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What to Think About When Moving A Safe

Moving a safe is no easy task. Unlike other pieces of furniture, safes are designed to be heavy, awkward to maneuver, and, most importantly, secure. Whether you are moving to a new home or just relocating the safe within your current space, it is crucial to take the right steps to ensure that the process is safe for you, your helpers, and your property. 

This detailed guide will provide everything you need to know about moving a safe, including step-by-step instructions, tips, and important reminders. By keeping these points in mind, you can navigate this challenging process with confidence.

Why Moving a Safe Is Challenging

Safes are built for one primary purpose: security. To achieve this, they are made of heavy-duty materials like reinforced steel and thick walls that can withstand physical attacks. 

This weight makes moving a safe extremely challenging. Safes often weigh hundreds to thousands of pounds, depending on their size and the material used. Moving them improperly could lead to significant damage to your property or, worse, serious injury to those attempting the move.

If you are considering moving a safe, it is essential to assess whether it is something you can handle on your own or if professional help is needed. Even with a team of people, moving a safe can be risky without the right equipment and knowledge.

Eleven Steps to Remember When Moving a Safe

1. Assess the Situation Before Moving Your Safe

Before attempting to move your safe, you need to evaluate the conditions of the move. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • How heavy is the safe? Some safes can weigh 200 pounds, while others can weigh over 1,000 pounds.
  • Where is the safe located? Are there stairs, narrow doorways, or tight corners that need to be navigated?
  • What type of flooring will you be moving across? Hardwood floors, carpet, and tiles each have different implications for moving a safe.
  • How far does the safe need to be moved?

Assessing these factors will help you determine the tools you need and whether professional help is warranted.

2. Gather the Right Tools for Moving Your Safe

One of the biggest mistakes when moving a safe is trying to do it without the proper tools. Here is a list of essential equipment you should have to move a safe effectively:

  • Heavy-duty dolly: A high-capacity dolly is critical for maneuvering a safe. Make sure the dolly can handle the weight of your safe.
  • Straps and ropes: Ratchet straps will help secure the safe onto the dolly and prevent it from shifting during the move.
  • Gloves: Heavy-duty gloves will help protect your hands from injury during lifting and moving.
  • Moving blankets: Use these to protect the safe and your property from damage.
  • Plywood sheets: These can be placed on floors to distribute weight evenly, especially on surfaces prone to scratching.

3. Practice Safety Precautions When Moving Your Safe

Moving a safe without taking safety precautions is a recipe for disaster. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure everyone stays safe:

  • Never move a safe alone: Safes are extremely heavy, and trying to move one without assistance could lead to serious injury. Always have at least two to three people helping.
  • Lift with your legs, not your back: This basic rule can prevent back injuries. Always squat and use your legs for power when lifting any heavy object.
  • Plan your route in advance: Know exactly where you are going and clear the path of any obstacles that could cause trips or falls.
  • Use straps to secure the safe: Make sure the safe is securely strapped to the dolly. The last thing you want is for it to shift or fall during transport.
  • Wear protective gear: Wear sturdy shoes with good traction to prevent slipping.

4. Prepare a Clear Path for Moving Your Safe

Before moving your safe, it is crucial to prepare the path you will be taking. Take the time to measure all doorways, hallways, and stairwells to ensure the safe will fit through them. Remove any obstacles, such as furniture, rugs, or other items that could be in the way.

If you have hardwood or tile floors, lay down plywood sheets or moving blankets to protect the flooring from scratches or cracks. If there are stairs involved, make sure the stairway is wide enough and can handle the weight of the safe.

5. Carefully Consider How to Remove Your Safe

Once you have assessed the situation, gathered the right tools, and prepared your path, you can begin moving your safe. Follow these steps to do so safely:

  1. Position the Dolly: Carefully tilt the safe and slide the dolly underneath it. You may need help to tip the safe, as it is likely very heavy.
  2. Secure the Safe: Use ratchet straps to secure the safe tightly to the dolly. This will keep it from moving or tipping over.
  3. Push, Don’t Pull: When moving the dolly, always push rather than pull. Pushing gives you better control and reduces the risk of back injury.
  4. Navigate Corners Carefully: Take your time going around corners or through narrow spaces. Be sure to communicate with your team so that everyone is moving in sync.
  5. Use Plywood for Stairs: If you need to go down or up stairs, consider laying plywood over the steps to create a ramp. Make sure that everyone helping is aware of their roles and that movements are slow and controlled.

