How to pack a TV for moving with or without the original box

With 87% of UK households now owning internet-enabled smart TVs, these sleek screens have become the centrepiece of home entertainment. But as TVs get smarter and more expensive, a house move can quickly turn moving a TV into a stressful task.

To help you handle it with care, this guide covers how to pack a TV for moving safely and easily. We’ll walk you through the materials to use, step-by-step packing instructions, and smart transport tips so your screen arrives in perfect condition.

Materials you’ll need

Packing materials used to protect a TV during moving. (Source: iStock)

Before you start figuring out how to move a TV, getting the right materials is half the battle won. The good news is that most of what you need is available at your local hardware store, moving supply shop, or sitting around at home. You simply have to keep everything within arm’s reach to work efficiently without constantly hunting for supplies.

Primary packing materials

• Original TV box (if available) or a heavy-duty TV moving box for the best-fitted protection and structural support for your specific TV model.

• Bubble wrap or foam sheets to create a cushioning barrier between your TV screen and any potential impacts.

• Corner protectors (for TVs over 40”) to shield the most vulnerable parts of your TV from knocks and pressure damage.

• Moving blankets or quilts to add extra layers of padding and protection against scratches and temperature changes.

• Heavy-duty packing tape to secure all protective materials and ensure nothing shifts during transport.

• Resealable plastic bags to keep all your TV components organised and prevent small parts from getting lost.

• Plastic containers to safely store used batteries and prevent corrosion or leakage during the move.

Tools and accessories

• Scissors or a utility knife to cut tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials to the right size.

• Permanent marker to clearly mark boxes with handling instructions and contents for easy identification.

• Zip ties or Velcro straps (for cable management) to bundle cables neatly and prevent tangling and damage during transport.

• Masking tape for temporary labelling and securing cables to the TV back without leaving sticky residue.

Preparing the TV for packing

Carefully unmounting a flat-screen TV before packing. (Source: iStock)

The first step is lowering your TV to a comfortable working height. If your TV is wall-mounted or on a high entertainment unit, you’ll want to bring it down to waist level so you can handle it safely without straining your back or risking a drop. Clear a spacious, flat surface like a dining table or bed so you can work on it properly.

Once you’ve positioned your TV at the right height and have enough room to move around it, you can start the preparation process that’ll keep everything organised and protected during long-distance moves.

Unplug and organise cables

Before you remove any cable, game console, or accessory, take a photo or video of your current cable setup. This simple step will save you hours of frustration when it’s time to reconnect everything at your new place.

Once you’ve got your reference photos, start unplugging cables one at a time. Label each cable immediately using masking tape and a permanent marker, noting where it connects (like “HDMI 1 - Xbox” or “Power - Soundbar”). If you prefer a cleaner look, try coloured masking tape to create your own colour-coded system that matches ports to cables.

Be extra careful when unplugging HDMI, coaxial, and fibre optic cables since they can’t handle much bending. For most modern flat screen TVs, even the slightest bend in a coax cable can break its inner components, leaving you with a dead connection. When bundling cables together, avoid wrapping them too tightly. Instead, use Velcro straps to keep them organised without stressing the connectors.

Clean the TV

Cleaning a TV screen with a microfibre cloth and disinfectant. (Source: iStock)

Just like when preparing for any appliance move, start by gently dusting the screen with a dry cloth to remove loose dirt and debris. For this step, avoid abrasive pads or paper towels at all costs, as these can scratch your screen or permanently strip away the anti-glare coating.

For stubborn marks, use a slightly damp microfibre cloth on the screen and frame. Keep your touch light and focus on wiping rather than scrubbing, as putting pressure can damage the delicate display and frame components. Work in gentle motions and let the cloth do the job as much as possible.

Once you’re done with the damp cloth, immediately dry the entire TV with a clean microfibre cloth to remove any streaks, smudges, and moisture. Don’t forget to wipe down your cables to remove dust and grime that could interfere with connections later.

Remove and pack accessories

Once your TV is clean, you can start packing all the wires, special cords and accessories properly. Put all cables and remotes in separate resealable plastic bags with clear labels so you know exactly what’s inside each one. Before sealing up the remote control, remove the batteries and store them in plastic containers to prevent corrosion or leakage during transport.

For large TV sizes, it’s smart to call in help or hire a handyman to lift and detach the stand or wall mount brackets safely. These components can be heavy and awkward to handle alone, especially when you’re trying to access screws in tight spaces. It’s worth the investment to call in for help if you also have other items that need heavy lifting, like when transporting your PC or other electronics.

When removing wall mounts, inspect the brackets for rust or damage. If they’re still in good condition, pack them and their screws carefully for reuse at your new place. However, if you notice significant wear or corrosion, consider upgrading to a new mount system when you settle in. 

How to pack the TV

Packing a flat-screen TV in its original box. (Source: iStock)

Now that you’ve packed all the cords and cleaned your TV, it’s time to start learning what’s the best way to pack a TV for moving. Technically, there are two main approaches: using the original packaging or buying a TV moving box. It’s definitely easier if you still have the original box since it was designed specifically for your model. But if you don’t have it, you’ll need to measure your TV to find the right replacement.

If you have the original packaging

Using the original packaging is your best bet since it comes with all the size-specific foam inserts, custom-fitted foam sheets, and protective materials designed exactly for your TV model. The original box also provides dedicated compartments where you can store the original remote and power cord with your TV, preventing them from getting lost or mixed up with other items during your move.

