How to Pack a TV for Moving 

Moving can be a daunting task, especially when it involves delicate items like your flat screen TV. Ensuring that your TV arrives at your new home without a scratch requires meticulous planning and careful execution. In this detailed guide, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to pack a TV for moving, from gathering the right packing supplies to safely unpacking it in your new living room. By following these moving tips, you’ll ensure your TV is protected and ready for your new space.

By the way, we’re Bellhop Movers, experts at local and long-distance moves. We’d love to help with affordable moves as part of your moving experience. And if you are running short on time to pack that TV, Bellhop offers packing and unpacking help too. You can book us as part of a move or independently.

Gather the Packing Supplies

Before you start packing, make sure you have all the necessary packing supplies. These include:

• Packing tape: Essential for securing your packaging.
• Bubble wrap: Provides cushioning to prevent damage.
• Moving blankets: Adds extra protection.
• Foam corners: Protects the edges of your TV.
• TV box: Ideally, the original box or a specialized TV moving box from Home Depot or U-Haul with the original inserts
• Packing materials: Such as Styrofoam inserts for additional padding.
• Microfiber cloth: For cleaning the TV screen before packing.
• Plastic wrap: To secure the bubble wrap and foam corners.

Having these supplies ready will streamline the packing process and ensure your TV is well-protected.

Additional Packing Items

Consider these additional items to make the packing process even smoother:

• Labeling stickers: For marking cables.
• Zip ties: To keep cables organized.
• Corner protectors: For extra protection during transit.
• TV packing kit: From U-Haul if the original packaging is unavailable.

General TV Packing Tips

Common Mistakes When Packing a TV for Moving

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Cleaning screen with a stiff brush
• Not labeling cables
• Using inadequate packing materials
• Laying the TV flat during transport
• Leaving batteries in remote controls
• Packing while still damp from cleaner spray
• Packing cables and remotes loosely in the box with the screen
• Totally containing the TV in bubble wrap so humidity can build.
• Storing the TV in an enclosure that isn’t ‘normal’ room temperature
• Putting the DVD player in the same box.
• Throwing away the TV box after the move.

Best Practices for Packing a TV for Moving

Follow these best practices to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your TV is well-protected throughout the move.

• Vacuum the TV frame (not screen) and pay attention to vent holes with a bristle brush
• Clean the screen with a damp microfiber and correct cleaner spray
• Use plenty of bubble wrap and foam corners
• Keep the TV upright when carrying and in the moving company moving truck
• Label all cables and components, plus the connection points. Ideally use different color tape or label for faster reinstallation
• Bag or box all components so they don’t move around inside the TV shipping box and damage the screen
• Leave small holes in bubble wrap for moisture to escape at room temperature
• Keep components like sound bars and DVD players boxed and labeled so you know which goes with which TV.

Prepare the TV for Packing

Disconnect the TV from TV Stand or Wall Mount System

Take care in removing the TV, particularly if wall mounted. If your TV was wall-mounted by professionals and it’s heavy it may be best to contact them again. (Patching holes in walls from TV mounts is one of the surest ways to lose a damage deposit.)

Gaming consoles, computer monitors, large TVs (greater than 32-inch TV) may require extra hands. LCD-based systems are lighter than the older OLED TVs, but still heavy and awkward.

Remove the mounting brackets from the back of the TV; most likely the TV won’t fit in the original TV box with the hardware still mounted. Keep the mounting arms, screws and miscellaneous hardware separate and securely bagged.

Disconnect Cables

Before packing your TV, disconnect all cables. Label each cable with its corresponding port using stickers or tape. Use different colored stickers or tape and label the connection point on the back of the TV with the same color sticker or label. This extra step helps making the reassembly process in your new home much easier.

Clean the TV

Use a new microfiber cloth to clean the TV screen and body. This removes any dust or debris that could scratch the screen during the move. Ensure the TV is completely dry before packing it to avoid any moisture damage.

Box or Bag All Components

This will make reassembly easier and protect the TV from scratches when the components all move inside the box

Protect the TV Screen for Moving

Using Screen Protectors

A screen protector adds an extra layer of security to your TV. If you don’t have one, you can use bubble wrap as an alternative. Make sure to cover the entire screen and secure it with packing tape. I added a piece of cutdown cardboard.

