How to Properly Pack a TV for Moving

Contents

Your TV is probably one of the most expensive things in your home. So, when it comes time to move, it’s important to protect your investment by making sure that it’s properly packed. Here’s how to pack a TV for moving, so it arrives in your new home without a scratch.

Tools You Will Need

Before you start packing your TV, you will need to gather the materials below. If you have a large TV, you should also have someone help you lift it into its box and to the moving truck.

Microfiber cloth
Smartphone with a camera
Twist ties or Velcro tape
Masking tape
Marker
Foam wrap
Bubble wrap
Moving tape
TV box or old blankets
Measuring tape
Pencil
Scissors

How to Pack a Flat Screen TV for Moving

To pack a TV for moving, start by turning off your TV. Then clean it with a microfiber cloth and unplug all the cords. Next, wrap it in a protective covering, put it in a box, and store it securely in the moving truck.

Turn off your TV. Before you start packing your TV, make sure to turn it off and unplug it from the power source. Remove the power cable and set it aside for now.
Clean your TV and surrounding areas. Wipe any dust from the screen, vents, and other parts of the TV with a microfiber cloth. Removing dust and dirt from the screen will prevent your TV from getting scratches during transit. If you want to know more about how to properly clean your TV, check out our guide here.
Take a photo of your TV before moving it. Take a photo of the wires to help you remember how the cables were set up, so you can easily plug them in properly when you are in your new home.
Unplug all cords, cables, and other accessories. It is best to unplug the cords from your connected devices one at a time. Wrap them with a twist tie or Velcro. Then label the cords with masking tape and a marker. Remove the batteries from the remotes as well. Organize the cords and accessories in a box. From here, you can unmount your TV if it is mounted on the wall. To find out how to dismount your TV, check out our step-by-step guide here.
Wrap the TV in a protective covering. Cover the screen with bubble wrap, foam wrap, or any other protective wrap you have. Then put the TV in the original packaging that came with it in the box. If you don’t have those anymore, you can buy a TV packing kit or create makeshift padding out of blankets or old newspapers. Once done, seal the padding with tape. Do not put tape directly on the TV, as this can damage the screen.
Place the TV in the box. Prepare the box by lining the bottom with foam cushioning. Have a friend or family member help you lift the TV. With the TV upright, carefully slide the TV inside the box. Make sure that there are no gaps between the box and the TV to prevent it from moving around while in transit. If there are gaps, you can add more soft padding.
Place your TV next to sturdy objects in the moving truck or car. Have someone help you lift the box and place it in the moving truck or your car. It is best to place the box facing upright between sturdy items like a sofa or a dresser to stop it from shifting while in transit. Do not put the screen near box corners or other sharp objects. Also, avoid placing heavy objects on top of the TV as well.
Keep the TV upright. Do not lay the TV down flat as this upsets the balance of your flat-screen TV. If you leave your TV lying flat over a long period of time, it can cause the edges to crack or become distorted.
Unbox the TV. When you unpack the TV in your new home, don’t plug it in right away. Wait for the TV to come to room temperature before you use it. Then you can mount it again or put it on its stand. Assemble the accessories as you did before, referencing the photos you took before packing it up.

Now that you know how to pack a TV for moving, check out our guide on how to mount your TV.

If you are having any problems mounting your TV, HelloTech offers same-day TV mounting services. Our experts are available seven days a week to hang your TV correctly and hide those ugly wires. We can even bring a TV mount for you if you don’t have one.

Sanus Full-Motion TV Mount