Moving is stressful enough, especially when worrying about protecting all your fragile valuables. When packing your belongings into boxes, there are many questions to ask about protecting your valuables during a move.
- How can you ensure that your fragile items stay intact?
- How should you wrap them?
- What else should go in the box?
- How should you handle the box?
A common item we hear questions about frequently is your TV. With the large, fragile smart TVs down to smaller, compact TVs, the question is similar: how do you protect your TV during a move? To help you prepare for the most stress-free move possible, we’ll go over what not to do when packing and moving a TV, and what you should do instead.
A Blanket Isn’t Enough
Unfortunately, just wrapping your TV in something soft like a blanket isn’t quite enough to keep it safe from damage during a move. TVs are very fragile and can be large and difficult to manoeuvre. They also need to be able to survive a couple of bumps during transport. Your TV needs to have proper cushioning around the screen and packing material filling up any surrounding space at a minimum. You’ll want to protect it from scratches and prevent it from shifting or jostling during moving day.
When considering moving a TV safely, it’s important to remember that a blanket alone won’t protect the screen or internal components.
Why TVs Are Easily Damaged During a Move
Modern televisions are surprisingly delicate, especially large flat-screen, OLED, QLED, and smart TVs. While the screen is the most obvious vulnerable component, damage can also occur internally during transportation. Even minor impacts or improper handling can affect picture quality, connectivity, or overall performance.
Some of the most common causes of TV damage during a move include:
- Direct pressure on the screen
- Internal component damage caused by drops or impacts
- Vibration during long-distance transportation
- Shifting inside moving trucks or vehicles
- Improper lifting, carrying, and loading techniques
Unlike many household items, TVs are designed to operate while standing upright. Excessive screen pressure, bending, or twisting during transport can damage delicate display layers and internal electronics. Improper loading can also cause a television to shift against other items, increasing the risk of cracked screens, damaged ports, or loose internal components.
Heard of TV Boxes?
There are actually specially-made moving boxes for packing TVs to keep them from jostling around, getting scratched, or breaking. They are made to protect flat-screen TVs specifically and are wide enough to hold your TV but thin enough to keep it from jostling. Inside the box is a piece of bubble foam liner for extra protection. Different sizes are available, from small to extra-large, costing thirty to sixty dollars.
Many TV moving boxes are adjustable, allowing them to accommodate different screen sizes while maintaining a snug fit. These specialty boxes are designed to minimize movement during transport and provide additional protection around vulnerable edges and corners.
If you still have the original manufacturer packaging, it is often one of the safest options available. Original boxes are specifically engineered for the dimensions and weight distribution of the television and typically include custom foam inserts that help absorb impacts during transportation.
Foam corner protectors provide an additional layer of security by shielding the most vulnerable areas of the TV from bumps and accidental impacts. When selecting a moving box, measure the television’s height, width, and depth to ensure the box is appropriately sized. A box that is too large may allow shifting, while one that is too small may place unnecessary pressure on the screen and frame.
How to Pack a TV for Moving
Once you have a TV box, there’s still an appropriate packing method to minimize all possible damage. Follow this step-by-step process to keep your TV safe when moving!
- If you have all the original packaging from your TV purchase, you may be able to safely pack it using the original package.
- Use a screwdriver to unscrew the stand from the TV and remove it.
- Replace the screws into the TV so they don’t get lost.
- Gently lay face down on the soft side of a sheet of bubble foam.
- Carefully wrap up the TV cord.
- Secure the bubble foam to the TV.
- Crumple up some paper and place it at the bottom of the TV box to create a cushion.
- Carefully place the TV inside the box. (Ask for help if you need it!)
- Stabilize the TV within the box by filling the space with crumpled paper to prevent movement.
Follow these steps for a safe process of moving a TV. If you still feel unsure about the safety of your TV, we recommend contacting a professional moving company to assist you with your packing and moving.
How to Pack a TV for Moving: Step-by-Step
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Disconnect and Label Cables
Before packing your television, disconnect all power cords, HDMI cables, streaming devices, gaming consoles, and accessories. Label each cable to simplify setup after the move and store them together in a clearly marked bag or box.
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Remove the TV Stand or Wall Mount
Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the TV stand or wall-mount hardware. To prevent losing important components, replace screws back into the TV when possible or store them in a labeled bag. Removing protruding parts reduces the risk of damage and makes packing easier.
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Wrap the Screen With Protective Materials
Place the television on a clean, soft surface and carefully wrap it with bubble foam, foam sheets, or other screen-safe protective materials. Secure the wrapping without applying pressure directly to the screen. Proper cushioning helps protect both the display and frame from scratches and impacts.
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Place the TV in a Properly Sized TV Box
If available, use the original manufacturer box or a dedicated TV moving box designed for your screen size. Carefully lower the wrapped television into the box while keeping it upright and fully supported. For larger televisions, a second person should assist with lifting and positioning.
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Fill Empty Space to Prevent Shifting
Use crumpled packing paper, foam inserts, or additional cushioning materials to fill any gaps inside the box. Eliminating empty space helps prevent movement during transportation and reduces the risk of impact damage caused by shifting.
