How to Transport a TV: Expert Tips and Techniques

You might think transporting a TV is a piece of cake—it’s not super heavy or bulky, after all. But it’s a job that requires some serious attention to detail. Today’s flat screens come in all price ranges, from a few hundred bucks to several grand, and if something goes wrong during transportation, you could be looking at a hefty repair bill.

Moving a TV isn’t rocket science, but the tricky part is the logistics. These TVs might look sturdy, but they’re actually pretty fragile, so you’ve gotta handle them with care to avoid any accidents. We’ll walk you through some key tips to make sure your TV gets from A to B without a scratch.

Preparing on How to Transport a TV

Moving day is coming, and your trusty TV needs to make the journey to your new home! Don’t worry. With some planning and key techniques, you can ensure your TV arrives safe and sound, ready to entertain you for years to come. Here are essential preparations on how to transport a TV like a pro!

➜ Check: Tips to Prepare for Your Move

Gather Your Supplies

With the right supplies, you can streamline the moving TV process and avoid unnecessary stress. Here’s a checklist to ensure you have everything you need to pack and protect your belongings:

• Original boxes and packing materials: If you still have the original boxes your items came in, use them! They’re perfectly sized and designed to protect the contents.
• Sturdy moving blankets or towels: Wrap these around fragile furniture and appliances to prevent scratches, dings, and dents during transport.
• Packing tape: This is essential for sealing boxes securely. Opt for a strong packing tape that won’t tear easily.
• Extra straps (optional): If you’re renting a truck, consider extra straps to secure boxes and furniture in the truck bed to prevent them from shifting during transit.

Gathering these supplies beforehand will have you well-equipped to pack your belongings efficiently and keep them safe during your move.

Prepare to Move TV

Taking extra time to prepare for moving a TV correctly can save you a headache. Here’s what you need to do to ensure it arrives at your new home safe and sound when moving TV:

• Disconnect all cables: Before you transport a TV, take a moment to carefully disconnect all the cables from the back, including power cords, HDMI cables, and any other connections. This will prevent them from getting snagged or damaged during transport.
• Remove the stand (if possible): Many modern TVs have detachable stands. Removing the stand creates a more compact TV moving box for packing and reduces the risk of the stand getting damaged.
• Secure the stand with tape or screws (if removed): If you detach the stand, don’t lose it! Wrap it securely with packing tape or reattach it with the screws for safekeeping. You’ll need it to reassemble the TV at your new place.

Plan Your Transportation

Before you move TV out the door, take a moment to consider how it will travel:

• Don’t underestimate the size of your TV! Measure the screen diagonally to determine the exact size, then measure the width and height of the TV with the stand attached (if you can’t remove it). Once you have these measurements, you can determine if your TV will fit safely inside your car.
• Consider the size of your TV and the available space in your car. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of different transportation options:
  • Car Trunk: This is a good option for smaller TVs. Make sure the TV can fit upright on the trunk floor and secure it with blankets to prevent movement.
  • Passenger Seat: If your car has a spacious passenger seat and your TV isn’t too large, you can recline the seat and lay the TV flat (screen facing away from the seat back) for transport. Buckle up the TV just like a passenger for added security.
  • Truck Bed: This is the best option for large TVs. However, you’ll need to carefully secure the TV using straps to prevent it from shifting or falling during transport. Due to the increased risk of damage, only use a truck bed if necessary.

DIY or Hiring Professional Removalists

When deciding how to transport your TV, consider whether to move it yourself or hire professional movers. While handling the move yourself might seem more cost-effective, it’s essential to factor in potential moving costs such as purchasing packing materials, renting a vehicle, or even replacing a damaged TV. Hiring professionals might come with a higher upfront cost, but it can save you time, effort, and the risk of incurring additional expenses. To get a clearer picture of the potential expenses, you can use a moving cost calculator to compare options and budget accordingly. Ultimately, weigh these moving costs against the value of ensuring your TV arrives safely at its new home.

How to Transport a TV: Packing and Securing

When you’re getting ready to transport TV, the first step is safely detaching your current TV from its mount and preparing it for its next adventure.

It’s smart to have a buddy on standby, especially if you’ve got one of those big, hefty screens. With some extra hands, removing your TV from its wall mount is a breeze.

• Step 1: Lay down a soft blanket or padding on the floor. This little step protects your screen when you lay your TV face down to undo the bracket, preventing any scratches or dings.
• Step 2: Snap a quick pic of your cables’ setup before unplugging them. As you disconnect, keep things organised, whether it’s your soundbar, gaming rig, or cable box. Tuck those cables away neatly to avoid any tripping hazards.
• Step 3: Check for any locks before lifting your TV off its mount. If you feel resistance, breathe and inspect the back for sneaky locking mechanisms. Grab a screwdriver if needed to unlock your TV for smooth removal safely.
• Step 4: Tilt and lift your TV. You might need a helping hand. Grab the bottom of your flat screen firmly and tilt it towards you, ensuring the top stays snug against the wall. If keeping the top section angled right feels like a challenge, call in a friend to lend a hand by guiding it away from you. Once you’ve got the angle just right, the bracket on the back of the TV should lift out of the mount with ease.
• Step 5: Unscrew your TV bracket. Carefully lower your TV, face down, onto the blanket on the floor to keep the screen safe. Grab the right screwdriver and remove the bracket from the back of the TV, setting it aside for proper packing and securing during storage.
• Step 6: Remove the wall mount. Let’s remove that metal wall mount and deal with any holes it leaves behind. With your trusty screwdriver, unscrew the mount from the wall and remove it. Fill any holes with spackling and touch the wall with paint if needed.

