Pre-Move Preparations: Planning and Safety First
Assess Your Safe
Begin by understanding the specifics of the safe itself. The weight and dimensions of your gun safe are crucial. These figures dictate the equipment needed and the degree of difficulty involved. Consult the safe’s manual, look for a sticker on the safe, or, if those are unavailable, research the model online. Make sure to be accurate, as estimating incorrectly can lead to challenges later on.
Next, take note of the type of safe you have. Is it a free-standing model, or is it bolted to the floor or wall? If bolted, you will need to detach it prior to moving. Inspect the safe for any unique features, such as a combination dial or electronic keypad. Take pictures of the safe before starting the process. This visual documentation can be valuable in case any issues arise during the move.
Finally, ensure the safe is empty. This involves removing all firearms, ammunition, and any other valuables. Consider moving the contents to a secure location, such as another safe, a locked cabinet, or a separate room within the home.
Choose Your Route and Destination
The path the safe will travel is as important as the safe itself. Conduct a thorough inspection of the intended route. Look for any potential obstacles that might pose a problem. This includes narrow doorways, tight corners, and stairways. Measure the width of doorways to ensure your safe can pass through without difficulty. Clear the area of any obstructions, like furniture, decorations, or anything else that could impede the movement of the safe or lead to injury.
Consider the flooring. Hardwood, tile, and other delicate surfaces are vulnerable to scratches and dents from the safe’s weight. Evaluate the construction of the floors as well. Ensure the floor can bear the immense weight of the safe, especially in upstairs locations.
The new location should also be carefully considered. Assess the flooring in the new area and the access points leading to the new location. Determine if the chosen spot is structurally sound enough to support the safe’s weight.
Gather Necessary Tools and Equipment
Having the right tools and equipment is critical for a successful gun safe move. Investing in the correct items will significantly reduce the risk of accidents and make the process much easier.
A heavy-duty hand truck or dolly is an absolute must. Choose one with a high weight capacity that exceeds the weight of your safe. Look for models with straps to secure the safe to the hand truck during transport.
Furniture sliders or moving blankets are crucial for protecting your floors from scratches. Sliders work well on hard surfaces, while blankets provide cushioning for a variety of floors. Ensure that you have enough for both under the safe and to wrap it in case you need to protect the walls or other objects.
If you are moving the safe up or down a ramp, make sure the ramp can also support the weight of the safe. If you need to use ramps, ensure they are wide enough to handle the safe safely.
Strong straps and tie-downs are essential for securing the safe to the hand truck, the dolly, or any other equipment used for transport. Ratchet straps are generally recommended for their secure tightening capabilities.
Gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy shoes are necessary for personal safety. Gloves provide a good grip and protect your hands from injury. Safety glasses shield your eyes from debris, and sturdy shoes offer ankle support and protection.
Optional tools include a pry bar which can be used to move the safe on its feet. Leveling shims are helpful for ensuring the safe is level in its new location. Moving straps are also valuable, particularly those designed for lifting heavy objects.
Safety Procedures
Safety is paramount. Moving a gun safe involves inherent risks, and it’s critical to prioritize safety throughout the entire process.
Start by clearing the area to create a safe working environment. Remove any furniture, fragile items, or other obstacles that could get in the way.
Enlist help. Trying to move a gun safe alone is extremely dangerous. Secure the help of at least one other person. The more people you have, the easier and safer the move will be. Make sure everyone understands the plan and is familiar with their roles.
Communication is key. Establish clear lines of communication. Create a set of signals to indicate movement, stopping, and potential hazards.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes gloves to provide a good grip, safety glasses to protect your eyes, and sturdy shoes for foot protection.
Moving the Gun Safe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Safe
The first step is to prepare the safe itself. As mentioned previously, remove all firearms, ammunition, and valuables. This ensures the contents will not shift and potentially cause damage or pose a safety risk during the move.
Secure the door. This prevents the door from swinging open during transport, which could cause injury or damage. Lock the safe, or secure it using tape or a strap.
Lifting and Maneuvering the Safe
Here, the safe begins its journey from point A to point B. Depending on the situation, this is where different methods are used to move the safe.
Using a hand truck/dolly:
Begin by positioning the hand truck in front of the safe. Carefully lean the safe back, enough to slip the hand truck under it. Ensure the hand truck is centered and the safe is stable.
Secure the safe to the hand truck using straps. Tighten the straps firmly, but do not overtighten.
Lift the safe onto the hand truck. Have one person balance the safe while the other person tightens and secures the straps.
Steering and maneuvering the safe while mounted on the hand truck. One person should be in the front and the other in the back. The person in the front should be guiding the safe while the other keeps the safe balanced and secure.
Using furniture sliders/moving blankets:
Place sliders under the safe, making sure they are distributed evenly. When using moving blankets, place them under the safe.
With the sliders and blankets in place, begin sliding the safe across the floor. Guide the safe slowly and carefully.
Dealing with Obstacles
Stairs:
Stairways can pose a significant risk. Consider hiring professional movers. They have specialized equipment and experience.
In a situation where professionals are not feasible, use ramps, moving blankets, and have several strong people helping.
Doorways:
Before transporting, accurately measure the doorways to ensure that the safe can pass. Consider removing the door or frame if necessary.
Uneven Terrain:
To safely move the safe across uneven terrain, use shims to create a level surface.
Loading and Unloading
Proper loading and unloading techniques are critical, especially if using a truck or trailer.
Truck/Trailer:
When loading onto a truck or trailer, use ramps and secure the safe with straps.
At the New Location:
At the new location, carefully guide the safe into its final destination.
Final Steps and Considerations
Positioning the Safe
Once the safe is in the desired location, make sure it is level. Place shims beneath the safe if necessary.
Check for stability. Ensure the safe is stable before releasing the straps.
Bolting down the safe is recommended. This will add an extra layer of security.
Checking for Damage
After moving the safe, inspect it for any dents, scratches, or other damage. Also, inspect the floors and walls for any damage.
Restoring the Safe
Finally, restock the safe. Ensure all firearms, ammunition, and valuables are placed in their proper locations.
Professional Help
The cost of hiring professional movers is worth it to avoid potential injury. When in doubt, call the professionals.
Conclusion
Moving a gun safe by yourself can be a doable task when it’s done with careful planning and careful execution. Take the time to assess your safe, prepare your route, and gather the right tools. Prioritize safety above all else by enlisting help, communicating effectively, and wearing proper PPE. By adhering to these steps, you can increase the chances of a successful and damage-free move. Keep in mind, if you are unsure or the move feels unsafe, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with heavy, valuable, and potentially dangerous items like a gun safe. Make an informed decision about your approach to safely move your gun safe.
