Movers often get asked: Do moving companies mount TVs? It can be frustrating to arrive at your new location only to realize you don’t know the proper or safest way to install your television. Know what to expect when hiring professional movers, especially when it comes to handling electronics.
Do Moving Companies Mount TVs?
Some moving companies offer TV mounting, so check what’s included in the contract before moving day. At Square Cow Movers, we remove televisions from walls, but we don’t remove the mount itself or remount the TVs at your destination. Instead, we properly dismount the television, secure cords, wall brackets, and screws, then handle the safe packing, loading, transporting, and unloading.
Moving a mounted TV isn’t always easy, yet a professional moving company has the experience needed to handle the job. Our efficient movers move around 50 televisions a day, way more than most people will move in a lifetime. Let our professional moving team handle the technical work of dismounting and moving your television so you’re ready to focus on decorating your new house and settling in.
Do Movers Unmount a TV From a Wall Bracket?
Square Cow Movers offers the services you need to make your move smooth and stress-free from start to finish. While our services focus on packing, loading, moving, and unloading electronics, our moving team can extend a helping hand in unmounting a television.
| Step | Action Steps |
| Preparation | Detach cords (power, cables). Keep the cords unplugged and organized to facilitate the move. |
| Locating the Lock | Open safety locks. Consult the mount manual for a special key or slide bars. If the television doesn’t move, it likely has a safety lock or is secured by screws. |
| TV release | Pick up from the base and tilt the TV forward to access the rear. Find the screws or pull the strings (for a spring lock) to disengage the mount. Use a flexible screwdriver as needed. |
| Final removal | Delicately remove the television. You may need to drive the TV off the mount by lifting it up. Have someone hold the TV while detaching pieces. |
| Disassembly and packing | Keep the TV horizontal on a cushioned surface. Remove the mount pieces from the television (typically four screws). Unfix the mount parts from the wall. |
Why You Should Hire Professional Movers for a Mounted TV
After moving thousands of TVs of various sizes, we got television packing down to a science. When you want mounted televisions taken down, packed up, loaded safely, and moved to your new location, we’re the cows to call.
1. Avoid Risk of Damage and High Cost of Mistakes
Mounted TVs are no small investment. One slip or wrong movement can cost you hundreds of dollars in damage to the television, mount, and/or the wall.
That’s why our movers take extreme care when handling mounted televisions. Hiring someone to take care of the job for you is a good way to protect your TV investment.
2. Professional Handling of Bulky and Heavy Televisions
Large, flat-screen TVs can also be very cumbersome depending on their size. In 2015, 65 inches was the largest TV size available. Fast forward to today, and you can buy televisions as big as 100 inches.
Professional movers are accustomed to handling items that are oversized, including colossal-sized TVs. Trying to handle equipment you aren’t familiar with is asking for trouble.
3. Expert Organization of Cords and Hardware
Expert movers are also highly organized. There’s nothing more frustrating than going to set up an entertainment system only to realize that cords and hardware are missing.
Our moving crew is taught to package everything up together, tie up wires, and label things. This enables our clients to save time when organizing their new houses, as we keep the accessories easy to find.
4. Challenges Posed by Different Mount Types
The type of mount you have will also come into play, because a few types of mounts make it a little more difficult to remove the television. A fixed mount holds the TV flat against the wall and doesn’t angle outward, which can make it awkward to move.
A ceiling mount is higher up, and as the name suggests, you’ll have to angle the mount and television so that the ceiling isn’t making the move impossible. If you have either of these mounts, you may want to consider getting a professional to help free your TV.
What You Can Use in Packing a Flat Screen TV
Getting the TV out of the mount is just half the battle. Packing a television up properly so that it doesn’t get damaged in transit requires the right packing supplies. We have moving boxes that are specially made for flat screen televisions of a particular size.
While professional movers are trained to handle this task, following this guide is the best practice for customers to pack their own TV. Our proper packing systems make sure that the screen doesn’t get scratched or cracked, and the sensitive components don’t get damaged.
Packing the television on the truck also needs to be done right so that the appliance doesn’t get jostled around. These are the materials and methods recommended for customers to safely pack their TVs.
- Specialty TV moving box: Heavy-duty, adjustable, double-walled cardboard boxes (or the original box) designed to fit the television’s dimensions.