With your TV now safely off the wall or away from its stand, you’re ready to start prepping it for storage or getting it geared up for the big move ahead.

How to Pack TV for Moving

Hold onto that bubble wrap and blanket because the next step in packing when moving a TV is gathering all the necessary stuff. Here’s what we suggest to keep your TV safe on its journey from point A to point B:

• The original box and packing materials, or a box meant for TVs
• Foam corners
• Bubble wrap
• A blanket
• Stretch wrap
• Packing tape

If you’re unsure what materials to grab, think about how you plan to move the TV. Are you doing it yourself or getting some help from the right TV removalists? Do you still have the original packing materials, or do you need to pick up some standard stuff? Either way, we’ve got your back to help you pack your TV safely for a smooth move.

Transporting New TV in Box

We suggest using the original box when packing up when moving a TV. If you’re still lucky enough to have it with all the packing goodies, consider it a moving day jackpot! That original box is like a custom-made suit for your TV, fitting it perfectly and giving it the ultimate protection during the journey.

Having that original box means you probably still have those foam inserts that snugly fit around the corners, keeping your TV safe from bumps and jostles while on the move. It’s the gold standard for moving a TV and keeping that precious screen intact.

Here’s the lowdown on how to make the most of it for the smoothest ride possible:

• Pop your TV back into that original Styrofoam packaging. Those custom-cut Styrofoam pieces cradle your TV like royalty, shielding it from knocks and shakes during transit.
• Secure the TV in place using any straps or tape that came with the original packaging. If there are designated spots for strapping or taping, use them for that extra layer of security.
• Stick a big “FRAGILE” label on the box to give movers and handlers a heads-up to treat it with kid gloves. It’s all about keeping your TV safe and sound on its journey to its new home.

Transporting TV in a Moving Box

Don’t sweat it if you find yourself without your TV’s original box! Your next best move is to snag a moving box made just for TVs. You can grab one at Home Depot, your local hardware store, or even through a moving company. Many adaptable boxes have foam corners to keep your screen safe and sound. Just seal the box with packing tape, and you’re ready!

Here’s a quick rundown of what to do when moving:

• Wrap your TV up snugly in bubble wrap for that extra layer of protection.
• Give those corners some love by padding them with foam or something soft to cushion any bumps.
• Slide your TV into the moving box, ensuring it’s nice and cosy.
• Seal up the box tight with packing tape to keep everything secure.
• Don’t forget to slap a “FRAGILE” label on the box to remind everyone to handle it carefully during the move.

How to Pack TV for Moving Without Box

Life doesn’t always go according to plan! If you find yourself without your TV’s original box and your local hardware store is fresh out of TV-sized boxes, don’t stress!

You can still safely transport your TV from point A to point B with a bit of bubble wrap ingenuity. With smart packing tricks and the right materials, your TV will arrive at its new home in one piece.

Here’s what to do:

• Wrap your TV snugly in a moving blanket or thick towels. These cosy layers will act like a shield against bumps or scratches, so wrap the whole TV, paying extra attention to the corners and edges.
• Seal the blanket with packing tape, but do not tape directly onto the screen to avoid unwanted scratches. Use the tape to fasten the blanket around the TV securely.
• Got a big-screen TV? No problem! For those larger TVs, think outside the box. Consider crafting a makeshift box using extra blankets. Grab some sturdy cardboard (you can even repurpose boxes from appliances or grab some from a nearby store) and fashion it into a box-like structure around the blanket-wrapped TV. Seal up the cardboard with packing tape to give it extra stability and add another layer of protection for the journey.

Transporting a TV

Once your TV is prepped and packed, it’s time to focus on transportation. Here’s how to ensure a safe journey for your TV inside your car:

How to Transport a Flat Screen TV in a Car

When transporting your TV in a car, prioritise safety and minimise the risk of damage. Here’s how to create a secure environment for your precious screen:

• Place the TV on the floor (backseat or trunk) with the screen facing away from the seats: This positioning protects the delicate screen from accidental bumps or impacts during sudden stops.
• Secure the TV with seatbelts or straps to prevent movement: Treat your TV like another passenger! Use the seatbelts to secure it if it fits comfortably upright in the backseat. For larger TVs or those travelling in the trunk, use strong straps to anchor the TV to the car’s tie-down points or structural elements (avoiding fragile interior panels). The key is to prevent the TV from shifting or tipping over during your journey.

