Moving into a new Waterloo Region home after your closing is over is a days (sometimes weeks and even months) long process, but there are some things that you - and everyone else in your home - will likely want to get unpacked, in place and set up as soon as possible. Your TV(s) are likely to be very near the top of that list.
However, to achieve that ideal first night in your new home in front of the TV with pizza goal, you'll need to have moved your TV safely in the first place.
Newer TVs might seem like a breeze to move compared to older box versions. However, flat screens are just as easily dropped, scratched or damaged in the moving process.
Do you know how to move a TV in the safest manner possible? It’s not hard, but it requires a few extra steps and some special precautions. Whatever you do, we advise you not to shove the expensive electronic in the backseat of your car and call it a day, as contrary to the opinion of some, that is far from the safest way to move it.
Whether you’re moving across town or joining us in the Waterloo Region from afar, it’s important to properly pack a flat screen and remain mindful of the delicate screen. While we are not movers, we have seen a LOT of our clients move, know some great local movers and have picked up a lot of moving tips over the years.
The TV is often one of the last items people pack, because, as we alluded to before, it's a great way to relax during the tedious process of packing and stress of moving. So, packing the TV often becomes a rush job. Instead, if you plan just a little, you can avoid common mistakes and prevent damage to your TV.
1. Unplug - and Label - Cords and Cables
The first step is to unplug and organize any external cords. On top of the power cord, you could have half a dozen other cables that you’ll need to keep tabs on.
Follow these steps to organize your TV components:
Dust the back of the TV to give yourself a clean area to work.
Take a photo of the wiring set up with your phone. Having that will make set up at your new home a lot easier.
Unplug each device one at a time and label the cord using masking tape and a marker.
Velcro each cord to its corresponding electronic or store in a ziplock bag.
Wrap Your TV's Screen with Care
Somehow, you need to protect the screen from scratches that could be caused by movers or packing material. Depending on what you have available, there are a few different ways you can do this.
How to secure a television screen for moving:
Wrap a blanket around the screen and secure the blanket using a small rope or bungee cord.
Use the plastic protective sleeve that came with the TV, or buy some plastic wrap - bubble wrap is ideal - that’s made for moving.
Tape on a piece of packing paper using painter’s tape.
Use a Good Moving Box
The original packaging for televisions is about as good a storage option as you will find. The packaging is created with shipping in mind, meaning that extra care is taken to protect every part of the television. The styrofoam sections create an airtight barrier between the box and the screen.
While we recommend keeping the original packaging, we also understand the desire to recycle old boxes to reduce clutter. If you don’t have the original packaging, explore the following options:
Use any sized moving box that provides at least two or three inches of extra space on all sides once the TV is inside.
Moving blankets or comforters from your home will work well for packing a flat screen television. They manage to keep distance between the screen and a larger moving box and provide padding without damaging the screen. Pick blankets that don’t have zippers, buttons or seams that could scratch the screen.
Most moving or storage companies sell TV kits. These include wide, slim depth boxes that are perfect for most flat-screen televisions.
Secure Your TV in the Right Spot in the Moving Truck
Once you’ve got the television padded and boxed, slide it into the moving truck or car in an upright position. Remember, televisions should always be stored upright and be elevated if possible.
Ideally, store the flat screen between other items, so there’s less of a chance of it moving around. Moving the TV off the ground reduces the risk of other heavier items falling on top of it.
Keep the following in mind when packing your moving truck:
Keep the TV between two heavy, sturdy items of furniture, like between a sofa and a mattress.
If you aren’t able to find a spot to slide the television between two items, then make sure to secure it against a wall.
Use a bungee cord to secure the TV in place. Try placing one cord along the base of the unit and another along the top section of plastic framing.
Avoid letting any cord or rope make contact with the screen, especially when those materials are being pulled taut to secure the unit.
Make sure to store the television with the screen facing away from the wall of the truck.
Unpacking Your TV at Your New Waterloo Region Home
When you arrive at your new Waterloo Region home, take the TV out of the box and let it adapt to the room's temperature before turning it on. During that time, you can gather the cables, components and the photo you took of the back of the TV.
Because your new space will be different from your previous home, you might need to modify your home theater setup. Here are some simple calculations to help you determine the placement of your TV and furniture.
Minimum viewing distance: Multiply the size of your screen by 1.5. For instance, a 60" class TV should be placed a minimum of 90" or 7.5' away from your furniture. However, a 4K Ultra HD TV may be placed much closer and still maintain a clear picture.
Maximum viewing distance: Simply double the minimum viewing distance. From the example above, the 60" class TV with a 7.5' minimum viewing distance would require a 15' maximum distance between the TV and your furniture.
Speaking of moving to a new Waterloo Region home, if you’re still in search of that dream Waterloo Region home, contact Team Pinto. Let us use our huge local real estate experience and expertise to help you. Contact us directly here, or book a free Zoom consultation to discuss your unique Waterloo Region real estate needs at a time that's most convenient for you.
Comments