Packing steps:

1. Wrap the screen side first with bubble wrap or foam sheets, ensuring complete coverage across the entire display.

2. Add extra padding on the corners using corner protectors since these areas take the most impact during transport.

3. Use packing tape to secure these pieces firmly, but avoid taping directly onto the TV screen or frame.

4. Position your TV in the box by laying the box flat on the ground and carefully sliding your wrapped TV down flat. You can also stand the inner section on its side with the opening facing upward and slowly lower your wrapped TV into place.

5. Seal the box completely using packing tape along all seams and edges to ensure nothing can shift during transport.

Once the TV is secure inside, mark the box ‘FRAGILE’ in visible places or ‘THIS SIDE UP’ for optimal orientation. If the whole process feels overwhelming or you’re dealing with an expensive TV, consider hiring a packing service to handle the job professionally.

If you don’t have the original box

Without the original packaging, you’ll need to create your own protective system using a TV moving box and extra padding materials. This method requires more attention to detail since you’re building the protection from scratch, but it can be just as effective when done properly.

Step 1: Wrap the TV securely

Start by wrapping the screen side first, then work your way around the entire TV. For complete coverage, use at least two layers of bubble wrap fitted to the size of your screen. Pay special attention to the corners since these are the most vulnerable points during a move. Add corner protectors and extra bubble wrap padding to these areas for maximum protection.

Step 2: Add external protection

Wrap a moving blanket, soft blanket, or thick quilt around your already-wrapped TV for an additional protective layer. This outer protection helps absorb impacts and provides extra cushioning against bumps during transport. Secure the blanket firmly with packing tape, rope, or moving straps, ensuring it won’t slip or come loose. Remember, the blanket should be tight enough to stay in place but not so tight that it puts pressure on the screen.

Step 3: Box the TV

Use a purpose-built TV moving box or a sturdy double-walled cardboard box that fits your TV dimensions. Add extra padding, such as foam sheets or crumpled packing paper, inside the box to prevent any movement during transport. Place the TV upright and snugly in the box, making sure there’s cushioning on all sides.

Still seeing gaps? Fill those with additional padding material to keep everything secure.

Tips for transporting the TV

Preparing to transport a TV in the boot of a car. (Source: iStock)

Packing your TV properly is one thing, but knowing how to transport a TV safely is another challenge entirely. In fact, even the best packing job can be undone by poor transport decisions, leading to cracked screens, damaged corners, or internal component failure. 

So whether you plan to do the move yourself or work with heavy lifting service providers, keep track of these practical tips below. 

Keep the TV upright

Many people ask, ‘Can you lay a TV down when moving?’—but this is actually one of the biggest mistakes you can make. When positioned flat, the screen’s own weight creates pressure points that stress the delicate LCD or OLED panels inside. Even a small bump or vibration during transport can turn that stress into permanent damage like dead pixels, flickering lines, or distorted images that can ruin your viewing experience.

While waiting for your moving truck or carrying it to your vehicle, resist the temptation to lay it down for a quick rest. Keep it standing against a wall with someone holding it steady, or use a furniture dolly designed for upright transport. Even a few minutes of lying flat while sorting logistics can cause the internal problems you’ve worked so hard to prevent.

If you need help handling your packed TV safely, consider hiring removal services to ensure it stays vertical throughout the entire process.

Securing in the vehicle

The best way to transport a TV is to place it upright between soft, stable items like mattresses or couch cushions to create a protective buffer on both sides. Since TVs can become surprisingly heavy once wrapped, securing them properly inside your vehicle is also important. For this, simply use moving straps or ratchet straps to anchor the TV in place, and make sure the straps go around the protective packaging.

Avoid temperature extremes

Avoid leaving it in a hot car or cold area for too long, as heat can harm the screen and cold can cause moisture that leads to short circuits. If you’re moving during extreme weather conditions, consider placing silica gel packets inside the TV box to absorb moisture and prevent condensation buildup.

Already made the trip? Let your TV acclimatise to room temperature for at least an hour before plugging it in at your new home. Rushing to set it up immediately after exposure to temperature extremes can cause internal components to fail, potentially requiring costly appliance repair services that could have been easily avoided with a bit of patience.

Common mistakes to avoid when packing a TV

Whether you’re packing up the main living room TV or a smaller guest room TV, one wrong move can lead to costly damage. Here are some of the most common pitfalls to avoid.

• Forgetting to check insurance coverage: Most moving insurance policies have limited coverage for TVs and may not cover damage from improper packing.

• Mixing TV accessories with other household items: Storing your remote, cables, and wall-mount screws in random boxes can lead to lost components and setup headaches.

• Using the wrong box orientation: Fitting your TV into boxes horizontally creates weak points where the cardboard can buckle under weight.

• Overpacking the TV box: Adding extra household items puts unnecessary weight and pressure on your TV, even when packed strategically.

• Skipping the acclimatisation period: Plugging in your TV immediately after moving from a cold environment can cause condensation damage to internal circuits.

Take the first step to a safe TV move

As you learned in this guide, packing a TV takes a few key steps, but skipping any of them can put your screen at risk. When you’re dealing with a high-ticket item like this, it makes sense to take the time and do it right.

Need some extra help getting it done? Connect with skilled TV movers through Airtasker who can handle everything from careful packing to safe transport and setup. Whether you’re moving down the street or across the UK, trusted removal services can take the worry out of relocating your valuable electronics. Why not post a task today and get one less thing to stress about?