Bubble Wrap and Foam Corners

Wrap the TV in multiple layers of bubble wrap, focusing especially on the screen. Secure the corners with foam protectors to prevent damage during transit. This step is vital for protecting the fragile TV screen from impacts and scratches. Leave small gaps for moisture to escape at room temperature.

How to Pack the TV Securely

Using the Original Box

If you have the original box, it’s the best way to pack your TV. Place the TV in the box, ensuring it is snug and well-protected with the original Styrofoam inserts. This packaging is designed to fit your TV perfectly, offering the best protection.

Alternative Packing

If you don’t have the original box, use a TV moving box from Home Depot or U-Haul. Ensure the box is the right size and use plenty of packing materials to secure the TV inside. A well-packed box will prevent movement and potential damage during transit.

Cables – Labeling and Packing

Labeling

Label each cable according to its corresponding port. This will save you time and frustration when setting up your TV in your new home. Proper labeling ensures that reconnecting your TV will be a breeze.

Storing

Store the cables in a plastic bag and pack them alongside the TV. This keeps everything organized and ensures you don’t lose any components during the move. Keeping cables together prevents them from getting tangled or misplaced.

How to Safely Transport the TV During the Move

With a Professional Moving Company

Moves know all about moving TVs. Make sure the box is labeled so they know it contains one.

With a DIY Move

Placement in the Moving Truck

Place the TV upright in the moving truck. Avoid laying it flat, as this can cause damage. Secure the TV with moving blankets to prevent it from shifting during transit. Proper placement and securing are crucial for safe transportation.

In Your Car

This is the most likely way to damage your TV since we tend to rush and not properly protect it from seat belts, seat upholstery, etc. Be careful if you don’t have a proper TV box.

Add Cardboard to Protect the Screen: Get a big piece of cardboard (from a big box outlet like Costco) and tape it to the frame to protect the screen.

Use Moving Blankets or Your Blanket:

Wrap the TV in moving blankets for added protection. This helps cushion any impacts and keeps the TV secure during the move.

Use the Seat Belts: Set it in an upright position and see if the seat belt will keep it in place. If not, fill the gap in front with boxes.

Unpack the TV Carefully

Inspect the TV

Once you arrive at your new home, carefully unpack the TV and inspect it for any damage. Check the screen, corners, and body for any signs of wear or damage. Immediate inspection allows you to address any issues promptly.

Set it Up

Reconnect the labeled cables and set up the TV in your new living room. Before you attach all the mounts, check it’s still working by turning it on (to save frustration later). Make sure it’s placed in a safe and secure spot, away from high traffic areas. This can prevent future damage.

If you are renting, check your lease to see if you can attach it to the wall.

Packing a Small or Very Large TV

Special Considerations

Small and large TVs require different packing techniques. Smaller TVs can be easier to pack but still need proper protection. Large TVs often require more packing materials and may need two people to handle.

Techniques

For small TVs, use a smaller box and ensure it’s packed tightly. For large TVs, consider using a TV moving box from Home Depot or U-Haul, and enlist help to move it safely. Different sizes require tailored packing strategies to ensure safety.

Storing the TV

Short-Term Storage

For short-term storage, keep the TV in its box and place it in a safe, climate-controlled area at or near room temperature. Avoid stacking heavy items on top.

Long-Term Storage

For long-term storage, use a sturdy TV box and consider climate-controlled storage to protect the TV from temperature fluctuations and humidity. Attics and crawl spaces have large temperature fluctuations that can damage electronic components.

Check to make sure all batteries are removed from remotes.

How to Pack Computer Monitors for Moving

Similarities

Packing computer monitors follows a similar process to packing a TV. Use bubble wrap, foam corners, and a sturdy box. The principles of protection and organization are the same.

Differences

Monitors are typically smaller and may not require as many packing materials. However, they still need to be handled with care to avoid screen damage. Adjust your packing approach based on the size and fragility of the monitor.

Some Final Thoughts about Packing TVs for Moving

We prepared this guide because packing televisions can be neglected in the bigger story of a move. If you need more info to help plan your move, we have plenty of moving tips. Please reach out to your friendly Bellhop Movers to coordinate local moves and long-distance moving services to just about everywhere – from long-distance moves to Atlanta to cross-country moves from Washington, DC, we can do it all.