Moving a gun safe is not an easy task because of its bulky size and weight. But if you must move your safe, these tips will show you how to move a safe while reducing your risk of injury and damage to your home and your safe.
Safety in Numbers
Sometimes it is tempting to move your safe on your own; especially when the move is in the same room, like to another wall. The danger in this is that it could tip over. Whether you are moving it across the room or to a room down the hall, have others help you. It’s a good idea to have at least three strong friends available who are physically up to this heavy-duty task.
Preparation Is Key
Part of moving a safe is preparing it for the move and having the right equipment available. But most importantly, you need to have a plan in place.
- Pre-plan your route through the house so that you will know whether you can actually transport the safe through any tight or narrow spaces.
- Ensure any staircases that might be used are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the safe.
- Empty out your safe to make it lighter to move and protect its valuable contents from being damaged when moved.
- Borrow or rent a heavy-duty appliance dolly, supporting straps or ropes, and thick moving blankets.
- When renting equipment from a moving company, you’ll need to know the dimensions and weight of your safe.
- Wear comfortable shoes with good soles for better traction to reduce the chance of you slipping while you move the safe.
- Protect your hands with high-quality work gloves that will give you a good grip on the safe and moving equipment.
- If you’re moving the safe to another house or business, make sure the vehicle you use is large enough and capable of carrying the weight of your safe.
Once you are ready to move your safe, you’ll want to make sure that it’s closed and locked. Wrapping it in the moving blankets will help protect from damage. You’ll want to tape the blankets in place to prevent them from falling and causing tripping.
With the help of your friends, slowly and CAREFULLY tilt your safe and slip the dolly underneath its bottom. Completely secure the safe to the dolly with the straps or ropes before moving along your pre-planned path. If you’re loading the safe onto the back of a moving truck, use a loading ramp to roll the dolly up.
Once the safe is in the truck, position it against a side and securely strap it so it doesn’t move during the ride. Whether your move is within your home or another location, reverse your steps to safely unload your safe and move it into its new space.
Liberty Safe doesn’t normally recommend that you move a safe on your own.