Moving a gun safe is not an easy task due to the safe’s bulky weight and size. Choosing a gun safe, especially a large one, is easy when the safe includes catchy features such as moisture protection, fire protection, and different lock styles.
There are many things to consider when buying a gun safe. Most gun safe stores provide the services of professional movers who have a great deal of experience and the proper tools required to effectively move your new gun safe.
However, if you’re not sure how to move a gun safe by yourself, then this guide on how to move a large gun safe will show you how to do it in simple and effective steps.
How to Move a Large Gun Safe
Moving your gun safe is a difficult process that requires a lot of work and planning. That is why you must get every step and decision right to avoid removing it. There are several steps to follow when preparing to move a large gun safe, and they include:
Safety Assessment
The first step is to run a quick safety and risk assessment to determine if you need an extra pair of hands.
Due to how risky and difficult this might be, it is advised to use professional movers. However, if this isn’t possible for you, you should at least get one more person to support you.
Map Out Your Destination
You should mark out the exact spot where you want to move the safe to. Ensure there is an exit route or other viable options and keep the moving distance as short as possible.
Clear the Area
Once you have the spot picked out, the next step is to clear out all obstacles. Measure all tight spots and doorways to allow for easy transportation. If this area includes a staircase, check to confirm that the staircase is sturdy enough to handle the weight movement.
Map Out the Size of the Safe
Mark out the weight and size dimensions of your safe. This helps you determine the effort required to move the safe and the width of the areas the safe must pass through.
Remove Objects From the Safe
Empty your safe to lighten its weight and protect valuable items from the risk of damage during the move.
Get an Appliance Dolly
Rent or borrow an appliance dolly to move your gun safe. Ensure the dolly includes ropes, supporting straps, moving blankets, and other special tools. Make sure that the appliance can also handle the weight and dimensions of your safe.
Don’t Forget Protection
Protect your hands with quality work gloves for a firm grip. You should also wear comfortable shoes with a firm floor grip for better traction to eliminate slipping and keep the feet protected.
You should also protect the walls and furniture in the moving area to prevent scratches or tears.
Secure the Safe
To keep your safe firmly secured, you should ensure it is completely strapped on the dolly. Balance the safe on the dolly, then double-check to ensure the dolly can comfortably carry and transport the safe. Make use of straps, ropes, and moving blankets to tightly secure the safe to prevent injuries or other serious damages.
You should also pad the edges and tough parts of the safe to prevent them from causing damage to other objects and moving equipment. Make sure to leave your grip areas open and clean to avoid slips.
Use the Proper Equipment
The size, dimensions, and weight of a gun safe make moving it in a simple manner impossible. To avoid serious injuries or damages, you should rent or buy the appropriate moving equipment to comfortably handle your safe, like a dolly. You should also factor in wheeled and stair climbing dollys for tricky areas and staircases.
Protecting Your Floors
Once you’ve protected the walls, gun safe edges, human body, and furniture, the last thing you need to do is protect the floor. Depending on your flooring surface, you should know how to safely move a safe on them.
Regardless of whether it is linoleum, tile, carpet, or polished wood, flooring can easily crack under the heavy weight of the gun safe. To avoid cracks and damages, you should use paddings or hard surface protection.
Paddings can include extra moving blankets or roll-out mats. The purpose of the padding is to act as a protective cushion to the flooring surface and as a barrier between the floor and hard surfaces.
Hard surfaces include plywood or steel sheets. These sheets help distribute the safe’s weight evenly across the surface for better pressure control. It is impossible to use a hard surface covering in a tight corner, so pay attention to avoid damages.
Sliders also help you slide the heavy safe across the floor without ruining it or hurting yourself.
Additional Tips to Help You Move Your Safe
Moving a gun safe is entirely possible when you have the right knowledge and tools. When confused, you can also reach out to professional movers for advice or help.
There are several other tips that will help you learn how to move a large gun safe, including:
- Keep other people, especially kids, out of the way through the moving process to avoid injuries or death in severe cases.
- Avoid bending or tilting the safe to prevent it from tipping over.
- Keep your guns safe and protected during the moving process. Never leave your guns in the safe during the moving process.
- Avoid cutting corners or using replacement equipment like metal pipes or golf balls, as they can lead to injuries or damage.
- For long-distance moves, consider hiring professional movers with the appropriate experience and equipment to move heavy items.
Conclusion
With the right planning, preparation, equipment, and additional help, moving a gun safe is a process that you can handle without the need for professionals. However, if you are unsure of moving the gun safe yourself, you should consider hiring professional movers.
They already have expert knowledge on moving gun safes without incurring damages to property or injuring people. Also, consider the weight limit of the company against that of your safe.
The tips we shared in this article will act as a guide on how to move heavy gun safes while also reducing the risk of injury or damage to your gun safe and your home.
Leave a Reply