Flat screen TVs are becoming ever more popular. While these TVs look great and provide an excellent viewing experience, they are rather difficult to move. It is usually best to have professional movers pack the flat screen TV for you because they will have the right boxes and supplies. If you choose to do your own packing for the move, then follow these tips to ensure that your flat screen TV stays safe.
Pack Flat or Upwards?
As a general rule, flat screen TVs should always be packed so they are upwards vertically and not laid down flat. Just laying the TV flat is not going to damage it. So, if your TV is packed really well, you could pack it laying flat. However, flat screen TVs are very sensitive to any pressure against the screen. So, if laid flat, it could easily get damaged by jostling in the moving truck. It is better to play it safe and pack it standing upwards.
Protecting the Screen
Cover the screen with a thin sheet of foam to protect it from getting scratched. As an extra layer of caution (especially if you aren’t packing it in its original box) you will want to add a layer of bubble wrap around this foam.
Packing the TV
If you still have your original box for the flat screen TV, then you will have an easy time packing it. But, most people don’t save these boxes. In this case, the best solution is to purchase a special packing box for flat screen TVs. You might even be able to find a cheap or free used one on sites like Craigslist.
If you really don’t want to pay for a box for your flat screen TV (it is advised though), then you could try getting away with just wrapping the TV. Use a soft blanket to wrap the TV then secure the blanket in place with packing tape. You could transport it just like this, but it is better to find a slim, large box to put the wrapped TV inside.
Securing the TV inside the Moving Truck
Even in a box, you will still need to make sure your flat screen TV is positioned in the moving truck in a way which will keep it safe. Ideally, it will be sandwiched between two items, and these items will be secured in place with straps. If you have two mattresses, you can put the flat screen TV between them. If you can’t find two items to put the TV between, then put the TV against a wall in the moving truck. Be sure that the screen is facing away from the wall. Also, make sure there aren’t any stacks of boxes or other items which could fall on top of your TV.
Ask About Insurance
Remember that moving insurance doesn’t usually cover the full price of your items. Your TV might not be covered at all if you do the packing yourself. So be sure to ask your moving company about insurance for your flat screen TV in case anything should happen to it during the move.