How to Pack and Move Your TV

Packing a TV for relocation can pose difficulties and require careful handling, regardless of its size or type. Yet, by utilizing appropriate moving materials and following proper techniques, you can ensure the safety of your valuable home entertainment device. With these methods, your TV will reach its destination unharmed, allowing you to enjoy your favorite shows and movies as you settle into your new residence.

This comprehensive guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to pack a TV for moving, whether you're dealing with a compact 22-inch screen or facing the challenge of moving a larger TV (65-inch model).

How do you pack a TV when moving?

Let's face it: Moving to a new home can be pretty hectic. And when it comes to fragile items like your TV, just throwing it into any old moving box won't do. Properly packing and transporting your television is crucial to avoid any mishaps during the move. Instead of hastily cramming your TV into your car or the back of a moving truck, it's worth investing some time to follow these straightforward steps for packing your television.

1. Unplug all cord and accessories

The initial step in preparing your TV for relocation is to disconnect and organize all its external cords. These could include:

• power cord
• additional HDMI cables,
• cable cords,
• cords connected to DVD/Blu-Ray players or gaming consoles.

When packing your TV for the move, make sure to keep all cords and accessories together to avoid misplacement. For instance, if you use a Nintendo Switch gaming system with your TV, pack the console, dock, joycons, games, and all related cords in the same box.

Pro Tip: When considering how to move TV, the first step is to assess whether it's worth packing at all. If your TV is over seven years old and you can afford a replacement, donating or giving it away might be a better option. Technology in TVs and entertainment electronics evolves rapidly, so having one less item to pack could be beneficial.

2. Prepare the packing supplies

Assuming you've decided to pack your TV, gather the necessary supplies, starting with the original box it came in. If you've kept the original packaging, it's the ideal solution for packing the TV. The box is perfectly sized for the device, and the packing materials are designed to secure the TV and cushion the screen effectively.

Don't forget about the accessories! Your TV likely comes with stands, cords, and remotes that need a cozy spot during the move. If you've misplaced the original packaging, fear not! You can easily snag some packing tape and moving boxes tailored to your TV's dimensions. Look for flat-screen TV boxes equipped with foam corner cushions and a screen protector — they're adjustable to fit TVs of all shapes and sizes. It's best practice to assign each TV its own box for transit. But what about those older, bulkier TVs that refuse to cooperate? Treat them like furniture by swaddling them in moving blankets, bubble wrap, and stretch wrap for the journey.

3. Wrap the TV screen

Don't overlook this crucial step in the moving process: wrapping the TV screen. Protecting your TV screen from scratches caused by movers or packing materials is essential. Even if you've got the original box handy, it's still smart to add an extra layer of protection to safeguard your TV screen. You've got options when it comes to wrapping up your TV for the big move. The protective sleeve that came with your TV originally is a solid choice. But if you're feeling extra cautious, moving blankets, bubble wrap, and those fancy foam pouches made specifically for TVs are fantastic picks too. You can easily find these supplies online or at your neighborhood hardware store.

Bubble wrap offers excellent protection for your flat-screen TV during a move, provided you use a high-quality brand. It's designed not to scratch the TV screen during transit. However, bubble wrap may be pricier compared to using materials you already have at home, such as soft blankets. Consider your options carefully based on your budget and preferences. Here's how to protect a TV when moving:

• Moving Blankets: Wrap the blanket around the screen and fasten it with a small rope or bungee cord.
• Protective Covers: Utilize the plastic sleeve provided with the TV or purchase plastic wrap designed for moving. Many hardware stores offer protective covers tailored for TV screens.
• Packing Paper: Gently tape a piece of packing paper onto the screen using painter's tape before placing the TV into its box.

4. Find a Suitable Moving Box

Having the original flat-screen TV box is ideal for packing it during a move. However, if you find yourself without the original box, don't panic just yet. We've got you covered with detailed tips and tricks on how to wrap TV for moving without a box.

