Gun safes are notoriously difficult to move, and a fully packed safe can weigh more than a small elephant. If you are a gun owner, you've probably thought about how to move your safe during a relocation. Because of the possible dangers associated with moving a gun safe, it is recommended that you hire professional movers for the job. However, if that option is not available, there are ways to move a gun safe that reduces damage and the risk of injury.
Empty the safe before your move
Always make sure your gun safe is emptied before attempting a move. This will:
- Make the safe lighter
- Prevent damage in case of a drop, which can lead to expensive replacements and repairs
- Be safer -- never move loaded guns whether they're inside or outside of the safe
Obtain proper equipment
When moving a gun safe, having the proper equipment can be the difference between a safe or dangerous move.
Necessary equipment when moving a gun safe:
- A heavy-duty dolly (such as a furniture/appliance dolly)
- Thick gloves
- Security straps
- Truck to load it on
- Special equipment, such as a stair climbing dolly or pallet jacks
Heavy-duty moves require heavy-duty equipment; never cheap out on equipment when moving a safe. Always buy or rent the best equipment available to ensure that your move goes smoothly and safely. We also recommend testing your equipment beforehand to minimize the risk of equipment failure.
Secure the safe
Carefully tilt the safe on one side and slide the dolly underneath. Helpers should be wearing gloves for this part. Then, wrap the safe as tight as possible with the security straps. This secures the safe to the dolly and helps minimize any movement. Once secured, tilt the dolly back, so that the weight is evenly distributed among the wheels.
Enlist others to help with the move
Gun safes should not be moved alone -- doing so can cause injury and/or significant damage to your home. Therefore, it's important to enlist the help of strong friends, family and neighbors. This is especially true when moving the safe up or down stairs.
Friends with moving experience are optimal candidates. However if no one in the group has experience, they can make up for it in manpower and enthusiasm.
Create a strategy for the move
When moving a gun safe, there are various obstacles that need to be accounted for in the planning phase; these include stairwells, tight corners, small doorways and narrow hallways. These obstacles can make moving your gun safe significantly more difficult.
Measuring your safe beforehand can be useful in planning your path of action. Think everything through before starting the move. One mistake can lead to injury and/or significant damage to your home. Lastly, cover your walls and floors before starting your move to protect them from any damage.
Dress appropriately for the move
Along with obtaining the proper equipment, dressing appropriately is also important in preventing injury when moving a safe. Make sure that you and your helpers are all wearing high quality work gloves, durable pants such as jeans or cargo pants, and steel-toes shoes.
Moving the safe
- Once the safe is secured to the dolly with the load strap, tilt the dolly back onto its wheels so that the weight of the safe is being supported on the wheels. It's likely you will need multiple people to tilt the safe into this position.
- When moving the safe on the dolly, always have at least two or three helpers holding up the safe to keep it steady.
- Once the safe is on the truck, tilt the dolly back into position, easing it slowly and carefully until it's resting flat on the truck floor.
- Remove the load strap that is holding it in place and tied to the dolly, and then carefully slide the dolly out from under the safe.
If moving the safe upstairs, the best approach is to have one helper guide the safe while others lift the dolly up one step at a time.
If moving the safe downstairs, have at least three of your friends guide the wheels of the dolly while slowly easing it down the stairs.
Alternatively, buying or renting a stair climbing dolly will help significantly in moving your safe upstairs or downstairs
Safety tips for moving a gun safe
Remember that personal safety is above all else, these tips will help you and your friends stay safe during the relocation of your gun safe.
- Don't rush, it's important to take things slow when moving a heavy object, especially when moving the safe upstairs or downstairs
- Always make sure that the straps are fastened tightly to avoid the safe from dislodging or tipping over
- If the safe is about to tip over, letting it drop and hit the ground is always a better alternative than risking personal injury