Crating TVs and Large Electronics

Big-screen TVs, sound systems, gaming consoles, and computers are often among the most expensive and fragile items in a home. A single drop, shift, or vibration during transport can lead to cracks, broken screens, or internal damage. That’s why crating TVs and large electronics isn’t a luxury — it’s smart protection. Whether you’re moving locally or cross-country, proper crating can save you thousands in repairs or replacements.

Why TVs and Electronics Are So Vulnerable During a Move

Unlike furniture, electronics are sensitive to impact, moisture, temperature swings, and improper handling. Flat-screen TVs, for example, can be damaged by pressure on the corners or screen. Internal components like circuit boards and connectors are easily jarred loose during transport.

Common risks during moves include:

• 🚚 Vibration during transport
• 🪛 Improper packing or loose fit inside boxes
• 🌡️ Exposure to heat, cold, or humidity
• ⚡ Static or dust infiltration damaging internal parts
• 🪜 Dropping during loading or unloading

Proper crating minimizes these risks by creating a controlled, cushioned environment for your electronics.

Understanding the Difference Between Boxing and Crating

Many people confuse boxing and crating, but they’re not the same:

• Boxing: Using the original manufacturer’s box or a TV-specific moving box. Good for smaller or medium-size TVs.
• Crating: Building a custom wooden crate with foam padding and stabilizers. Best for large or high-value electronics, long-distance moves, or shipping.

Boxing works for light, easy moves, but crating provides the highest level of protection — especially for 55-inch TVs and larger.

Supplies You’ll Need for Proper Crating

To crate electronics correctly, you’ll need:

• Custom-sized wooden crate or heavy-duty TV crate
• Foam padding or rigid foam boards
• Protective corner guards
• Plastic wrap or anti-static wrap
• Ratchet straps or tie-down straps
• Moving blankets
• Power tool or screwdriver for crate assembly

Professional movers often pre-measure and build crates on-site to ensure a perfect fit. The crate should be snug but not so tight that it puts pressure on the device.

Step-by-Step: How to Crate a Flat-Screen TV

Crating may sound complex, but it follows a logical process:

1. Disconnect and prep: Unplug the TV and accessories. Remove wall mounts or stands. Coil and label cords.
2. Wrap the screen: Use a soft, anti-static wrap. Add corner protectors.
3. Add foam padding: Line the crate interior with thick foam to prevent movement.
4. Position the TV vertically: Never lay flat-screen TVs flat. Keep them upright like a pane of glass.
5. Secure with straps: Use ratchet straps to hold the TV snugly against the foam.
6. Seal the crate: Close and secure the lid with screws.
7. Label clearly: Mark as “Fragile – Electronics – This Side Up.”

This method ensures the TV is protected on all sides and won’t shift inside the crate.

Packing Gaming Systems, Sound Systems, and PCs

Large electronics aren’t just TVs. Gaming systems, audio receivers, tower PCs, and monitors also require extra care.

• 🎮 Gaming systems: Wrap in anti-static material and pack in foam-lined boxes. Secure controllers and cables separately.
• 🔊 Sound systems: Protect speakers with corner guards and foam. Secure speaker cones with covers.
• 🖥️ PCs and monitors: Remove hard drives if possible. Use foam or original boxes. Don’t stack heavy items on top.

If you have original packaging, that’s usually the best option. If not, crating or double-boxing with foam is the next best thing.

Why TVs Should Always Travel Upright

One of the most common mistakes people make is laying TVs flat during transport. This can lead to:

• Cracked screens from vibration
• Internal panel separation
• Pressure damage
• Distorted frames

Always transport TVs upright, ideally strapped against the side wall of the truck inside the crate. This distributes weight evenly and prevents bending.

Climate and Moisture Protection

Electronics are vulnerable to moisture, even inside crates. To protect them:

• Wrap components in plastic or shrink wrap before padding.
• Use silica gel packs inside crates to absorb moisture.
• Store in climate-controlled spaces during long transits.
• Never leave electronics overnight in unheated trucks during winter.

Moisture damage isn’t always visible immediately but can corrode internal circuits over time.

Insurance and Valuation Coverage

Because TVs and electronics are high-value items, make sure they’re covered under your valuation or insurance plan:

• Released Value: Standard $0.60 per pound coverage — not ideal for expensive electronics.
• Full-Value Protection: Covers repair or replacement at full value.
• Optional third-party insurance for very high-value items.

Always declare these items before the move and photograph their condition beforehand.

Special Crating Options for Oversized TVs

Some TVs (especially 70-inch and larger) need oversized crates with internal frames. Professional movers may use:

• Foam-lined custom crates
• Suspension systems to prevent vibration
• Shock sensors on the outside to detect impact
• Climate-safe storage for cross-country transit

Companies like United Local Movers offer custom crating for oversized TVs to ensure maximum protection during every stage of the move.

Uncrating and Setup at Destination

Once you arrive, uncrating should be done carefully:

1. Remove screws slowly to avoid damaging the frame.
2. Lift the TV vertically with two people.
3. Unwrap slowly to avoid scratching the screen.
4. Check for any signs of damage before powering on.

Keep original screws, brackets, and hardware organized so reinstallation is quick and safe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning DIY movers make costly mistakes when packing electronics. Avoid:

• ❌ Laying TVs flat during transport
• ❌ Using soft boxes without reinforcement
• ❌ Forgetting corner protection
• ❌ Leaving cords and accessories loose
• ❌ Skipping insurance for high-value items

Why Professional Crating Makes a Difference

Crating might seem like overkill, but when it comes to fragile, expensive electronics, it can save you money, stress, and regret. Professional movers have the materials, tools, and experience to crate correctly — and most importantly, they know how to handle these items during loading and unloading.

At United Local Movers, we provide specialized crating services for TVs, electronics, and other high-value items, ensuring they arrive in the same condition they left your home.

Protecting Your Investment the Smart Way

Big electronics deserve big protection. Whether you’re moving across the city or the country, proper crating keeps your gear safe from impact, moisture, and costly surprises.

With United Local Movers, your relocation becomes safer, faster, and stress-free. Our crews treat your electronics like their own — with precision, care, and the right materials for the job.