A backyard essential, your barbecue grill, has likely been the main attraction at many outdoor gatherings. When it comes time to move your
barbecue to your new home, you will want do so carefully to ensure its safety as well as your own.
Preparing the grill
Do not attempt to move a grill after use.
Though a barbecue usually has heat-proof handles, the base and lid can reach high temperatures during use, and will need some time to cool down. Before attempting to relocate your grill, be sure an adequate amount of time has passed since it was last fired up. You may also want to clean your grill before moving it.
- Remove gas tank/charcoal briquettes from grill. If you have a gas grill, unscrew the attached propane tank at your barbecue's base, and empty the fuel. You cannot transport flammable or combustible substances on any commercial moving truck, and it may also be unsafe to have in your own vehicle for long periods of time. If your grill uses charcoal, be sure to remove all the briquettes from beneath the rack. This will make your grill much lighter and easier to move.
- Remove all other parts/utensils. All removable parts, utensils, and racks should be removed from your barbecue and packed separately. This will not only lighten the grill so it is easier to transport, but it will prevent loose parts from rattling around inside it, causing scratches or damage. You can also prevent your grill's accessories from becoming lost by safely packing them in a separate box. Be careful with utensils that have sharp edges---be sure to pack them with sturdy materials to prevent injury.
- Wrap the grill to protect from scratches. If you have a particularly valuable grill, such as one made of stainless steel, you may want to protect its surface from unsightly scratches or dents. Wrap your grill in a protective moving blanket and secure with packing tape to prevent damage, and keep your grill's lid closed during transit. Be sure to leave any handles and wheels uncovered so you can move your grill with ease.
Moving the grill
- Wheeled grill. These grills have wheels on both or one side of the base to make relocation simple. Enlist a helper to aid you in carefully pushing and guiding the grill towards the moving truck. Tilt the grill towards you if it is on two wheels and slowly roll it in the direction of the truck, gently steering it around corners. With your helper inside the back of the moving trailer to receive the grill, carefully roll it up the ramp.
- Handled cart grill. Handled barbecues are fairly easy to move. The handles are usually positioned on the grill's sides or on top of the lid, which can be locked and secured for carrying. Handled grills can be small--consisting of just a charcoal grid, lid, legs and a venting system--or larger, with enclosed storage cabinets underneath. After removing its contents, the grill should be light enough to be portable. If you need assistance, have a friend grab one side of the grill, carefully lift it off the ground, and carry it onto your moving truck.
- Kettle grill. The smallest and easiest barbecue to transport is a kettle grill. The small, round fire pit set atop two or four legs is made for portability, and is light enough for one person to lift, carry and load onto a moving truck.
Photo by: Thaikrit (Freedigitalphotos.net)