![A TV provides information, entertainment, comfort, and escape from reality.](https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/watching-tv.jpg)
A TV provides more than information and entertainment – it brings comfort and helps take one’s mind off troubling issues and thoughts. Watching TV is, therefore, a great way to relax and “escape” during the stressful moving preparations and tedious packing process. And because of that, the TV is usually among the last items to be packed for a move.
Packing a TV, however, should not be a rush job – it must be carefully completed, so your television survives the relocation safe and sound.
New flat screen TVs may seem easy to pack and move, especially compared to older box versions – they aren’t so bulky and aren’t very heavy either. Yet, they’re extremely delicate and can be easily damaged in the moving process – and since modern TVs can cost up to a few thousand dollars, you’ll certainly want to avoid damaging your flat screen during the relocation.
To ensure that your treasured piece of electronics reaches your new home without a scratch or issue, you need to know how to pack a TV for moving in a safe and efficient manner. The comprehensive TV-packing guide below will help you easily achieve this feat, whether you’ll be boxing up a 32-inch screen or an 80-inch flat panel.
How to Prepare a TV for Packing and Moving
Whether your television is mounted to the wall or sits on a base, there are several important steps to take before you can pack the electronic device for moving:
1. Take several pictures of the wiring and cables connecting the TV to its accessories (DVD players, game consoles, sound systems, antennas, etc.) and to the power supply. Store the photos on your phone or tablet (or print them and pack them with the TV), so you can refer to them when reconnecting your TV in your new home.
2. Label the cables – Put a piece of colored tape above an input on the TV and wrap a piece of matching tape on the cable that should be connected there. Alternatively, you can write “Power”, “PlayStation”, etc. on pieces of white painter’s tape and secure them to the cables and the corresponding ports. This will help you identify which cables go where when setting up your home theater after the move.
3. Disconnect electricity – Unplug all cords and wires from the power supply.
4. Unplug any accessories and home theater components – Unplug each device one at a time, coil up the cable, and secure it with a twist tie to prevent tangling. If any of the cords can’t be removed, attach them to the back of the TV with painter’s tape (never tape directly to the screen as the adhesive can damage the delicate surface).
![Prepare your TV for packing and moving well.](https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/wall-mount.jpg)
5. Place all cords and small TV accessories (such as the remote) in a separate box – It might seem as a good idea to pack the cables in the box with the TV, but they could shift around during the move and cause damage. Seal the box with the cords well and label it with its contents and the room where the TV will be located, so it’s easy to find when setting the system back up.
6. Clean all TV accessory devices with a microfiber cloth, wrap them in packing paper and bubble wrap, and pack them in sturdy, appropriate size moving boxes together with their power cords, remote controls, and manuals. (Don’t forget to remove the batteries from all the remotes.)
7. Dismount the TV – If your unit is mounted on the wall, you need to first remove it from the bracket. Don’t even think of removing the bracket with the TV attached in order to save time – you can easily damage the wall, damage the television, and/or hurt yourself if you attempt to do so. Refer to the manual to see how the TV is attached and how it can be safely removed from the mount.
Ask someone to help you take down the TV – even if it is relatively light, a large flat screen can be awkward to handle by yourself. Lift the TV slowly and carefully and put it someplace flat and safe.
Make sure you place all screws and small hardware parts in a sealable plastic bag and attach it to the TV mount or pack it in the box with the cables and the remote, so that everything is in one place.
8. Remove the bracket from the wall – Next, you need to deal with the bracket – remove any bolts and anchor screws that keep it attached to the wall, place them in a zip-lock bag, and pack all parts together in an appropriate size moving box.
9. Remove the TV from the base – If your TV sits on a stand or atop an entertainment center, you’ll only need to detach the base/stand. Once again, be sure to store all screws, bolts, etc. in a sealable bag. Wrap the base in bubble wrap and pack it separately.
10. Clean the TV -Dirt and dust particles can scratch the screen or damage the internal electronics of your TV during the relocation, so you’re strongly advised to clean the unit before packing it for moving. Use a screen cleaner for the screen and wipe down the TV casing with a microfiber cloth.
Bonus tip: Contact your cable or satellite provider a few weeks before the move and arrange to have the service canceled at your old home and started at your new one. If you’re moving to a location not serviced by your current provider, you need to choose a new company and make the necessary arrangements. (See also: How to transfer utilities when moving)
Nice write Jessica! I found this very useful however i think i will go with professional movers