6. Plan for the Surfaces Over Which You’ll Be Moving Your Safe

The surface you are moving the safe across will greatly impact your moving strategy. Here are some considerations for different flooring types:

  • Hardwood floors: These can scratch easily, so place moving blankets or plywood sheets along the path.
  • Carpet: A dolly can be difficult to roll over thick carpet. Using plywood can create a smooth surface to roll on.
  • Tile: Tiles can crack under extreme weight, so always distribute the weight by using plywood.

7. Carefully Consider How to Load Your Safe

If you are moving the safe to a different location, getting it into a moving truck will be the next challenge. Moving a safe up a truck ramp can be particularly tricky.

  • Use a heavy-duty ramp: Make sure the moving truck has a sturdy ramp that can handle the weight of your safe.
  • Move Slowly: Pushing the safe up the ramp should be done slowly and with at least two people guiding it—one pushing from behind and the other guiding from the side.
  • Secure in the Truck: Once inside the truck, make sure the safe is properly secured to prevent it from shifting during transit.

8. Know When to Call Professionals to Move Your Safe

Moving a safe is not something everyone can do, and that’s perfectly fine. There are many situations where hiring professional movers is the best course of action. Consider hiring professionals if:

  • You have a safe that is over 500 pounds
  • You need to move the safe up or down several flights of stairs
  • You do not have the proper tools or enough people to assist
  • You want to avoid injury regardless of the size of the safe

When it comes to moving safes, trust the experts at Mitchell Moving Co. We understand the importance of your valuables and the need for precision and care. Whether it’s a small personal safe or an 800lb gun safe, our team is equipped to handle the job safely and efficiently.

9. Add Insurance Before You Move Your Safe

When moving such a heavy and valuable item, accidents can happen, no matter how careful you are. It is important to consider liability and insurance options. Professional moving companies are insured, which means that if something goes wrong during the move, you will not be left to deal with the repercussions alone.

10. Consider Placement After You Have Moved Your Safe

Once the safe has been successfully moved, take time to position it carefully in its new location. Make sure it is level to avoid any issues with the locking mechanism. If it is a floor safe, ensure that it is properly bolted down to prevent theft.

When deciding on the location for your safe in your new space, consider the following factors:

  • Security: Place the safe in a location that is not easily accessible to intruders.
  • Weight Support: Ensure that the floor is strong enough to support the weight of the safe, especially if placed on an upper level.
  • Accessibility: Make sure that you can easily access the safe whenever you need it without having to move other furniture or objects.

11. Avoid Common Mistakes When Moving Your Safe

  • Underestimating the Weight: Always overestimate rather than underestimate the weight of a safe. A heavier safe means more planning and the need for extra hands.
  • Not Using a Dolly: Trying to move a safe without a dolly is asking for trouble. Always use a heavy-duty dolly that can support the weight of your safe.
  • Ignoring Safety Precautions: Moving a safe without gloves, straps, or the proper footwear could lead to serious injury. Never ignore safety precautions.
  • Rushing the Move: Moving a safe is not something that should be rushed. Take your time to make sure every movement is calculated and safe.

Choose Mitchell Moving Company to Help Move Your Safe in Wilkes County, NC

At Mitchell Moving Company, we understand how daunting it can be to move large and heavy items like safes. Our professional moving services are designed to provide you with peace of mind. We serve Wilkesboro, North Wilkesboro, and the surrounding areas, offering specialized moving solutions that ensure your valuables are relocated safely and securely. 

With experience and dedication to customer satisfaction, we take pride in making the moving process as seamless as possible.

Whether you need help moving a safe, furniture, or your entire household, we are here to help. Our team of skilled movers is equipped with the tools and experience needed to handle even the most challenging moves.

If you're in Wilkesboro, North Wilkesboro, or nearby areas and need assistance moving a safe, reach out to Mitchell Moving Company. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling into your new space. Contact us today for a quote and learn how we can make your next move your best move yet.