the TV and Bubble-Wrap It
Take a moment to gently wipe down the screen of your TV using a dry microfiber cloth. If you need to use a screen cleaner, spray it onto the cloth and not the screen, as this minimizes the risk of damage. Once the TV is clean, wrap it in bubble wrap, making sure the screen is fully covered. Use packing tape to secure the bubble wrap, but avoid putting tape directly on the screen or TV frame.
4. Put the TV in Its Box
Place the wrapped TV in the packing box so that it stands upright. If you’re using the original packaging, be sure to use any foam supports or corner guards that came with it. Secure the box with packing tape along all open seams. If you don’t have the original box, use one of a similar size and add extra padding to fill empty spaces and keep the TV from shifting.
5. Load the Box onto Your Moving Vehicle
When loading the TV onto your moving vehicle, make sure to keep it upright at all times. Never lay it screen-down or flat on its back. You can tuck it between mattresses, cushions, or large pieces of padded furniture to keep it from shifting during the move.
You can also wedge soft items like blankets or pillows around the TV box to stop it from sliding or tipping over. Strapping the TV to a wall with a pull tightening strap is also a great way to keep it in place during transit. Remember not to overtighten the strap, as this could damage the TV.
6. Unpack Your TV and Set It Up
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, carefully remove the TV from your moving vehicle and place it in the room where you plan to keep it. Open the box and remove the bubble wrap and padding. Reattach the stand or mount and place the TV where it belongs. Give it a quick dust before plugging it back in and reconnecting all your cables and devices.
Packing a TV Without a Box
If you don’t have the box your TV came in, you can still protect it with the right packing supplies. To pack a TV without using a box, follow these steps:
- Wrap the TV in multiple layers of bubble wrap, making sure the screen and corners are protected. As an added precaution, you can pad the corners of the TV with foam before using bubble wrap.
- Take a single layer of cardboard from a normal moving box the size of the screen and secure it over the face of the TV. This will help prevent screen punctures and spread any blunt hits across the packaging.
- Once the TV is wrapped, secure the bubble wrap with packing tape.
- Next, wrap the TV in moving blankets to add another layer of cushioning.
- Finish by wrapping the TV in stretch wrap to secure the inner layers of padding.
- When loading the TV onto your moving vehicle, keep it upright and wedge it between padded items to prevent it from moving.
- If placed against a wall, make sure to pad the floor of the truck with doubled over moving blankets so the TV is sitting on a cushion. Turn the screen side toward the wall to protect it from possible damage. Secure the TV to the wall at tie off points using a pull to tighten the strap so the TV doesn’t move in transit. Remember not to overtighten as this could damage the TV.
Serenity Moving Services Can Help!
Packing your TV the right way ensures it arrives safely to your new home. By using the appropriate packing materials and techniques, you can easily transport your TV from one place to another without damage.
That said, if you don’t want the hassle of doing it yourself, Serenity Moving Services can help. We’ve been helping homeowners move for over 12 years and have extensive experience handling TVs and other delicate electronics. Give us a call to get a quote!
We also assist with moving a bookcase and a piano safely and efficiently. Contact us today to get started.