- Bubble wrap or foam sheets: Applied in multiple layers to completely wrap the TV, providing cushioning and protecting the screen from scratches.
- Moving blankets/furniture pads: Used as an external protective layer and as padding to fill any empty space within the box, preventing the TV from shifting.
- Foam corner protectors: Custom-fitted foam pieces placed on the four corners to absorb shock and suspend the television within the box.
- Heavy-duty packing tape: Used for securely sealing the box and keeping protective wrapping locked in place during transit.
- Labeling tools: To clearly label the box on multiple sides with “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” for proper handling by movers or shipping personnel.
What Are My Options When Movers Can’t Mount a Television?
Some moving companies exclude tasks that involve altering a property’s structure or utility connections, like unmounting a TV from a wall bracket. They may refuse this service because it requires tools and specific technical skills.
Keep in mind that a moving company’s primary focus is the safe and efficient transportation of your belongings from one place to the next. When the moving crew can’t handle the mounting of a television, you can:
- Hire a professional mounting service: Specialized technicians have the proper tools, experience, and insurance to securely mount your television according to manufacturer specifications and local building codes.
- Use a handyman service: General handymen often offer television mounting at reasonable rates and can handle the job alongside other installation tasks you may need completed.
- Mount it yourself: If you’re comfortable with basic tools and can locate wall studs, DIY mounting is cost-effective. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and check if you have the appropriate mount for your appliance’s size and weight.
- Place the TV on a stand instead: Television stands eliminate mounting concerns and offer flexibility for rearranging your space. Our moving team can quickly position the appliance where you want it without any wall installation.
Related Questions
Is Mounting a TV Considered Normal Wear and Tear?
Mounting a TV is generally not classified as normal wear and tear because it often creates damage by leaving large holes that require significant repair. Normal wear and tear is the gradual deterioration from typical use, whereas television mounting is usually viewed as a modification causing damage beyond what is covered.
How Do Moving Companies Transport TVs?
Moving companies typically lock the television securely on its base, wrapping it in protective materials, like bubble wrap or moving blankets. We also place televisions into a specialized, padded box to prevent shifting. The boxed television is then loaded upright onto the moving truck and carefully strapped down to secure it during transit.
How Much Will Someone Charge to Mount a TV?
The professional labor cost to mount a television averages between $100 and $400. This wide price variation depends on factors such as the television’s size and weight, the type of wall material, the mount style, and whether wire concealment is requested.
Can I Remove a Wall-Mounted TV Myself?
You can remove a wall-mounted TV yourself, although there’s the risk of applying too much pressure when handling the appliance or struggling to loosen the screws. Some people may also find it difficult to disconnect and wrap the cables properly, lift the heavy screen, and lock the television in a safe position.
What Happens to the Wall Mount When I Move?
The wall mount is often considered a fixture, meaning you can either take it with you or leave it for the new owner. If you choose to remove it, it’s best to patch the holes in the wall. Clarify this decision with the landlord, buyer, or your real estate agent.
Do I Need the Original Box to Move a TV to My New Home?
You don’t usually need the original TV box to move your television. However, safe moving requires you to use alternative protective materials to shield the screen and internal components once it has been removed from the wall.
How Long Does It Take to Unmount and Pack a Television?
Unmounting and packing a television can generally take between 15 to 30 minutes. This process involves quickly releasing it from the mount and placing it into its protective box after removing any necessary screws. However, the time can increase for more complex mounts or if special professional packing is required.
How Do Movers Move Televisions?
Skilled movers move televisions upright inside the moving truck, using specialized equipment like ramps and truck dollies to manage heavy lifting, and will often brace the item against a wall. The TV box is then secured with straps to prevent shifting, with large, soft items placed around it for stability.
What Size TVs Are the Hardest to Move?
The largest television sets, typically those 65 inches and above, such as 75-inch or 85-inch models, are the most difficult to move. This challenge comes from their large physical dimensions, combined weight, and increased fragility.
Conclusion
Knowing exactly which services are included when relocating your electronics to your new home means you can connect to your entertainment faster. To get your questions and concerns about hiring the right team to move your television and other belongings answered, reach out to the professional team at Square Cow Movers today!