If you’re planning on moving long-distance in the future, you might feel overwhelmed about how you’ll get all of your items from one location to the next. While it’s straightforward to ship some items in boxes, you also have to factor in items that might become damaged such as electronics.
Not only do flat-screen TVs scratch and break very easily but they take up a significant amount of room. If you have limited space on the moving truck or you’re 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.
WHAT TV PACKING MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED
Shipping a TV successfully starts with gathering the right materials to keep it safe during the shipment. Before you start preparing for the shipment, collect the following materials:
- 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
The majority of people throw out their original TV box after unwrapping it, so you might be wondering how to ship a TV without a box. Rest assured that there are plenty of ways to get free boxes and packing materials such as grocery stores, couriers, online social media groups, or furniture boutiques.
HOW TO PACK A TV FOR SHIPPING
How to ship a TV is only possible if you’ve packed it properly. One of the most important factors in a successful TV move is keeping the television upright. The design of TVs is not meant to lay flat on their sides to avoid the LCD/LED display from experiencing extra pressure and causing damage. It’s important to use the right type of box to keep the TV protected while it’s in transportation. If the TV is new or you still have the retail box that it arrived in, that is your best option in safely shipping the TV. If you got rid of that box, you can also opt for a TV box that’s designed to fit the specific size TV that you have. Visit your local home improvement store to see your options.
Once you have the box, you should look at the TV and make sure it’s free from dust and stains before you take the TV off of the stand or the wall mount. If you have loose equipment such as nuts, bolts, or other equipment that is associated with the TV, make sure to clearly label a plastic bag and place the loose items inside. You can place this bag inside of the TV box during shipment. Make sure to wrap the stand with foam or bubble wrap and secure it with tape or ties. Use a thin sheet of foam and tape it around the edges with an adhesive that’s removable.
YOUR TV SHIPPING 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 ship a TV.
USPS TV SHIPPING
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to ship your TV, USPS is your best option. 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 keep in mind is that most TVs will be too large for priority mail delivery and will require the retail ground option. This is available for shipments up to 70 pounds and up to 130 inches in combined length and girth. If you want to opt for extra protection, you can purchase additional insurance coverage in the case that 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.
SHIPPING TV WITH FEDEX
FedEx is another option for how to ship a TV. According to this carrier company, FedEx’s “Pack Plus” counter has everything needed to ship any type of electronic equipment. In fact, FedEx offers Flat Panel TV boxes that are 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 in which 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.
SHIPPING A TV THROUGH UPS
Shipping a TV through UPS is another option to consider. This is a customer-centric company and it 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 calculate time and cost tool. UPS also allows for a higher weight limit for shipped packages which is ideal for larger, heavier TVs. According to UPS, packages 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.
CONCLUSION
Although it may sound like a hassle, shipping a TV from one location to another 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 team at All Edgewater Movers is only a phone call away! We have helped countless residents and businesses safely and effectively move from one location to another. 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.
