Moving a gun safe is no small task. Gun safes are built to be heavy, secure, and protective, which makes transporting one a challenge for homeowners. With thick steel gauges and large sizes, gun safes require careful handling. That’s why it’s important to understand how to transport a gun safe properly to avoid serious injury or costly property damage.
While it’s possible to take the DIY approach, the safer and full-proof option is to hire professionals. Many American Security dealers offer expert installation services to ensure your safe is moved and set up without risk. Not only does this save you the hassle, but it also provides peace of mind knowing that the job will be done right, minimizing risk and protecting both you and your valuables. Discover where the closest safe moving professionals are to you by utilizing our dealer locator and they can make the process a breeze. In the meantime, we’re going to cover some key tips and tricks on how to move a gun safe yourself.
Step 1: Assess Your Gun Safe
Before you begin moving your gun safe, you should assess the specific characteristics of the safe itself so that you have the right plan and tools in place.
Weight and Dimensions
The first thing to consider is the weight and size of your safe. Gun safes can range from a few hundred to well over a thousand pounds, depending on the model. Knowing the weight will help you gauge whether you can manage the move yourself or if you’ll need professional assistance. It also determines what kind of equipment is required, like a heavy-duty safe moving dolly such as an Ultra Lift or extra help. Likewise, understanding the dimensions of your safe will ensure it can fit through doorways, staircases, or tight corners without issue.
Safe Model
Gun safes come in various styles, and each type may require a different approach to transport. Luckily, American Security offers a variety of models that make gun safe moving easier. This includes:
TF Gun Safe
- 55 ¼” H x 17 ¾” W x 16” D
- 286 lbs
- Fire rating of 1200°F for 30-minutes
Moving Tools
Having the right tools can make all the difference in a safe and efficient move. Some essential equipment includes:
- Dolly: A sturdy, high-capacity safe moving dolly, such as an Ultra Lift, helps move heavy safes across flat surfaces or up and down stairs.
- Moving Blankets: These protect both your safe and your walls from damage during transport.
- Straps and tie-downs: These secure the safe to the dolly or truck to prevent shifting during the move.
- Gloves: Heavy-duty gloves provide a better grip and protect your hands from injury while moving large, awkward objects.
Step 2: Pre-Transport Prep
Before you even begin the process of moving your gun safe, pre-transport prep involves deciding whether you’ll handle the move yourself or hire professionals, as well as gathering the right tools for the job. Deciding whether or not you’re going to take on this task yourself is dependent on several factors including:
Distance
If you’re moving the safe a short distance within your home, such as to another room, a DIY approach might be feasible. However, if you’re purchasing a safe at a dealer, or need to move your current safe across town to a new location, a professional could make the process much easier.
Weight and Size
If your safe falls on the heavier end of the spectrum, or if it’s especially large and bulky, moving it without the right equipment and experience can be dangerous. Professionals, particularly those who specialize in safe moving, will have the equipment and know-how to handle the job safely and efficiently.
Obstacles
Consider any potential obstacles in your moving path, such as narrow doorways, staircases, or tight corners. These obstacles can make a DIY move much riskier and challenging. Professional movers have the experience to navigate these tricky areas, ensuring both your home and the safe remain undamaged.
By choosing the appropriate moving method and gathering all the necessary equipment, you’ll be setting yourself up for a much safer and smoother move. Keep in mind that the heavier and more cumbersome the safe, the more likely it is that hiring professionals is the smartest option.
Step 3: Transport The Gun Safe
Once you’ve prepped and gathered all the necessary equipment, it’s time to actually transport the gun safe. If you’re moving the safe on your own, proceed with extra caution to make sure that neither the safe nor your home gets damaged. Here’s a breakdown of the key actions for safely moving your gun safe.
Placing the Safe on the Dolly
The first step is getting the safe onto the safe moving dolly. Gun safes are extremely heavy, so it’s important to use the right technique to avoid injury:
Position the Dolly: Start by placing the dolly right next to the gun safe, with its bottom plate centered at the base of the safe.
