MyProMovers & Storage, a trusted moving company in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC, specializes in handling heavy and delicate items like gun safes. Using the right moving equipment ensures the process is smooth, safe, and stress-free. Let's dive into the world of gun safe moving equipment.

What is a Gun Safe?

A gun safe is a secure storage container designed to protect firearms from unauthorized access, theft, and damage. These safes come in various sizes, typically constructed from heavy-duty steel, and are designed to withstand tampering and fire. 

Key features of gun safes include:

  • Strong, lockable doors
  • Fireproof and waterproof options
  • Adjustable racks and shelves inside
  • Electronic or combination locks

Why Are Gun Safes Difficult to Move?

Moving a gun safe can be challenging for several reasons:

  • Weight: Gun safes are heavy, making them difficult to lift and carry.
  • Bulkiness: Their large size can make maneuvering through doorways and around corners challenging.
  • Safety Concerns: Improper techniques can result in injury or damage to property.

Essential Gun Safe Moving Equipment

Heavy-Duty Dollies

Heavy-duty dollies are indispensable when moving a gun safely. These come in various types, including appliance dollies and hydraulic dollies. Here are some tips from commercial packers:

Types of Dollies:

  • Appliance Dollies: Designed specifically for heavy appliances and can handle substantial weight. They typically come with straps to secure the safe.
  • Hydraulic Dollies: These include a hydraulic lift system that can lift and move heavier safes more easily.

Usage Tips:

  • Ensure the dolly can handle the weight of your gun safely.
  • Secure the safe with straps to avoid shifting during transport.
  • Use additional manpower to stabilize the dolly while moving.

Gun Safe Moving Sliders

Gun safe moving sliders help reduce friction between the gun safe and the floor, allowing it to slide smoothly.

Advantages:

  • Easy to use on hardwood, tile, or carpeted floors.
  • Minimize the risk of scratches or floor damage.

General Tips for Usage:

  • Place sliders under each corner of the gun safe.
  • Push the safe slowly to avoid tipping.

Moving Straps and Harnesses

Moving straps and harnesses distribute weight more evenly, making it easier for moving services to transport heavy items without straining their backs.

Different Types:

  • Forearm Forklift Straps: Utilizes the strength of your arms and shoulders.
  • Shoulder Dolly: Uses shoulder and core strength to lift and move heavy objects.

Proper Usage:

  • Properly position straps beneath the gun safe.
  • Ensure even tension on both sides.
  • Communicate and coordinate movements with your partner.

Pallet Jacks

Pallet jacks are manual or motorized tools used to lift and transport heavy items on pallets.

Description and Uses:

  • Ideal for moving gun safes over short distances.
  • Fit under the safe, lifting slightly to allow for movement.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: Can handle very heavy weights, easy to maneuver.
  • Cons: Requires a pallet, limited by floor type (best on smooth surfaces).

Furniture Blankets and Pads

Furniture blankets and pads are used to cushion and protect the gun safe during the move.

Importance:

  • Prevents scratches and dents on both the safe and surrounding surfaces.
  • Provides additional friction to stop the safe from sliding unintentionally.

How to Wrap and Secure the Gun Safe:

  • Cover the gun safe completely with blankets or pads.
  • Secure with tape or moving straps to hold in place.

Safety First: Personal Protective Equipment

Gloves

Comfortable and sturdy gloves are essential when moving a gun safely.

Types of Gloves Suitable for Moving:

  • Leather Gloves: Offer good grip and protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
  • Anti-slip Gloves: Provide additional grip and are often padded for extra protection.

Footwear

Wearing the right footwear is critical to prevent injuries.

Proper Footwear:

  • Steel-Toe Boots: Protects feet from falling objects.
  • Non-Slip Shoes: Reduces the risk of slipping on slick surfaces.

Back Braces

A back brace can help prevent injuries by providing additional support.

Usage and Benefits:

  • Wear a back brace to maintain good posture.
  • Helps distribute weight evenly across your back to reduce strain.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving a Gun Safe

Pre-Move Preparations

Proper planning is crucial before you start moving a gun safely. Here are the key steps to prepare:

Measuring Doorways and Paths:

  • Use a measuring tape to ensure that the gun safe can fit through all doorways, hallways, and other tight spaces.
  • Take measurements of the safe itself to compare.

Clearing the Pathway and Planning the Route:

  • Remove any obstacles like furniture, rugs, or decor items along the intended path.
  • Plan the exact route from the current location to the moving truck or new location, considering stairs, tight corners, and narrow hallways.
  • Inform everyone involved in the move about the planned route and strategy.

Loading the Gun Safe onto Equipment

Once the route is planned, the next step is to safely load the gun safe onto the moving equipment:

Best Practices for Loading onto Dollies:

  • Tilt the gun safe carefully to slip the dolly underneath.
  • Use furniture blankets or pads to protect the safe from scratches.
  • Ensure the safe is centered on the dolly to balance the weight.
  • Secure the safe with straps to keep it from shifting during movement.

