How To Move A TV In A Car

Let's face it, your modern flat-screen TV is probably one of the most expensive and delicate possessions in your home. It's critical for watching the football, it's an essential for watching Eastenders and it used to be the end of our week with Wild At Heart on a Sunday night! So, knowing how to safely move your TV in your car is essential.

In this blog post, we'll explore how you can safely move your TV with step-by-step instructions and what you both should and shouldn't do. Let's dive in.

Can You Safely Move A TV In Your Car?

The simple answer is yes. But nowadays, with TVs in moresize variations than ever before, it's always a good idea to do some measurements beforehand.

In this day and age, TVs come in more sizes than ever - 28, 32, 43, 50, 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches. Larger TVs do exist, but if you own a TV bigger than the sizes mentioned, we'd highly recommend NOT moving it in a car.

Why You Should Never Lay A TV Down During Transit

If you’re unable to move your TV in its normal, upright position, it can be a problem. Modern flat-screen TVs are designed to be lightweight and durable. But the internal workings are not.

A flat-screen TV’s components are delicately balanced and designed to ensure that it works in the position it was intended for. When you lay it down, the components within the device start applying pressure in a direction from behind the screen.

While for short periods of time, storing a TV flat is ok, for prolonged periods, it’s not good for the TV at all.

Also, when a TV is placed flat, it creates more area for items to potentially fall on the screen. Always ensure that your TV travels in an upright position. With older TVs, this isn’t an issue.

Now that you have done some measurements and know what not to do, let’s focus on how to transport your TV in a car.

How to Move a TV in a Car

Most people will be fine seeing their belongings drive off into the distance. But, for your beloved TV, you’ll want to keep a close eye on it, which means moving your TV in your car by yourself!

If you have been holding onto your TV’s box for this eventual day, congratulations, you can now reuse it to transport your beloved item. But for those who decided to throw it away, there is no need to stress out. Outlets like Boxman will sell you a new flat screen 55” TV for around R175,00.

While this may seem like a lot to spend on a box, this packaging solution is double-walled, giving your TV the extra padding it deserves.

As a rule of thumb, do some more measurements to ensure that your TV slides into the box.

But what are the steps involved in transporting your TV in a car?

Step 1. Power Cords and Cables

Before removing any cables from your TV, take a photo of where all the leads were. Often in the heat of the moment, we pull out all the cords and cables from the TV without knowing how to redo it.

Step 2. Remove Screws and TV Mounts

It should go without saying, but it’s easier to transport your TV without its feet or wall mount attached. You will need to dismantle the wall-mounted bracket and package it away.

We recommend ensuring that you can store all the bits and bobs in a separate bag. And if you’re not sure how to reassemble the wall-mounted unit, you will want to take a photo of it fully assembled.

The feet of the TV usually don’t require assembly because they simply snap into place.

Step 3. Boxing or Wrapping - How to Pack a TV For Moving

Make sure to pack your TV into its box slowly. If you are using the original box, there will hopefully still be some polystyrene that’s been shaped to hug your TV perfectly.

With the original packaging, ensure to sandwich the TV between the additional layering before slotting it into the box.

If you’re using a newly purchased box, you will need to wrap your TV in bubble wrap. And repeat the process we mentioned.

For those not using a box, make sure to pad the corners of the TV unit, as these are vulnerable points and need to be wrapped in bubble wrap.

Once you’re happy with the corners, use some cling wrap plastic to cover the screen. This won’t provide much protection but will limit the amount of fluff from the moving blanket, which you will be folding over the TV.

While you can secure the blanket in place with straps, it should be OK to store it in the backseat of your car for the journey.

Ready to Move Your TV to Your New Home?

If this is all overwhelming, rather find an expert to transport your TV for you. They know how to move a TV safely.

No matter the size of your TV, we can guarantee that you will find an expert TV mover with Wise Move.

Oh, and one final tip! Make sure to take a photo of the cables and cords. After successfully moving to your new home, you'll want to know how to quickly set everything up so you can watch the Rugby 😉 We've got your back!