How to Transport a TV in a Truck Bed

While a truck bed offers more space for transporting your TV, it also exposes it to the elements and increases the risk of jostling. Here’s how to create a haven for your TV in the back of your truck:

• Lay down a moving blanket in the truck bed: This plush layer will cushion the TV against bumps and vibrations during your drive.
• Secure the TV upright with straps to the truck bed rails (avoiding pressure on the screen): Since TVs are designed to be viewed upright, this is the safest way to position it in the truck bed. Use tie-down solid straps to secure the TV to the truck bed rails. Make sure the straps go around the back panel of the TV, not the screen itself. Putting pressure on the screen can cause damage. You can also loop the straps through the stand mounting holes on the back of the TV (if it’s still attached) for extra security.

How to Transport a TV: Can You Position It Flat?

You might have heard the warnings about damaging the inner workings of the screen if you lay it down, but it’s not entirely as black and white as that. Laying your TV flat isn’t likely to mess with its internal components. If that were true, just having it standing upright during regular use could cause issues.

But while laying your TV flat probably won’t hurt what’s inside, it could cause some trouble on the outside. See, TVs are all about balance. They’re designed with weight distributed around the edges to keep the fragile screen safe. Laying it down throws this balance off, putting more weight in the middle and upping the chances of cracks popping up—either right away or down the road.

So, when moving a TV, it’s usually safest to keep it standing upright. If you’re loading it into a moving truck, try wedging it between some mattresses or other soft furniture to keep it steady and secure.

General Tips

Once your TV is securely fastened in your car or truck, remember that a smooth ride is the ultimate defence against damage. Here are some general driving tips to keep in mind:

• Anticipate traffic flow and brake gradually to avoid jolting the TV. Similarly, take corners at a moderate pace to minimise the risk of the TV shifting or tipping over.
• While you might be eager to get to your new home, resist the urge to speed. A slower, more controlled pace will minimise the impact of bumps and vibrations on the road, protecting your precious TV cargo.

Safely Transporting a TV

After all the packing and planning, the final step in getting your TV safely from A to B is making sure it’s snug as a bug in the moving truck or your car. TVs are built to be transported upright, so laying them flat could mess with their delicate insides.

You’ll want to steer clear of the walls of the moving truck—they tend to shake and shimmy during the journey. Any sudden bumps could spell disaster for your screen. So, to keep things steady, pop that TV box between a couple of bigger items like a mattress or the flat side of a couch. That way, your TV stays upright and protected from all that bouncing around.

Unpacking and Setup

The move is complete, and you’re finally ready to enjoy your TV in its new home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to unpacking and setting up your TV safely:

Unboxing with Care

Carefully remove the TV from its packaging:

1. Remember, even a short drop can damage your TV.
2. Lift the TV using both hands (avoiding the screen) and have a friend assist you if it’s a larger model.
3. Carefully remove any remaining packing materials and dispose of them properly.

Stand Strong Once More

If you detached the stand for transport, now’s the time to put it back on. Refer to the user manual (usually included in the packaging) for specific instructions on stand reattachment. Most stands use screws or a simple click-in mechanism.

Cable Chaos Conquered

Carefully reconnect all the wires you disconnected before moving, such as the power cord, HDMI cables, cable or satellite box connections, and any other peripherals you use. Double-check each connection to ensure a secure fit.

Damage Patrol

Before powering on your TV, take a moment to inspect it for any cracks, scratches, or dents on the screen or casing. If you notice any damage, don’t plug it in! Contact the manufacturer or retailer immediately to discuss repairs or replacements under warranty (if applicable).

How to Transport a TV: Additional Considerations

While the tips above will equip you to move most TVs safely yourself, a few additional considerations can provide peace of mind, especially for larger or more fragile models.

Calling in the Big Guns

If you’re dealing with a particularly large or delicate TV or don’t feel comfortable moving it yourself, consider hiring professional movers. Professional movers have the experience and equipment to handle TVs safely and efficiently. They’ll also be insured in case of any unforeseen accidents.

Strapping for Success

Investing in specially designed TV moving straps or a transport box can provide an extra layer of security during transport. These straps are typically broader and more padded than regular straps, helping to distribute the weight and prevent damage. Transport boxes, while bulkier, offer a more complete enclosure for your TV, protecting it from all sides during the move.

How to Transport a TV the Right Way with North Removals

Making sure your TV is packed and moved with utmost care is crucial to avoid potential mishaps like cracks or dents during the move. That way, you can quickly return to binge-watching your favourite shows and movies hassle-free in your new place.

Let North Removals handle the heavy lifting for you. We know how to transport a TV! Our skilled TV movers are just a phone call away. We’ll be there quickly, making sure your TV is safely transported without any awkward manoeuvres around tight corners.

Ready for a stress-free move? Get a quick quote right here. With our reliable service, including local, regional, and interstate moves, transporting a TV can be a breeze. No need to look any further – we’ve covered all your TV mover needs! Reach out to our friendly team of TV movers today!