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Label the Box and Keep It Upright
Clearly label the box as “Fragile” and indicate which side should remain upright. Televisions should always be transported in a vertical position whenever possible to reduce stress on the screen and internal components.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving a TV
Laying a TV Flat During Transport
Many people assume laying a TV flat is safer, but this can place uneven pressure on the screen and frame. Keeping a television upright is generally the safest option during transportation.
Using Insufficient Padding
A blanket alone rarely provides enough protection against impacts, vibration, or shifting. Proper cushioning materials help absorb shocks and prevent scratches during transit.
Leaving Empty Space Inside the Box
Even a well-protected TV can be damaged if it moves freely inside its box. Filling empty space with appropriate packing materials helps stabilize the television throughout the move.
Packing Cords Against the Screen
Loose cables, remotes, and accessories should never be placed directly against the display. These items can create pressure points that increase the risk of scratches or screen damage.
Carrying Large TVs Without Assistance
Attempting to move large televisions alone can lead to accidental drops, improper lifting, or excessive flexing of the screen. Larger models should always be moved with assistance.
Moving Large TVs: Extra Tips for 55, 65, and 75 Inch Screens
As televisions become larger and thinner, they become more difficult to move safely. Screens measuring 55, 65, and 75 inches require additional precautions due to their size, weight distribution, and increased susceptibility to flexing.
Whenever possible, use a two-person lifting technique. One person should support each side of the television while maintaining an upright position throughout the move. This helps distribute weight evenly and reduces stress on the frame.
Navigating stairs, narrow hallways, doorways, and tight corners requires extra caution. Plan the route in advance and remove obstacles that could cause sudden impacts or awkward positioning.
Once inside the moving vehicle, secure the TV using moving straps or other stabilization methods to prevent shifting during transportation. Large televisions should never be placed where heavy furniture could fall against them.
Screen flex is another major concern for larger models. Excessive bending during lifting or transport can damage internal display components, even when no visible damage appears on the exterior. Supporting the television evenly from both sides helps minimize this risk.
Moving Services in Edmonton
Eager Beaver Moving and Storage is run by professional Edmonton movers that want to make your moving experience run as smoothly as possible. We’re here to help you move, whether by providing you with quality moving boxes and packing materials, sharing our best moving tips, or helping you pack and move on-site.
Eager Beaver moving takes pride in a reputation of integrity and dependability and will safely do the heavy lifting, loading, and arranging of boxes for you! Moving is stressful, so let us carry some of the load for you. We will help you pack, load, and even unpack if you need us! Get started on reducing the stress of your move with a free moving estimate today.
FAQ
How to pack a tv for moving without a box?
If you don’t have a TV box, wrap your TV in multiple layers of bubble wrap, secure with tape, and place it upright between soft furniture or blankets in the moving vehicle. Avoid laying it flat.
What is the best way to move a flat screen TV?
The best way is to use a TV box with foam padding, secure it upright in the vehicle, and avoid sharp turns or rough roads.
How to safely move a 65 inch TV?
Remove the stand, wrap it in bubble wrap, place it upright in a TV box or secure with blankets, and get assistance to carry it.
Should you lay a TV down screen down or up?
Always keep your TV upright during transport. Laying it flat can damage the screen or internal components.
How to transport a TV in a truck bed?
Keep it upright, secured with straps, and place soft blankets underneath for cushion. Avoid movement during transport.
Will bubble wrap scratch the TV?
No, if the bubble side is facing the TV. Avoid placing rough materials directly on the screen.
How to transport a 75 inch TV without a box?
Wrap in multiple layers of bubble wrap or blankets, keep it upright, and secure with moving straps to prevent shifting.
Can you lay a QLED TV flat in an original box?
It’s not recommended. Keep QLED TVs upright to prevent internal screen damage, even in the original box.
How do I move a TV by myself?
If moving alone, use a TV box, secure it with padding, and take extra care lifting with proper posture. Consider using a dolly or furniture straps.
Can I move a TV in its original box?
Yes. Original manufacturer packaging is often the best option because it is specifically designed to support and protect the television during transportation. If the original packaging is available and in good condition, it can provide excellent protection during a move.
Can I transport a TV in a car?
Yes, provided the television remains upright, properly secured, and protected from shifting. Ensure the TV cannot slide or tip over during transportation and avoid placing heavy items against it.
What is the safest way to move a flat-screen TV?
The safest approach is to use a properly sized TV box, protective foam materials, adequate internal cushioning, and upright transportation. Professional movers often use specialized packing materials and secure loading techniques for additional protection.
Do OLED TVs require special handling during a move?
Yes. OLED televisions are generally thinner and more delicate than many traditional TV models. Extra care should be taken to avoid screen pressure, bending, twisting, and improper lifting during packing and transportation.
Can moving damage a TV even if the screen looks fine?
Yes. Internal components can sometimes be damaged by impacts, vibration, or improper handling without causing visible screen damage. If a television experiences a significant impact during a move, it is a good idea to test all functions after setup to confirm everything is operating correctly.
