25 August 2017
 Categories: , Blog

Whether you own the latest ultra-thin model with a curved panel or an average, run-of-the-mill model, knowing how to pack up your flat screen TV in preparation for a cross-town or cross-country move can save you plenty of grief and frustration. Here are a few tips you can use to safely and carefully get your TV ready for moving day.

Wrap Before You Pack

The last thing you want is for your flat screen TV to be covered in an assortment of scratches, let alone end up with a crack due to a box puncture or unexpected movement. If you want to keep your TV safe and sound, you'll want to add a layer or two of bubble wrap over it. The bubble wrap will not only protect your TV against sharp movement, but the gentle plastic cushioning will also keep it scratch-free.

If you don't have any bubble wrap lying around, then you can put a soft blanket or towel to work for the same purpose. Don't forget to seal any loose ends with tape, as you don't want your protective shield against scratches and dents to come apart during the move.

Still Have the Original Box? Use It

Were you holding on to the box your flat screen TV came in just in case you needed it? Then today's your lucky day. The original box will offer the best protection for your flat screen TV, especially if it still contains the original molded polystyrene or cardboard inserts. Those inserts can definitely come in handy if you happen to have a curved or ultra-thin TV. If you don't have any inserts available, you may want to improvise by filling the entire box with packing peanuts or thick wads of newspaper in order to create some cushioning for the TV.

If you don't have your old box, there's no need to panic. All you'll need to do is measure your TV's dimensions (height, width, and thickness) and purchase an appropriately-sized shipping box from just about any store that sells moving supplies. Keep in mind that it should have enough space to accommodate your protective wrapping and padding, as well as be made from heavy-duty corrugated cardboard for added protection.  

Don't Lay It Down

Another thing you don't want to do with your flat screen TV during transit is lay it down flat. There's a good reason why you don't see flat screens lying on their backs, even when they're boxed up in stores. A typical flat screen TV won't suffer direct damage from being positioned that way, but it won't be able to support its own weight while lying flat, either.

Without any support, the panel could begin to distort or crack, starting at its edges. To make matters worse, those cracks and distortions can grow thanks to the vibrations caused by most vehicles. Your flat screen TV was designed to support its weight while standing upright, so that's the best position it should be in during the entire moving process.

Be Careful When Loading

It's not just the packing process where you should be careful. You should also take care when you're actually loading up your flat screen TV. For instance, it's best to make the actual loading process a two-man job in order to lessen the likelihood of dropping and damaging your TV.

If you're loading your flat screen TV inside of a moving truck, you should place it at the head of the cargo area, closest to the truck's cab. Also make sure your flat screen TV isn't surrounded by heavy objects that could fall on top of it during a hard stop. 

If you'd like professional help with moving delicate items like a flat screen television, contact a moving company like Walsh Moving & Storage.