What's the Best Way to Transport a TV?

When you're shopping for a new TV, finding The One is truly a special moment. It's easy to get caught up in the bliss of fantasizing about your new life together, but don't forget about the step that comes between the store and the binge-watching: getting your TV home. If you've decided to forgo home delivery and need to know how to transport a TV by yourself, here are some important hints!

Use A Car

We know using public transportation is good for the environment, but when it comes to moving a new TV, you're much better off taking a car than you are lugging your new purchase onto a train or bus. Televisions are large and awkwardly-shaped, which means they're very difficult to carry for extended periods of time. The risk of accidentally dropping it down subway station steps, or having it slip out of your hands and land on someone's foot, or having to helplessly watch as it's trampled or knocked over during a rush to the doors, are risks that are just not worth taking. Play it safe - take a car!

Bring Backup

It's a good idea to have an extra pair of hands available to assist during your TV's trek. Your significant other, your roommate, a family member, a friend - if you've got a favor owed to you, now's the time to cash it in. Moving your TV is easier when you've got someone else around to help carry it, hold a door open, steady it during the car ride, or any number of other little obstacles that could pop up during the voyage. Not only will your assistant help you get it home, but they can help you with the procedure of setting it up inside. (More on that later.)

Keep It Vertical

Do not lay your TV flat while transporting it. Seriously, DO NOT lay your TV flat while transporting it! The body of a flat screen television is weighted for upright positioning, and placing it in a horizontal position puts it at serious risk for cracking the screen. Make sure whichever vehicle you use to transport your TV has enough space to safely keep the TV upright for the entire journey.

Buckle It In

Once your TV is inside the vehicle, it's time to secure it. If your (UPRIGHT!) TV box fits on a seat, just use a seatbelt. If you're using the cargo area of a hatchback or SUV, be sure to have cargo straps on hand to strap it in place without fastening it too tightly. If you have to make do with resting it (UPRIGHT!) on the floor of the backseat, add some cushioning to keep it from shifting around while the car is in motion. A rolled-up moving blanket is a good item to have on hand while preparing for your television's travels, but a wadded-up coat can work in a pinch. Also, we hope this isn't necessary to say, but just in case: Do NOT strap your TV to the car roof. It probably will not end well.

Unpack It Carefully

We know you're excited, but there's a right and wrong way to unbox your TV during its homecoming. Your first urge will probably be to tear open the box and pull the TV out, but we strongly recommend you resist that urge. You won't be able to get a good grip on the TV by squeezing your arms into the box, which means potential for fumbling and possibly dropping it. The best way to unpack your television is to use a knife to carefully cut along the bottom of the box, and then raise the box off of the television. This will ensure you have a firm grip on it when it's time to set it in its proper spot. Have your trusted assistant stick around to help lift it, or at least supervise. If the TV is going to be hung on a wall mount, be sure to have the mount set up before you unpack, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

If you're not up to the challenge of transporting your own television, don't forget that we offer free next-day delivery of televisions anywhere within the local P.C. Richard & Son delivery area.* No matter how you decide to get your new TV home, P.C. Richard & Son is the place to get the latest entertainment technology at the guaranteed lowest price. Shop now, and find the new TV of your dreams today!

*Some exclusions apply