Whether you’re relocating or simply want to position your safe in a different spot in your home, moving your gun safe is far from an easy task.
Let’s face it, they’re big, designed to be unbreakable, and can often weigh hundreds of pounds, so you’ll need to properly prepare for the job.
Oftentimes, the safest way to relocate a gun safe is by hiring professional movers who have the equipment and training to move it for you.
However, if you are planning on moving it yourself, this guide will show you how to safely move your heavy gun safe while reducing the risk of any damage to yourself or your home.
Let’s begin!
How to Move a Gun Safe: The Ultimate Guide
Consider The Gun Safe Size
The first thing to do before you begin trying to transport your gun safe is to first think about how much it weighs.
Generally speaking, the size of your gun safe will greatly impact what you will require to safely move it, as well as whether or not you’ll need to ask friends or family to assist you.
So, with that being said, if you have a small gun safe (that weighs under 50 lbs) you’ll likely find that you’ll be able to move it with little to no trouble, and won’t require the help of a trolley.
Although, we do recommend asking a friend or family member to help you lift it, just to be on the safe side.
On the other hand, if you have a medium to large gun safe designed to hold more than one firearm, you’re going to need to do some planning in advance before you transport it.
These types of safes usually weigh anywhere from 100 lbs to 250lbs so you won’t be able to safely transport it by yourself, and will require the help of moving equipment - which brings us on to our next section.
Tools You’ll Need
If you have a heavy gun safe, the last thing you’ll want to do is try and move your gun safe by yourself! The safest way to move your gun safe is by using the correct tools. Here’s a list of what you may need:
- Straps: Straps can be placed around the safe in order to secure it safely to the moving trolley or inside the moving van. Additionally, you can purchase or rent moving straps with handles that work by placing the straps underneath the safe, and then using the handles to lift it more safely.
- Trolley: If you are moving a medium to large gun safe, then a trolley will be a necessity. This will allow you to place the safe onto the trolley, so that you can transport it easily.
- Lifting platform: A lifting platform will be required if you plan on using a trolley, placing it into a moving van, or moving it to a higher spot in your home, such as on a shelf. You can usually rent these.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Empty the Safe
The first step is to take all of the contents out of the safe.
Your gun safe will be heavy enough as it is, so one way to make it a little easier to move is by taking out the firearms, ammo, and other valuables held inside. In addition to making it easier to transport, it’s also important to be mindful of the safety of yourself and others.
If you decided to move your gun safe with all of your firearms still inside and accidentally dropped it, there’s a chance that one could discharge, which could injure someone or cause damage to your property.
So, make sure that you remove all guns and unload any live ammunition before deciding to move your gun safe. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Plan the Route
The next thing to do is check the route. Are there any big pieces of furniture that will be obstacles? Are there any tricky, narrow turns, or a flight of stairs you need to go down?
Be sure to take measurements before you begin, so you don’t run into any trouble while actually transporting it. If you take the time to properly plan, you’ll find that the transportation process goes a whole lot easier.
- Get Friends to Help
You’re going to need some friends to help you get the job done, and, take it from us, you can almost always win over some help by offering the promise of delicious pizza and beer as a thank you treat.
However, if you are planning on hiring a professional safe mover, you’ll have to make sure that the safe has been properly prepared before you do.
Professional gun safe movers cannot move live ammunition within their trucks, and they also cannot move any guns that do not have the proper licensing. You’ll have to follow the steps below:
- Make sure that you have all of your gun registrations and licenses ready to be able to show the gun safe movers as soon as they arrive.
- Make sure that all of your guns have been unloaded.
- Remove all additional ammunition from your safe.
- Remove all mounting equipment.
- If you have any personal belongings, make sure that these have also been taken out of the safe, so that they don’t get damaged during transportation.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it. We hope that this guide has helped you to learn about how to move a gun safe.
Remember, one of the most important parts of moving your gun safe is making sure that you have all of the equipment you need beforehand, including a dolly and straps if you’re doing it by yourself.
It's also a good idea to have some friends available who are physically up to the task and, of course, a solid plan in place beforehand. Before you go, why not bookmark this page?
That way, if you forget any of our tips or want to come back for a refresh, you’ll know where to find us.
Good luck!