Securing the Safe for Transport:

  • After loading the safe onto the dolly or pallet jack, triple-check that it is securely strapped.
  • Use additional straps if necessary to ensure the safe won’t tip or slide off.
  • Perform a quick load test by gently rocking the dolly or pallet jack.

Navigating Obstacles

Moving a gun safe often involves dealing with obstacles like stairs and tight corners:

Tips for Stairs and Tight Corners:

  • Stairs: Use a sturdy board to create a ramp or slide if necessary. Move one step at a time, keeping the safe's weight centered. Always have someone at the top and bottom of the safe for balance.
  • Corners: Take turns slowly and cautiously. If needed, remove the safe from the dolly, reposition it, and place it back onto the dolly to continue the move.

Role of Communication:

  • Always maintain clear communication with everyone involved. Assign someone to lead and give commands like “lift,” “tilt,” or “move.”
  • Use hand signals if the noise level prevents vocal communication.

Unloading at the Destination

Finally, secure placement at the new location:

Safe Unloading Practices:

  • Carefully move the safe to its final position. Remember to lift properly to avoid injury.
  • Remove the straps and dolly with care. Make sure the safe is stable before completely detaching the moving equipment.

Final Placement Tips:

  • Place the gun safe on a flat, sturdy surface.
  • If possible, bolt the safe to the floor for extra security.
  • Double-check that the safe’s lock is functioning properly post-move.

DIY vs. Professional Movers

Benefits of Hiring Professional Movers

Professional movers, like MyProMovers & Storage, come with countless benefits:

Expertise and Experience:

  • Trained to handle heavy and bulky items.
  • Familiar with best practices, reducing the risk of injury or damage.

Equipment Availability:

  • Professionals have access to specialized moving equipment.
  • Saves the cost and hassle of renting or purchasing moving tools.

Situations Where DIY Might Be Feasible

In certain scenarios, a DIY move is an option:

Smaller, Lighter Safes:

  • If the gun safe is on the lighter side, it may be manageable with a few helping hands.

Shorter Distances:

  • Moving the safe within the same building or over a short distance is more feasible.

Additional Tips and FAQs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Moving a gun safe is no easy task. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Overloading Equipment:

  • Don’t exceed the weight limit of your moving dolly, sliders, or straps.
  • Always check the specifications of your equipment beforehand.

Underestimating the Weight:

  • Gun safes are heavier than they appear. Accurately estimate the weight to avoid surprises.
  • Use a weight calculator or consult the manual to know the safe's exact weight.

Inadequate Planning:

  • Failing to measure doorways and clear pathways can lead to last-minute complications.
  • Always have a well-thought-out plan and ensure everyone involved knows the details.

Ignoring Safety Protocols:

  • Not using protective gear like gloves or back braces can lead to injuries.
  • Always prioritize safety over speed.

What to Do if the Safe Gets Damaged

Accidents can happen, even with the best preparations. Here’s what to do if your gun safe gets damaged during the move:

Steps Following an Accident:

  • Stop Immediately: Halt all movement and assess the situation.
  • Inspect the Damage: Check the extent of the damage to the safe and surroundings.
  • Contain the Situation: Move the safe to a secure spot if it’s causing a hazard.

Insurance Considerations:

  • Review the moving insurance policies. If using professional movers, inquire about their coverage options.
  • Document the damage with photos and notes. Contact your insurance provider to file a claim if necessary.

How to Maintain Moving Equipment

Proper maintenance of your moving equipment ensures its longevity and performance:

Regular Maintenance Tips:

  • Dollies and Sliders: Check wheels and surfaces for wear and tear. Lubricate moving parts and replace any faulty components.
  • Moving Straps: Inspect for frayed material or weak points. Replace straps showing signs of overuse.
  • Pallet Jacks: Regularly grease and inspect hydraulic components.

Best Practices for Storage:

  • Store equipment in a cool, dry place to prevent rust or degradation.
  • Keep moving pads and blankets clean and folded to avoid mildew.

Moving Made Easy with MyProMovers & Storage

Moving a gun safe is no simple task. However, with the right gun safe moving equipment and a solid plan, the process can be manageable and safe. At MyProMovers & Storage, we offer specialized moving services to help you relocate your gun safely with ease. 

Recap of Key Points:

  • Understanding Gun Safes: Knowing the dimensions and challenges helps in planning the move.
  • Essential Equipment: Heavy-duty dollies, moving sliders, straps, pallet jacks, and protective blankets are crucial.
  • Safety Gear: Gloves, footwear, and back braces are necessary for personal safety.
  • Step-by-Step Guide: Pre-move preparations, proper loading and unloading of the safe, and navigating obstacles are essential steps.

Professional vs. DIY: While small, light gun safes may be moved DIY, professional movers offer expertise and equipment that can greatly ease the process.