How to pack a TV for moving
The short answer: take the stand or wall bracket off, cover the screen with something soft, put it in a box that fits snugly, and keep it upright the whole way. Flat screens are thin glass panels. They crack when they're laid flat with weight on them, or when something presses on the screen.
What you'll need
- The original box and foam if you kept them, or an adjustable tv and picture box, which fits screens up to 65 inches
- A transit blanket or a clean, soft cloth for the screen
- bubble wrap roll, 25 m for the stand, remote and any loose parts
- brown packing tape and fragile tape
- A small sealable bag for screws
Step by step
- Photograph the back first. A quick photo of which cable goes where saves a lot of head-scratching at the new place.
- Unplug and coil the cables. Tie each one with a twist tie and put them in a labelled bag with the remote.
- Take off the stand or bracket. Lay the TV face down on a duvet on a bed or table while you unscrew it, then bag and tape the screws to the stand.
- Protect the screen. Cover the front with a soft cloth or blanket. Don't put tape or bubble wrap straight onto the screen: tape can leave marks and pressure from the bubbles isn't good for the panel.
- Box it. Slide the TV into its box so it fits snugly, with no room to move. An adjustable TV box closes up around the screen size; fill any gaps at the sides with scrunched paper.
- Label it. Fragile tape, "TV: THIS WAY UP, DO NOT LAY FLAT" on both sides, and an arrow pointing up.
Packing tip: Pack the TV last on the night before the move, and set it up first at the new place. Everything else feels more like home once the telly works.
Moving it
- Carry it with two people, holding the box at the sides, not by the screen.
- In the van or car, stand it upright against something solid and soft, such as a mattress or sofa, and strap it so it can't tip.
- Never stack boxes against the screen side or on top.
- In cold weather, let it come up to room temperature before switching it on, so any condensation can dry out.
Pictures and mirrors are packed in a similar way: see how to pack pictures and mirrors. Our adjustable TV box works for those too.
Questions
Can you lay a flat-screen TV down to move it?
It is best not to. Flat screens are designed to stand upright, and laying one flat puts pressure on the panel, especially if anything goes on top. Move it upright in a box.
How do I move a TV without the original box?
Use an adjustable TV box, cover the screen with a soft cloth or blanket first, and fill gaps so it can't move. Keep it upright in the van.
Should I wrap a TV in bubble wrap?
Not directly on the screen. Put a soft cloth or blanket over the screen, then box it. Bubble wrap is fine for the stand, remote and back of the set.