How To Pack a TV for Moving: Step-by-Step Guide

Supplies Needed To Pack a TV Safely

The supplies you'll need vary depending on your TV's size and weight, but here's what we find typically works best:

Supplies for Moving a TV

Stocking up on the right packing materials makes a huge difference. Check out our ultimate moving supplies list to ensure you have everything you need.

You also need to know what type of packing tape to use when moving so your boxes stay safely sealed. Finally, you should check out why you really need moving blankets and where to get them to learn about how to protect your furniture.

How To Pack a TV for Moving

We've put together an easy step-by-step guide so you can learn how to pack your TV like a pro. Whether it's a flat screen or an older model, these tips will show you how to protect your TV and all its accessories so everything arrives safely.

Before we dive into the steps, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Always transport a television upright because laying it flat puts too much pressure on the screen.
• Never stack items on top of it because the weight can cause cracks or shatter the TV.
• Use soft padding on the screen to prevent permanent scratches from dust or debris.

Step 1: Take Photos of Cable Connections

Before you unplug a single wire, take clear photos of the back of the television. That way, you'll know where each cord and audio cable goes when setting up your entertainment center at your new home.

Step 2: Unplug and Remove Accessories

Unplug cords and cables from your TV before packing it. These items will go in plastic bags, small cardboard boxes, or storage bins. You may also need to take off the TV stand or legs.

Remember to remove your Roku or other streaming device from the TV, pack your remote control separately, and label any boxes and bags these accessories go into. You don't want to waste time digging through boxes for the remote or TV stand at your new place.

Step 3: Clean the Screen

Dust and debris may not cause a problem while your TV is mounted or on a shelf. However, these tiny particles can cause scratches if they're pressed or rubbed against the screen. This can happen if your TV is dirty when it's wrapped in bubble wrap or foam.

Check your owner's manual for instructions on cleaning your TV. You can typically use a microfiber cloth and a gentle electronic cleaning spray.

Step 4: Protect the Screen

The screen is the most delicate part of your device, so treat it with care. Now is the time to apply your antistatic screen protector or a foam cover. You should also apply foam edge protectors to all four corners to absorb unexpected impacts during the drive.

Step 5: Wrap the TV

After protecting the screen and corners, apply layers of bubble wrap over the entire unit. Pull the bubble wrap tight from one side to the other and secure it with packing tape. However, be sure to avoid getting tape directly on the television surface, as the sticky residue can easily damage the screen or strip the paint.

Step 6: Place It in a TV Box and Fill Empty Box Space

Gently slide your wrapped television into a heavy-duty moving box. The best way to do this is to ask a friend to hold the box steady while you slide the unit inside. If you do not have the original packaging, you can easily purchase specialty boxes from hardware stores like Home Depot or moving centers like U-Haul. Fill any remaining gaps with packing paper or packing peanuts to keep the unit snug.

Step 7: Secure and Label the Box

Tape the TV box shut and label it "Fragile" or "Breakable." Also, indicate which side is up so neither you nor your movers flip the TV box unintentionally. This is especially important, since you want to keep the box upright as much as possible to prevent damage to the TV's screen.

Step 8: Transport Upright

Many people wonder if you can lay a television flat when moving, and the answer is no. You should never lay a flat-screen television flat. Setting it flat puts pressure on the screen, which can cause it to crack or shatter. Always keep it upright and wedge it between flat, sturdy boxes in the moving truck so it cannot slide around.

7 Common Mistakes When Packing a TV

People ruin expensive electronics every day by rushing through the packing process, but you can avoid these common mistakes to keep your television safe during the move:

1. Laying the television flat inside the moving truck.
2. Placing packing tape directly on the screen.
3. Packing the unit without any padding.
4. Using a box that is far too large for the screen.
5. Loading boxes or furniture on top of the unit.
6. Forgetting to remove the base legs before wrapping.
7. Leaving the power cords plugged in during transport.

How To Transport a TV Safely

A misstep or bump while handling your television can cause severe scratches, dents, and loose electrical components, so it's important to know how to handle it the right way. When figuring out how to transport a TV in a truck, the most important rule is to keep your flat screen completely upright.

Setting it flat puts pressure on the glass, which can crack or shatter the screen if you hit a bump. Slide the upright box between flat items like mattresses to keep it from shifting while you drive.

How To Pack a TV Without the Original Box

If you threw away the original packaging, you can still protect your electronics using these simple supplies:

• Custom cardboard shield for the screen
• Thick moving blanket and bubble wrap
• Foam corners
• Stretch wrap

Once you have those supplies, you can follow these easy steps to pack your television safely:

1. Secure a custom cardboard shield over the screen using painter's tape on the plastic frame. Never put packing tape directly on the glass or the painted edges.
2. Add foam corners to protect the edges.
3. Wrap the entire unit securely in bubble wrap and a moving blanket.
4. Use stretch wrap to hold the moving blankets in place.
5. Stand the unit upright inside the moving truck.

Read our complete guide on how to pack a large flat screen TV without the original box for more detailed instructions.

How To Pack Different TV Sizes

If you need to get a new box instead of the manufacturer's, you need to know exactly what size moving box you need for a television. You need one that matches your screen size so the unit cannot shift around. In general, this means a heavy-duty medium box for a 55-inch unit, a large box for a 65-inch screen, and an extra-large box for a 75-inch display.

Here is what to keep in mind for different-sized TVs:

• How to pack a 55-inch TV: Two people can usually manage this size. Just ensure you use plenty of bubble wrap to fill any gaps inside the box.
• How to pack a 65-inch TV: You'll definitely need a second person to help you lift this size into a box so you don't strain your back or drop the unit.
• How to pack a 75-inch TV: These larger screens require double-walled boxes and extra foam inserts because their surface area is incredibly fragile.