How to Move a Flat-screen TV Without the Original Box

If you don’t have the original box of your flat-screen TV, it’s entirely possible to move it safely without it. Wondering how to do that? Paradise Moving & Storage is ready to share some useful tips with you. 

How do you pack a TV when moving?

Before transporting your flat-screen TV, you should pack it correctly. That could be done with the help of the right materials and a step-by-step approach. 

1. Regarding the necessary packing materials, here’s what you may need:

• bubble wrap;
• moving blankets or soft, thick blankets; 
• cardboard;
• packing tape;
• twist ties or zip ties.

1. Next, prepare your TV by turning it off and allowing it to cool down. Disconnect all cords and cables before beginning to wrap the TV. Tie each cord separately with twist ties or zip ties. If needed, label them too. This will save you from the dreaded “which cord goes where?” conundrum when you’re setting up the TV later.
2. To protect the screen, start by covering the entire screen with bubble wrap. Make sure the bubbles are facing outwards to provide maximum protection. Secure the bubble wrap with packing tape, but be careful not to put any tape directly on the TV screen.
3. Next, wrap the TV with moving blankets. These blankets add extra protection and prevent scratches or damage. Secure the blankets with packing tape. Again, avoid putting the tape directly on the TV.
4. Finally, cut out pieces of cardboard to fit each side of your wrapped TV. Secure them with more packing tape. This makes a strong outer layer that adds extra protection like the original box would have.

Remember to always lift your flat screen TV upright and avoid laying it flat during the move to prevent any potential damage.

Unplug any cords and accessories

TV cords and accessories always seem to tangle themselves up at just the wrong moment or mysteriously disappear when you need them the most. That’s why you should properly handle them when moving your TV.

First, power off your TV completely, not only on standby. Once that’s done, gently remove each cord from its respective port on the TV. This includes power cords, HDMI cables, antenna cables, and any other accessories your TV might have.

As you unplug each one, keep a mental note (or even better, a written one) of where each cord came from. This will help you reassemble them at your new location. 

It’s best to coil up each cord and fasten it with zip ties or twist ties. This prevents cords from getting tangled or damaged during the move. If you want to be extra organized, you could label each cord with a piece of masking tape and a marker. Just write down what the cord is for and where it plugs into the TV.

Wrap the TV screen

Wrapping the TV screen usually takes several steps:

1. Gently place your TV face down onto the bubble wrap. The bubbles will serve as a cushion for the screen.
2. Bring the edges of the bubble wrap up and over the screen, covering it completely.
3. Use packing tape to secure the bubble wrap. Be careful not to place any tape directly on the TV screen to avoid sticky residue.
4. Make sure the TV screen is fully covered and the bubble wrap is safely fastened.

Additional padding and a sturdy outer shell are also needed for maximum protection during the move. You can use thick blankets which you’ve prepared before for this purpose. 

Find a suitable moving box

You’ve unplugged cords and wrapped the screen, and now it’s time to find a new home for your TV, at least for the journey — the moving box.

You might be thinking, “It’s just a box, how hard can it be?”. But not all boxes are created equal, especially when they’re responsible for protecting your precious flat-screen TV.

If you don’t have the original TV box, you can find a specialized one. They are available in different dimensions and can be found at moving supply stores or online marketplaces.

If you cannot find them, find a strong double-walled cardboard box that is a bit bigger than your TV to leave extra space for enough padding to shield the TV from bumps during transport.

Once you’ve found the perfect box, give it a once-over for any signs of damage. You don’t want it to collapse during the move. If the box looks good, then your TV is one step closer to its new home.

Secure the TV inside the moving truck

Before you start the engine, there’s another important step: securing your TV inside the moving truck. You can do this in the following way:

1. Look for a place in the car where your TV can stand upright. Remember that laying the TV flat may damage the screen.
2. Use ratchet straps or bungee cords to secure your TV in place. Ensure to connect them to the truck’s tie-down points, if available.
3. Despite securing the TV, it can still get knocked or bumped during transport. Use soft items like blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals to provide additional cushioning around the TV.
4. Before you hit the road, make sure the TV is standing upright, the straps are tight and secure, and there’s enough padding around the TV.

Now that you’ve successfully packed and secured your flat-screen TV, you can start moving.

Unpack the TV with care

The best way to unpack your TV is to be patient and not rush as rushing could cause accidental damage. Then you should perform the following steps:

1. Carefully remove any tape used to secure the protective materials around your TV. Be gentle and avoid scratching or cutting the TV with your scissors or knife. If you used plastic wrap, cut it away with care. Make sure not to apply too much pressure.
2. Next, gently remove any bubble wrap, blankets, or other padding you’ve used. These items might be tightly wrapped or taped, so take your time to avoid any damage. Make sure nothing is caught or snagged on the TV.
3. Once all the protective materials are off, lift the TV carefully — preferably with a friend’s help. Flat-screen TVs are typically lighter than their older counterparts, but they can still be unwieldy due to their size. Hold it from the bottom and the sides, not the top of the screen itself.
4. Finally, place your TV in its designated spot. If you’re hanging it or positioning it on a stand, make sure it’s stable before releasing it.

You’ve moved and unpacked your plasma successfully, ensuring years of binge-watching joy.

Protect your TV during the packing & moving process

Protecting your TV throughout your packing and moving process is important to ensure its safety from start to finish. Use these additional tips to safeguard your plasma:

• To pack your TV correctly, don’t hesitate to use plenty of padding. Bubble wrap, blankets, foam … whatever you can get your hands on that will provide a cushion for your valuable device. Don’t skimp on this step; it’s your first defense against potential damage.
• When choosing the best moving box, think about not just its size, but also its quality. You need something robust and reliable. A specialized flat-screen TV moving box might be slightly pricier, but it’s specifically designed to protect your plasma. 
• Be mindful of where you place the TV in the car. Avoid placing it near heavy items that could shift during transit. Ideally, secure it against the side of the truck, upright, with no heavy items nearby.
• Once you’ve arrived at your new home, resist the urge to unpack it immediately. Ensure the area where you’ll set up the TV is clean and clear. Then, carefully unpack, following the steps we discussed earlier.

Our guidelines and tips will ensure that your TV arrives at your new home in the same condition it left your old one. If you have extra questions, don’t hesitate to contact our specialists who have broad expertise in moving TVs and other household appliances, no matter their sizes and dimensions. We are always ready to answer you.