How to Move a Gun Safe

Moving a gun safe poses its own set of challenges due to its weight and unhandy nature. However, worry not, for at TWO MEN AND A TRUCKⓇ, we excel at handling large and heavy items with meticulous attention and care. We also understand the importance of ensuring your valuables, including firearms, are transported safely.

While we always recommend seeking professional assistance by contacting your local TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchise, we recognize that circumstances may arise where you need to tackle the task yourself. That's why we're here to provide expert guidance every step of the way.

This step-by-step guide has all you need to know about moving your gun-safe securely. Whether you’re relocating to a new home or simply rearranging your space, we are here to help you navigate this intricate process confidently and efficiently.

Necessary Equipment

• Dolly - We always recommend having a dolly when moving a heavy item. This is because a dolly helps distribute the weight evenly and makes it easier to move the item without straining yourself.
• Work Gloves - Gloves provide you with extra grip while moving the safe. They also protect your hands from scratches and scuffs.
• Moving Blankets and Protective Wrapping - We strongly advise you get a moving blanket or any other wrapping material that can provide your gun safe with a layer of protective padding. This helps prevent denting or scratching the safe during the move.
• Ramps - Ramps come in handy when loading the safe onto a truck or a trailer.
• Packing Tape or Bungee Cords - You will need packing tape or cords to seal the protective wrapping and ensure it doesn’t come loose during the move.
• Ratchet Straps - You'll need ratchet straps to firmly secure the gun safe onto the dolly. Once loaded onto the moving truck or trailer, these straps are essential for securing the safe inside the vehicle for safe transport.
• Helpers - You should not attempt moving a gun safe on your own; you need help. Enlist the help of at least two friends or neighbors to assist you with the move. Better still, you can contact our professional movers at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK to take on the task.

Moving A Gun Safe

Here is a step-by-step guide to moving your gun safe. We strongly advise following these steps closely to ensure a safe and successful move.

1. Empty the Safe

It is not safe to move your gun safe with all your firearms and ammunition still inside. Before attempting to move the safe, the first step is to remove all firearms and any other items inside it.

2. Measure the Dimensions and Weight of the Gun Safe

Next, you'll want to measure the weight and dimensions of the safe. This step is important because it helps determine if the safe will fit through doorways or stairways and guides the best route for moving. Proper measurements also ensure you select the right equipment, like the suitable dolly and the appropriate moving truck. The information on the weight and dimensions of the safe is often included in the manufacturer’s specifications provided at the time of purchase. You can also go to the company's website where the safe was made and look up your gun safe's exact make and model. You should be able to find the precise weight there.

3. Create a Game Plan for Moving

A successful move requires planning. By now, you should have the exact dimensions of your safe, the necessary equipment, and an idea of how many friends you'll need to assist you. It's time to map the moving path, considering obstacles like doorways, stairs, and hallways. Ensure the path is clear and that the gun safe and dolly can pass through all exits smoothly.

4. Secure the Safe to the Dolly

With the help of one of your friends, place the gun safe onto the dolly. Ensure it’s perfectly centered and balanced. Then, use your ratchet straps to secure the safe to the dolly. This ensures the safe does not slip or shift during the move.

5. Lift with Caution

We recommend you use proper lifting techniques when lifting and moving the dolly. Remember to bend your knees, not your back, and lift with your legs, not your arms. Carefully guide the dolly through the mapped-out path and use ramps where necessary.

6. Load onto the Truck or Trailer

Attach a ramp to the opening of the truck’s load bed. Carefully guide the dolly up the ramp and into the truck. Then, you unload the gun safe from the dolly and onto the truck bed. Secure the safe using ratchet straps to ensure it remains stable during transit.