If you're planning on moving long-distance, you might feel overwhelmed about getting all your items from one location to the next. While it's straightforward to ship some things in boxes, you also have to factor in items that might become damaged, such as electronics.
Flat-screen TVs scratch and break very easily and take up a significant amount of room. If you have limited space on the moving truck or are worried about the TV becoming damaged in the moving process, you always have the option of shipping your TV.
Learn about the ins and outs of TV shipping below.
TV Packing Materials You'll Need
You'll need the following packing materials to ensure your TV arrives safely and securely:
- TV box
- Packing tape
- Extra sturdy box
- Marker
- Plastic bags
- Twist ties
- Padding material such as Styrofoam.
- Protective material such as foam wrap, packing wrap or packing peanuts.
Where to Find a Flat Panel TV Box for Shipping
TV boxes are made from heavy-duty cardboard with solid corners and edges to prevent damage during transportation.
If you don't have your original TV box, don't worry. You can get free boxes in many places, including grocery stores, couriers, and online groups. Newer boxes, however, tend to be stronger.
Alternatively, you can buy a TV box from:
- Amazon
- Uboxes.com
- U-haul
- Home Depot
- Lowe's
- Office Depot
We stock specialized, high-quality TV boxes too. You can order one directly through our site.
How to Pack a TV Box for Shipping
Placing a TV on its side puts pressure on its LCD/LED display and may cause damage, hence the importance of packing and transporting it upright. What's more, vibrations from moving are inevitable no matter how carefully it travels. These vibrations could potentially crack or damage the TV screen.
It is better to be safe than sorry when transporting plasma TVs and LED TVs. Always move flat-screen TVs upright and secure them with tie-downs, so it doesn't move around.
Once you have a suitable box, you should ensure it's clean and dust-free. If you have loose equipment such as nuts, bolts, etc., put them in a labeled plastic bag. You can place this bag inside the TV box during shipment.
Make sure to wrap the TV stand with foam or bubble wrap and secure it with tape or ties. Use a thin foam sheet and tape it around the edges with a removable adhesive.
How to Prepare a TV Box for Shipping
- Line the bottom of the box with cushioning material, like bubble wrap.
- Carefully slide your TV into the box, and secure it with foam protectors.
- Ensure the TV unit is secure within the box and can’t shift from side to side.
- Place the instructions, accessories, and the stand or wall mount in the box on the rear side of the screen.
- Secure the items to the sides of the box with tape.
- Use additional packing material, like bubble wrap, or foam inserts, to ensure the contents are safe inside the box.
- Tape the box on all sides.
- Secure the shipping label to the box. Place directional arrows on the outside of the box to indicate which direction is needed to keep the TV upright since the box must stay upright during transit.
How To Ship a TV: Comparing Options
Whether you're hiring a professional moving company or you're planning to execute the long-distance move on your own, there are different options from which you can choose when shipping a TV, each with its pros and cons.
Here are some ways how to transport a TV:
USPS TV Shipping
USPS is your best option if you're looking for a budget-friendly way to ship your TV. The United States Postal Service provides many different shipping options for its customers, such as standard ground service, priority mail, and more.
One thing to remember is that most TVs will be too large for priority mail delivery and require the retail ground option. This is available for shipments up to 70 pounds and 130 inches in combined length and girth.
If you want extra protection, you can purchase additional insurance coverage if the TV becomes lost or damaged. Shipping a 43-inch TV that weighs ~35 pounds from Boston to Miami via USPS Retail Ground is $124.05.
FEDEX TV Shipping
FedEx is another option. According to this carrier company, FedEx's "Pack Plus" counter has everything needed to send any electronic equipment. FedEx offers Flat Panel TV boxes specially designed for shipping flat-screen TVs.
These boxes are designed for TVs up to 55 inches. In addition to these boxes, FedEx offers a FedEx Office Packing Pledge that ensures the item will arrive in the same condition it was shipped. The estimated cost of shipping a 43-inch flat-screen TV from Boston to Miami in 2 days is $61.05, while priority overnight shipping is $150.45.
UPS TV Shipping
Shipping a TV through UPS is another option to consider. This customer-centric company offers one of the best ways to package and ship your TV during a long-distance move. It's easy to figure out the time and cost of your shipment using the company's calculator tool.
UPS also allows a higher weight limit for shipping packages, which is ideal for larger, heavier TVs. According to UPS, boxes can weigh up to 150 pounds, be 165 inches in length and girth combined, and 108 inches in length. The estimated cost of shipping a 43-inch flat-screen TV via UPS Ground is $113.08.
Shipping Flat Screen TVs? Call Alliance Moving & Storage!
Although it may sound like a hassle, shipping a TV is one of the safest and most effective ways to get your TV from one location to another. If you need assistance in other areas of your move, our Alliance Moving & Storage team is only a phone call away!
We have helped countless residents and businesses move safely and effectively. If you have questions about how we can help or if you're looking for a mover company quote, reach out to us today to learn more!
.jpg)