Moving a safe is not always easy, as they can be big and bulky. While it's recommended to use professional movers that are experienced with moving safes, you can definitely move a safe yourself. Below, we've compiled a list of tips you can follow to move a heavy safe without risking injury to yourself or damage to your home or your safe.
Ask for Help
As a safe owner, you may want to move a gun safe by yourself and avoid having others know where it's located. However, there is safety in numbers and you should ask for help. Even if you're only moving the safe down the hall, having someone help you will reduce the risk of injury.
Prepare the Safe
Prior to moving your safe, there are several things you should do to prepare it for moving. It's recommended that you empty all of the contents out of the safe. Not only will this reduce the weight of the safe, but it will also protect your valuables. Before moving your safe, you should also make sure that the door is closed. If a door opens while you are moving, it may result in damage to your walls or to your body. To prevent this, you should wrap blankets around the safe and secure them with strong tape.
Have the Right Type of Moving Equipment
The best way to move a safe is to use a dolly and ropes or straps to secure the safe. If you don't already have a dolly, you can rent a dolly from a moving company or home improvement store. Before you move your safe, make sure you know the dimensions of the safe and whether it can be secured to the dolly so it won't fall off during the move.
Prepare Your Route
Before moving your safe, make sure you have a plan in place. Pre-plan your route and make sure the path is clear of obstructions. Make sure you measure any tight spots and doorways you will be passing through, confirming whether your safe and the dolly will fit through there. If the safe will not fit through any part of your planned route, you should consider changing the route or moving the safe somewhere else.
Protect the Walls and Floors
Safe owners can inflict severe damage to their walls and floors if care is not taken. Damage can be prevented by adhering blankets or large cardboard panels to the walls and floor along the planned route. This will minimize the amount of damage that is done to your home if the safe happens to tip over.
Moving a gun safe by yourself is not an easy task. By seeking help and taking the appropriate measures to prepare, you can prevent damage to yourself or your home.
