With so much time and money required to find the perfectsmart TVfor all your entertainment needs, it’s vital that you take proper care of it. Setting the unit up itself, whether you are employing a TV stand or mounting it to the wall, can be an arduous endeavor all to itself. When you have to move the TV, however, you need to be even more careful.
You may be rearranging the layout of your space or moving to another home altogether. Either way, it’s important to take care of asmart TVthat, if it was bought in the last few years, is likely to be quite thin and delicate. Screens in particular are exceedingly fragile, especiallyOLEDstyles that feature individually-lit pixels. With that in mind, here’s how you can safely move your TV without damaging it.
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Gather supplies for moving your unit
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Before you start moving, it’s important to have a plan and gather everything you need for a successful move. Firstly, it would be helpful to have the original box the TV came in, preferably with all those polystyrene foam protectors that initially protect the unit. This is probably not the case as, like me, you probably get rid of that box as soon as it was empty. Failing that, you’ll want to gather some thick sheets, blankets, or comforters to protect the TV during the move. You want some kind of firm screen protect; foam is ideal. It needs to be sturdy yet soft and smooth.
You’ll need some tools as well. Duct tape, or something comparable, as well as scissors will be required. You’ll probably need a screwdriver to remove the attached TV stand or take the unit off the wall if it’s mounted. Also, grab a secure plastic bag or pouch to collect any accessories, such as a remote control, power cord, HDMI cable, and any additional screws or pieces.
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Come up with a TV moving plan
Check your route and prepare the space
After you’ve gathered supplies, it’s time to plan the move. You’ll want to make sure you have at least one other person to help with the move if you have a TV over 50-inches in size, and even perhaps if you have a small one, just to be careful. Create a path to where it’s going; that might be another wall in the same room, another room in the home, or even into a car or on a moving truck. Make sure there is a clear route of transit and a spot for the TV to exist if it’s going in a vehicle.
If you’re taking off the stand, make sure there is a spot for the TV to lean against if you have to put it down at any point. TV stands can be tricky to remove, as once you do, the TV is no longer able to support itself. You may need an extra set of hands if your TV is quite large. When it’s off a stand or mount, keep it as upright as possible and avoid leaving it unattended.
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Protect the TV and start moving
Communicate clearly and execute your plan with care
If you don’t have a box to place the TV in, then you’ll want to protect the unit with blankets. Before that, though, seek out a piece of cardboard or foam to place atop the screen as a firm barrier. This protective layer must be smooth so as not to scratch the screen; avoid using plastic wrap as it may lead to pockets or bubbles on the screen with the potential for damage. You don’t want any tape to get on the screen either, so be sure you’re taping any screen protector to the back of the unit where there’s plastic. Then drape the unit and tape the blankets together so that they are secure yet loose; you don’t want the blankets to be pulled taught. You just want them secure enough so that they don’t fall, hang, or create a hazard while moving.
When moving, hold the TV from the bottom and back of the unit as much as possible. Gripping the unit can be especially tricky, especially if you have a newer, larger smart TV. It may not be heavy, but these slender models are cumbersome and delicate. Two people should be able to safely move the TV, but it’s helpful to have a third person for support and guidance. If you’re going outside, be mindful of the elements. Do not let the TV sit in any hot or humid conditions for a prolonged period, and be careful not to let the screen get wet.
Protect the screen at all costs
Keep in mind these key guidelines
There are a few things you want to make sure to avoid when moving your smart TV, especially if it’s a more fragile OLED model, and they all have to do with the screen. With new models so delicate, and with the entire entertainment experience reliant on a quality screen, you’ll want to be extra careful. Follow these rules.
If you prepare carefully, communicate effectively, and be patient when moving, you’re sure to be set up with your smart TV intact and ready to entertain. Once you’ve successfully moved the TV, you’re able to use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust or fingerprints that may have been acquired during the move. And then you’re all set to start watching TV again.
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