Whether you are making a move or just storing some things in mobile storage containers during a residential remodel or renovation, one of the most difficult things to learn how to pack properly is your television. Today’s TV’s are large, bulky and extremely fragile. Knowing the best way to pack up a flat panel television if you no longer have the original manufacturer’s box will help you to not only have peace of mind while your TV is in storage, but it will help you to protect other electronics and sensitive equipment as well.
This article is helpful for anyone using residential construction storage or other types of New Bedford residential containers. Regardless of whether you will be storing your TV for a few days, weeks or months, it pays to do it the right way. Construction crews or contractors who do home remodeling work and use moving and storage containers to protect their clients’ furniture and belongings can also benefit from the tips included in this how-to article.
Step One: Gather Your Supplies
Before you get started you need to make sure that you have everything on-hand that will help you to properly pack a TV for moving or storing in mobile storage containers. Contractors should keep these items on-hand if they do a lot of residential remodeling work where a television or other type of sensitive electronic equipment would need to be packed up and moved.
- The Basics – paper padding, permanent marker, moving blankets, packing paper, packing tape, zip ties or rubber bands, ziploc bags for wires and hardware and bubble wrap. You might not need to use all of these things to pack up every television, but they are good to have on-hand for any move or temporary renovation that requires the use of residential construction storage. You will definitely use these items for other types of packing, even if you don’t use them for packing the television.
- Advanced Supplies – You can purchase something called a TV Box and Foam Kit. These kits come in various sizes. Homeowners that are planning a move and own a flat panel LED, plasma, 3D or LCD television should consider purchasing a kit for each TV that they will need to move or put into moving and storage containers. The general sizes, which come with packing foam that can be removed in layers to accommodate larger televisions within the range of the box size, include 23-32 inch, 37-42 inch, 46-55 inch and 60-70 inch screens. If you have a television that is larger than 70 inches, you will want to contact a box manufacturer or moving company to find out about special orders for TV Box and Foam Kit packing.
Step Two: Prepare Your Television for Packing
It is important to be extremely careful when moving your television. Plasma TVs are extremely fragile and can be damaged simply by laying them flat. Know the type of TV that you have and check the manufacturer’s website or set-up instructions for information on proper packing and moving. To err on the side of caution, never lay a television on its side, front or back – only pack it and transport it upright.
Start by unplugging all of the cables and cords from the television. Use a zip tie or a rubber band to wrap up the cords and secure them so they won’t get tangled up. Place those cords in separate ziploc bags and label them according to what equipment they connect to on your television, such as the cable or satellite box, DVD player, Roku, etc. Put those bags inside the box with the TV or in a separate box that will hold all of your TV accessories. Original packaging is always best, but if you no longer have the original box, check into getting the TV Box and Foam Kit that fits your size of television.
Packing Without Original Box or a Kit
If you don’t have the original box and you don’t want to buy a kit, there are some alternatives. Start by wrapping your television in several layers of moving blankets or paper padding and then wrap heavy duty tape around the padding to secure it in place. Do not stick tape to the television, only to the packing or blankets. Get a large heavy-duty moving box from a local office supply or moving company and prepare the box by adding padding paper or a moving blanket for extra protection. Fill any empty space around the TV with more blankets and padding paper before closing the box, taping it shut and writing “fragile” and “this side up” on the box so your movers won’t accidentally damage the television by setting it on its side.
How to Use Mobile Storage Containers to Your Advantage
Homeowners who are getting their homes remodeled or renovated should consider renting moving and storage containers to safeguard their furniture, artwork, electronics and other valuable belongings from all of the dust, dirt, debris and potential damage that can occur when construction work is being done. Residential construction storage is easy to load and easy to use. Just call Valtran and we will deliver our New Bedford residential containers to your home and set them up according to your specifications. Keeping your things on-site makes it easy to put them back inside your home when the work is done and to monitor your belongings while they are out of your home.
Contractors who work in residential remodeling can offer the use of mobile storage containers to their clients as part of the customer services that they provide. This can be a big selling point and give you a leg up over the competition. Customers appreciate the fact that their contractor is as concerned about protecting their belongings during the remodel as they are and just providing this added service could help you win the bid. Contractors should call Valtran for quotes on renting, leasing or purchasing New Bedford residential containers to use for residential remodeling purposes.