Enlist Help: It’s highly recommended to have at least one other person to assist. The combined weight of a gun safe and the awkward angle needed to lift it can be too much for one person to handle alone.
Tilting the Safe: Carefully tilt the safe backward, lifting it from the top corner opposite the dolly’s plate. Use your legs, not your back, to handle the weight. Have your helper push the dolly’s bottom plate underneath the safe while it’s tilted.
Leverage the Dolly: Once the dolly plate is positioned underneath, slowly tilt the safe upright so its weight shifts onto the dolly. Double-check that the safe is fully balanced on the dolly before attempting to move it.
Secure Safe with Straps: Utilize heavy-duty straps to secure your gun safe to the dolly to prevent it from shifting and causing dangerous issues during the moving process.
*CAUTION*: In the unfortunate event that your safe starts to fall, do not try and stop it due to the risk of serious injury.
Navigating Tricky Spaces
Depending on where you plan on moving the safe, the path to get it to its destination may be trickier than you think. Here are a few areas to think about:
Stairs
If you need to move the safe up or down stairs, use a sturdy ramp if available or enlist at least two other people to assist. One person should control the dolly from the top while another supports it from below, carefully guiding it step by step. If possible, use a stair-climbing dolly, which is designed to handle the weight and balance needed for moving large objects on stairs.
Entryways
If you’re moving the safe in or out of a house, using a ramp can make it much easier to get the safe over door thresholds or into a truck. Place the ramp where it can be securely positioned and strong enough to hold the weight of the safe.
Tight Corners & Doorways
Measure doorways and hallways ahead of time to make sure the safe can fit through. When navigating tight spaces, move slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the walls or the safe. If the safe is too wide, you may need to remove doors from their hinges or reposition the safe on the dolly at a slight angle to fit through.
No matter what obstacle you’re tackling, keep a slow and steady pace. Rushing or losing control of the dolly can lead to accidents, injuries, or damage to both your home and the safe. Take your time and communicate with anyone helping you every step of the way.
Step 4: Unloading & Repositioning the Safe
Finally, let’s go over some tips and tricks for efficiently unloading your safe and repositioning it securely in its new location.
Clear the Area
Before you begin unloading, make sure the area is clear of obstacles like furniture, children, or pets. It’s important that you have a straight, clear path to move the safe from the truck to its final destination without interruptions.
Go Slow and Steady
Lowering a heavy safe is just as critical as loading it. Go slowly to ensure the safe doesn’t tip, and make sure all helpers are communicating throughout the process to avoid accidents.
Positioning the Safe in the New Location
Once you’ve unloaded the safe, the final step is positioning it in your new location. This can be tricky if you’re navigating tight spaces, so make sure you have enough tools and individuals who can help place it in its new home.
Level the Safe
Once you’ve placed the safe in its final spot, use a level so that it’s aligned. An unlevel safe may cause the door to swing open or close unevenly, which can be a security risk. If necessary, use shims to adjust the safe until it sits flat and stable.
Anchoring the Safe
For added security, consider anchoring the safe to the floor or wall. Many gun safes, including some AMSEC models, come with pre-drilled anchor holes for easy installation. Anchoring your safe ensures that it cannot be tipped over or moved by unauthorized individuals, adding an extra layer of protection. Whether you choose to bolt it to the floor or the wall, make sure the structure you’re anchoring to is solid, such as concrete or heavy-duty studs.
If you’re worried about taking on this task by yourself, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if any step feels unsafe or too difficult to manage on your own.
Key Takeaways on How to Transport a Safe
Transporting a gun safe is a challenging task that requires careful planning, the right tools, and attention to safety. Start by assessing your safe’s size, weight, and type, and choose the best moving method—whether that’s DIY or hiring professionals. Always use the proper equipment, like a safe moving dolly, moving blankets, and straps, to keep the safe secure, and prevent damage. When it comes to navigating stairs, tight spaces, or loading the safe into a vehicle, move slowly and cautiously. Don’t forget to rely on American Security’s dealers for help—they’re here to assist with both your purchase and safely moving your gun safe into your home.