Before packing your flat-screen TV for a move without a box, it's crucial to take a few preparatory steps to ensure its safety:

1. Dismount the TV and remove the stand: Unscrew and remove any delicate plastic pieces, such as the base or stand, from the TV. Wrap these pieces separately to prevent them from getting lost during the move.
2. Wipe down the screen: Carefully clean the screen to remove any dust or debris, reducing the risk of scratches during transit.
3. Label and disconnect all cables: Take the time to label and disconnect all cables attached to the TV. This will make it easier to set up the TV in your new home. Consider taking a photo of the TV's ports for reference.
4. Wrap the TV with packing tape: Loosely wrap the flat-screen TV with packing tape, ensuring that the sticky side faces outward. This step helps protect the TV's surface and prevents any residue from sticking directly to the screen.
5. Wrap the TV with bubble wrap: Cover the TV with bubble wrap, ensuring it adheres nicely to the tape applied earlier. This step prevents the bubble wrap from slipping during transit, providing additional protection.
6. Wrap the TV with a moving blanket: Depending on the TV's size, use one or two moving blankets to fully cover the front and sides of the TV. Secure the blankets with tape, ensuring the screen is entirely shielded.
7. Prepare the box: Ideally, find a box similar in size to your TV. Alternatively, make a tv box for moving by yourself: purchase 1-2 wardrobe boxes and modify them to create a DIY flat-screen TV box. Seal all sides of the box with packing tape to maintain its structural integrity.
8. Place the TV in the box and pad accordingly: Place the wrapped TV inside the box, ensuring a snug fit with no movement. Add extra bubble wrap if necessary to fill any gaps and provide additional padding. Don't forget to include the TV stand in the box to prevent loss during the move.

5. Secure the TV Inside the Moving Truck

Once your TV is safely padded and boxed up, it's time to move it to your new home. When loading it into your vehicle, ensure it remains upright throughout the journey. It's a good idea to place the TV between other items to minimize any shifting during transit. Additionally, keeping the TV elevated reduces the risk of heavier objects accidentally falling onto it.

Is it okay to lay a TV down when moving it? It's not advisable to lay flat-screen TVs flat during transportation. This positioning can expose the TV to potential external damage such as scratches and cracks, especially from the weight of other items pressing down on it. To prevent such damage, it's best to securely pack your TV in an upright position inside a suitable moving box.

When loading your moving truck, follow these TV moving tips for added safety:

• Position the TV between two sturdy furniture pieces, such as a sofa and a mattress, to provide extra protection. If you can't find space between items, secure the TV against a wall to prevent it from shifting during transit.
• Use bungee cords to hold the TV in place securely. Place one cord along the base and another along the top section of the plastic framing.
• Ensure that cords or ropes used for securing the TV do not come into contact with the screen, especially when they are pulled taut.
• Store the television with the screen facing away from the wall to minimize the risk of damage.

6. Unpack the TV Carefully

Once your TV reaches its new destination, there are a few final steps to complete the moving process. To safely unpack a flat-screen TV, follow these steps:

• Ensure that movers place the TV in an upright position when setting it down. Unbox the TV as soon as possible to safely remove it from the moving box.
• Use two or more people to lift the screen out of the box, unless it's light enough for one person to move a TV safely.
• Avoid placing the box flat on the ground and attempting to slide the TV out, as this can cause damage.
• Allow the TV to come to room temperature before plugging it in and turning on the power. Ensure that the TV stand or console table is large and sturdy enough to support the flat screen securely. If using a wall mount, ensure it is properly drilled into studs or that the appropriate anchors are used for secure installation.

Read more: The Ultimate Moving and Packing Guide: All You Need To Know

Pro Packing Tips

1. Ensure you pack the remote and power cord along with the TV
   It may seem obvious, but overlooking these essentials happens more often than you'd think. Don't risk arriving at your new home only to discover you've misplaced the power cord or remote. Always pack them together with the TV to avoid any last-minute hassles.
2. Label the orientation of the TV using a Sharpie
   Grab a trusty permanent marker and tag the TOP and FRONT or SCREEN of your TV. This quick move will be a lifesaver down the line, helping you nail the right orientation when packing and moving. Got more than one TV? Slap some labels on them, like "Living room TV" or "Guest room TV," for easier unpacking. And if you're sharing space, put your name on yours to avoid any mix-ups!
3. Consider Humidity
   When it comes to moving your flat-screen TV overseas or stashing it away for a while, humidity becomes the enemy. Combat this pesky moisture by tossing in some silica gel packets inside the TV box before sealing it up. These little heroes absorb any excess moisture, keeping your TV safe and sound. With these tricks up your sleeve, packing your TV becomes a breeze, and you can bid adieu to one less worry on moving day!

If you need any assistance with packing your TV or have other moving-related concerns, Move4U professional labor is ready to help you. Contact us today for expert guidance and support throughout your moving process.