Moving Guide: How to Pack a TV for Moving

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Your TV is probably the heaviest fragile item in your home, and while it's actually quite easy to pack, a little mistake can be costly. Imagine you decide to "wing it" without proper research on how to pack a TV for moving. Then, there's a high chance your first utility bill might be spent fixing your TV's screen.

It really doesn't matter whether it's a 65" or a 55" OLED, QLED, UHD, or LED screen; fixing a damaged television will take a deep pinch out of your wallet.

But, hey! Just maybe you can save yourself from spending those couple of bucks unnecessarily. Let's take a look at this step-by-step how-to-pack guide for TV owners.

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Gathering Supplies

• A sturdy box (original box preferably)
• TV blanket/Flat-screen TV cover
• Bubble wrap
• Cardboard or soft pad
• Styrofoam
• Box tape (regular and colored)
• Cable ties
• Microfiber cloth
• Marker/Sticker

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Step #1: Preparing the TV

Before the official TV packing starts, you will need to ensure the television is fully ready for the box.

The prepping phase is important because it determines whether or not the screen gets scratched or your accessory cords get damaged.

So, let's help you prepare your TV.

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Take a picture of the current state of the TV

Not everyone will need to do this, but you might want to take a picture if you don't trust yourself to remember where certain plugs were connected to at the back of the TV.

In fact, it also comes in handy when trying to claim insurance from your movers should any damages occur while moving. It will serve well as evidence for your claim, highlighting that the TV was fully functional before the move began.

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Unplug all cords and accessories

At this point, you should ensure you know exactly how many cords and other accessories are connected to your TV.

1. Start by turning off the TV. Then, proceed to unplug the power cable from the socket and TV (if possible).

2. Check the back for other cables like HDMIs, AVIs, and Auxiliary cords, and unplug all.

3. Coil each individual cable and mark the different cords with colored tapes to help you remember what they are.

4. Then, using your available cable ties, bundle all the cords together into one fine coil.

5. If you have multiple cables, you might need to tie bundles separately.

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Note: If the number of cords and accessories packed are few, you can pack it alongside your TV and put it into the same box. However, should you have more cords and accessories than normal, you might have to use a separate box to pack these.

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Clean the TV

On your "how to pack a TV" journey, you should be ready to clean your television properly before placing it into the box.

It's easy and should take less than 5 minutes. Simply grab a clean microfiber cloth and dust every debris off the TV, especially the ones on the screen, until it's spotless.

The exact reason for cleaning is to prevent any dust or debris left on the screen from causing scratches during the move.

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Unmount the TV or remove the stands

If your TV is on a wall, you should unmount it first before trying to clean it.

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For wall-mounted TVs:

1. Call for assistance if it's a large television.

2. For smaller-sized TVs, undo any safety locks if your TV mount has one.

3. Then, secure both sides with your hands and lift the TV up from the bottom until it comes off the mount.

4. Unscrew all the mount pieces using your screwdriver.

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For TVs on a stand:

1. Lay your TV face (screen) flat on a soft or well-cushioned surface with the stands sticking out.

2. Locate the screws securing the stands to the TV from the bottom.

3. Using your screwdriver, take out all screws and remove the stand from the TV.

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Note: Keep all screws and wall mounting pieces in a safe place for each re-fix at your new location.

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Step #2: How to Pack A TV

So, how to pack tv for moving? With everything clean and set for the box, the next step is to learn how to pack a television for moving.

Protect the screen

1. Start by placing your TV blanket or flat screen cover on your television. Wrap it all over the TV, using tape to keep it in place at the bottom.

2. Then, wrap your TV with bubble wrap, especially the screen, until it is well padded.

3. Have your cardboard or soft pad ready to put in front of the screen when placing it inside the box.

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Pad the corners

1. Start by having four major corner protectors or styrofoams ready for your flat-screen TV.

2. Put the protection styrofoam piece in each corner of the TV and use a tap to secure it in place.

3. Before placing your television inside the box, you can wrap another band of bubble wrap over the TV for extra cushioning.

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Note: Corner protectors can prevent proper screen padding in some instances. If that becomes a worry, it's best to prioritize protecting the delicate screen first and then find a way to create space for the corner protectors.

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Boxing the TV

1. Request assistance for this step if you have a large TV, as it would be slightly difficult alone.

2. Gently lift the TV by the sides and slide it into the box.

3. Once the TV sits comfortably inside the box, get your cardboard or soft pad and place it in front of the screen while in the box.

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Note: Avoid laying the TV on its side while placing it inside the box. The best method is to insert it into the box vertically, and you may require assistance for larger and heavier TVs.

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Extra cushioning and padding

If you aren't using the original TV box for this packing, your television might wiggle around inside the box.

In such an instance, stuff the empty areas inside the box with packing paper or bubble wrap to make the TV feel sturdy. With less wiggle room inside, the television is less likely to get damaged during the move.

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Note: Avoid overpacking cushioning or padding materials into the box—it could increase the amount of pressure resting on the screen.

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Seal and label the TV box

1. Once the TV seats properly and sturdy inside the box, cover the top and seal it up with tape.

2. Ensure you remember which side of the box the screen part of the TV faces and mark it.

3. Label "Fragile," "This Side Up," or "TV Screen Here" with your marker, or use stickers on the side where the television's screen faces.

Note: Pack and label your TV's cord and accessories alongside if they are going in a separate box.

Step #3: Transporting Your TV

Here comes the transporting part: what do you need to know? What are some essential tips?

If you're using professional movers, you're in luck, as they already have the right skills needed for a safe move. However, if you're relocating the television by yourself, you need to learn how to move a TV.

Here are some quick tips to help you out:

• Choose a dedicated safe area to place the TV box in the moving vehicle. Never place besides heavy items to prevent compression.

• Keep your TV upright or vertically throughout the entire move.

• Never place the tip flat on its screen or its back. It's much easier to get damaged that way.

• Ensure the box for the TV is secured between stacks of other boxes or furniture.

• Add soft paddings between the TV's box and other boxes or furniture to avoid direct pressure on it.

• Never stack any item on top of the TV Box.

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How to Pack A TV for Moving Without a Box

For the safety of your TV, professional movers will never recommend moving it without a box. However, if you cannot get a box before moving day, there's a way to still keep it protected.

You need to ensure you wrap the TV properly with bubble wrap—at least three layers of it. Then, place a thick blanket over the TV and cover every inch of it, especially the screen.

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Note: If you're moving without a professional, it's best you have someone hold onto the TV throughout the move to avoid other items bumping into it.

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Key Takeaway—How to Pack A TV for Moving

It's easy, requires less effort, and you can be done within 30 minutes to an hour!

Learning how to pack a TV for moving is essential for anyone planning a move. It not only teaches you basic home skills, but it can also save you the cost of hiring professional help to do the job.

Just remember, if you fail to get every step right, the things you shouldn't forget include:

• Wrapping the TV in bubble wrap and placing protection corners before boxing it.

• Ensuring there isn't much moving inside the box—if so, pad it.

• Label the box and indicate the part where the screen is.

• Find a safe spot in the vehicle and secure it properly to prevent it from moving about.

That's it; good luck!