A gun can be a taboo topic. Moving one inside a safe can be even less talked about. We are here to open up about the best practices and safest ways to transport your gun to your new home. We break it down into a step by step guide to keep it simple.
Moving Your Weapon
Moving a gun safe is no small task. This dangerous weapon and important self defense tool requires careful planning to keep it safe when everything in your life is boxed up and a mess..
Whether you’re relocating to a new place, organizing your basement, or simply redoing your office, it’s important to make sure the gun is moved securely, without damaging anything or injuring yourself. This guide will walk you through it.
Our Non-Taboo Step-by-Step Guide to Moving a Gun
Step 0: Take Apart Your Gun
I am listing this as step zero as this should be the basic of the basic if you are a trained gun owner. When a gun is not it use, it should be taken apart and the elements that can shoot should be separated from each other to ensure safety. It should be verified that there are no live bullets in the barrel and all parts are clean.
Take the gun out and transport it seperate from the safe during the move until the safe is installed as need be in the new home.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Equipment
Before you start the moving process, make sure you have the right equipment on hand. It’s simple: If you are a gun owner, you should always keep your gun in a gun safe when not on your person.
You wouldn’t want it falling into the wrong hands or a child thinking it’s a toy. A gun safe is not only heavy but also awkwardly shaped, so you’ll need tools that will make the job easier and safer.
What we suggest:
- Dollies: A heavy-duty moving dolly is helpful for moving large items like a gun safe. Depending on the size of your gun and safe you might just be able to disassemble the gun and transport it in your car.
- Moving Straps: These will help you lift and secure the gun safe on the dolly it it’s big. Straps should be able to handle heavy weight.
- Gloves: These are for protection and to ensure you have a firm grip on the safe.
- Furniture Sliders: These are helpful when sliding the safe over floors it it is a big one.
- Tools for Disassembly: Some gun safes may have handles that need to be removed to make the safe lighter and easier to move. Check the instructions to see if disassembly is needed.
- Measuring Tape: Measure the safe and the doorway/entry path to be sure it fits through.
Step 2: Understand the Gun Safe’s Weight and Size
Before you move the safe with the gun inside, you need to know its exact weight and dimensions. Depending on the size and materials, a typical gun safe could weigh anywhere from 300 pounds to over 1,000 pounds.
Try and get it on a scale or research the brand online.
Knowing the weight helps you decide whether you can move the safe yourself or if you should call in professional long distance movers with tools.
Step 3: Prepare Your Path
Clearing a path for the moving of the safe is the way to not get frustrated. Remove any furniture, rugs, or other items along the route. Measure doorways, stairs, and any tight corners where the safe must pass through.
Tips:
- Use furniture sliders.
- If you are moving the safe up or down stairs, ensure the stairs are clear.
- Remove door frames temporarily if the fit is tight.
- Consider covering the flooring material if your gun safe is particularly heavy.
- Use moving blankets to protect both the safe and the floor.
Step 4: Empty the Gun Safe
If your gun safe contains any other valuables, guns, or documents, remove them before moving. This will reduce the weight and ensure that things don’t get jostled around mid-move.
Always take extra precautions when handling the guns. Unload them safely and store them in a secure location while you’re moving the safe and then move them with you in the car to your new home. Don’t trust just anyone to help here.
Step 5: Use the Dolly to Move the Safe
With the safe empty and the path clear, it’s time to move it. If the safe is small and light enough to lift by hand, just do it and put it in your car. For larger safes, you will need to use a heavy-duty dolly and have extra hands on deck to help out.
- Lift with Caution: With one or more friends, depending on the size of the safe, tilt the safe back onto the dolly. Position the dolly under the safe and secure it with straps or ropes. Be sure that the weight is evenly distributed on the dolly and that it is in the middle.
- Use Proper Lifting: When lifting, bend your knees and be sure not to pull from your back and keep your back straight. This will help you avoid injury since it is heavy!
- Use the Straps to Secure: Once the safe is on the dolly, use moving straps to secure it. This will prevent it from tipping over during the move. Don’t skip this step.
- Move Steadily: Whether you’re pushing or pulling the dolly, take your time. Move carefully around corners and maneuver it down to the truck.
Step 6: Unload the Safe and Position It in the New Home
Once you reach the destination, unload the safe and position it once and for all in a safe location without children. Lift the safe off the dolly and place it in its new location and make sure it fits well. If the safe needs to be bolted to the floor for added security, now is the time to remember to bolt it. Make sure the safe is placed on a stable, flat surface.
Step 7: Test and Lock the Safe and Return the Guns
Now that we are almost done, let’s test the safe to be sure it is still functioning properly. Lock and unlock the safe a few times to test it to make sure the locking mechanism hasn’t been affected from the move.
Now you can put your gun and all its part safely back where it should be stored to keep yourself and your family safe.
Guns Out
Moving a gun and the gun safe requires some planning due to its weight and size, the right tools, and a careful watch over your weapon. Whether you’re handling it yourself or calling in the pro affordable movers from Pricing Van Lines, taking these steps above will help keep you and your loved ones safe. Keep safe and keep keeping those around you safe. Happy moving from all of us at Pricing Van Lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move homes on my own
Yes, you can do what is called a DIY move. Rent a moving truck, ask friends to help you or rent moving laborers by the hour, and pack it all up on your own. This might seem cheaper, but be aware that sometimes it is not the best option and ends up costing more.
How much do moving companies charge to move a gun safe for me?
The cost to move a gun safe will change depending on the size and weight of the safe, distance of the move, and whether stairs are involved. Movers charge between $200 and $600 for local moves. Long-distance moves or particularly heavy safes may cost more. It might be cheaper if part of a bigger move.
What happens if my home goods get damaged during the move?
Insurance is here to cover your goods. To avoid damage, always use the proper tools and equipment, such as moving blankets, dollies, and straps when moving heavy items. If damage occurs, it may be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy too or the moving insurance, but it’s important to document the damage asap to prove it was due to the move.
What are some cool ways to repurpose old furniture?
You can transform old furniture into new fun pieces. Turn a coffee table into a storage bench, upcycle wooden pallets into shelves or a table, or repurpose old chairs as planters. Get creative and check out Pintrest for even more ideas.
How do I know the best way to move cross-country?
If you are moving across the USA, you need professional moves to handle the logistics and planning side of things. Pricing Van Lines will handle all the hard parts, you just focus on packing up your life. Book today to lock in the best rates.
