How To Pack A Turntable For Moving

Are you a vinyl enthusiast who’s moving to a new home?

If so, you’re probably wondering how to pack your beloved turntable safely. After all, turntables are delicate and fragile, and any damage during transit can ruin your listening experience.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks on how to pack a turntable for moving. Whether you’re moving across the country or just down the street, these packing techniques will ensure that your turntable arrives at its destination in one piece.

So, let’s get started!

The first step in packing a turntable for moving is to remove any detachable parts, such as the platter, tone arm, and turntable. Individually wrap each piece in packing paper or anti-static bubble wrap to protect them from any potential damage during transit.

If you’re unable to remove any parts, such as the arm or needle guard, secure them with tape or twist ties. It’s also important to tape down any moving parts and secure the entire object in bubble wrap and foam.

Next, line the bottom and sides of the box with foam or bubble wrap before placing the turntable inside. Pack the heaviest pieces first, starting with the platter, turntable, and then the dust cover. Put layers of foam in between each piece so they don’t touch. Fill all spaces with bubble wrap or packing materials to make sure they cannot move at all.

If you’re using a double box method, place the stretch-wrapped and bubble-wrapped turntable into the first box. Add the protected platter with the rubber mat into the container. Fill in the space around the bundle with pieces of wrapping paper or bubble wrap to ensure that the turntable cannot shift around during transit. Shut the first box and seal it well using packing tape.

Position the first box in the middle of the second box, right over the bottom layer of packing peanuts. Top up the second box with packing peanuts, making sure they cover the first box entirely from all sides, including the top. This packing method is known as double boxing – it ensures that no external forces resulting from the moving process itself (including vibrations) will be able to cause any damage to your delicate turntable.

Finally, shut the second box, seal it well, and label it accordingly. Remember to write FRAGILE on at least two sides of the carton.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin packing your turntable, you’ll need to gather a few essential supplies. These include packing paper or anti-static bubble wrap, foam, bubble wrap or packing peanuts, packing tape, and sturdy boxes.

When selecting boxes, make sure they are strong enough to withstand the weight and fragility of your turntable. You can purchase boxes specifically designed for moving turntables, or opt for standard boxes that are large enough to accommodate your turntable and any additional padding.

It’s also important to have a marker on hand so you can label your boxes appropriately. Write “FRAGILE” on at least two sides of each box to ensure that everyone who handles your turntable during the move knows how delicate it is.

If you’re using the double box method, you’ll need two boxes of different sizes. The first box should be slightly larger than your turntable and its components, while the second box should be large enough to fit the first box with plenty of room for packing peanuts.

By gathering these supplies before you start packing, you’ll be able to protect your turntable from damage during transit and ensure that it arrives at your new home in perfect condition.

Remove The Turntable’s Components

When removing the turntable’s components, start with the cables. Usually, it’s the speaker cables that need to be removed. Roll them carefully into a bundle and wrap them in stretch wrap. Set them aside for now.

Next, secure the turntable arm onto its tone arm clip. You should hear it click softly in place. Even so, use a small twist tie to secure the tonearm so that it cannot move during transport.

After securing the tonearm, wrap the headshell, together with the cartridge, in a small sheet of bubble wrap, then secure it with packing tape.

Remove the platter with the rubber mat and pack them together in soft packing paper first, and then cover them completely in bubble wrap. Use pieces of tape to secure the bundle.

Fill in completely the space under the dust cover (if your turntable has a dust cover) with leftover pieces of bubble wrap and packing paper so that nothing can shift under the cover. Then, close the dust cover and wrap carefully the entire turntable in stretch wrap.

If your turntable does not have a dust cover, use shrink wrap to wrap the entire record player. Again, the plastic wrap will serve a dual purpose: 1) it will make sure nothing can move and 2) it will protect the delicate finish of the player.

Finally, wrap the entire turntable in a few layers of bubble wrap, then secure the resulted bundle with tape. By following these steps to remove and protect your turntable’s components, you can help ensure your record player arrives safely at its destination.

Secure The Tonearm And Platter

When packing a turntable for moving, it’s crucial to secure the tonearm and platter to prevent any damage during transit. Start by making sure the tonearm is clipped down, if your turntable has that option. If not, you can use shrink wrap to wrap the tonearm to the body of the deck.

Next, wrap the entire turntable in shrink wrap, like a cocoon. This ensures that nothing can move at all during transit. The dust cover should not move, and neither should the tonearm or any other detachable parts. Wrapping the deck in shrink wrap also protects the finish from any potential scratches or damage.

After securing the tonearm and platter, follow the steps above to pack your turntable for moving, making sure to use plenty of foam, bubble wrap, and packing materials to fill all empty spaces and prevent any movement during transit. Remember to label the box as fragile and handle it with care.

If you’re unsure about packing your turntable on your own, consider hiring experienced packers who know how to handle delicate household items. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to purchase additional moving insurance for your expensive turntable when trusting professional movers with it.

Pack The Turntable In A Sturdy Box

When it comes to packing a turntable for moving, it’s important to choose a sturdy box that is slightly larger than the dimensions of your turntable. A double-walled cardboard box is recommended for maximum protection.

Before placing the turntable inside, line the bottom and sides of the box with foam or bubble wrap. This will provide an extra layer of cushioning and protect the turntable from any potential damage during transit.

When packing the turntable, start with the heaviest pieces first, such as the platter, turntable, and then the dust cover. It’s important to put layers of foam in between each piece so they don’t touch. Fill all spaces with bubble wrap or packing materials to make sure they cannot move at all.

Finally, shut the second box, seal it well, and label it accordingly. Remember to write FRAGILE on at least two sides of the carton. By following these steps and using high-quality packing materials, you can ensure that your turntable will arrive at its destination safely and without any damage.

Label And Transport The Box With Care

Once you’ve packed your turntable securely, it’s important to label and transport the box with care. This will help ensure that your prized possession arrives at your new home in the same condition it left your old one.

Firstly, make sure to label the box as fragile. Use a permanent marker to write “FRAGILE” in large, bold letters on at least two sides of the box. This will alert anyone handling the box that it contains delicate equipment that requires extra care.

When transporting the box, be sure to handle it with care. Avoid dropping or jostling the box, as this could cause damage to the turntable inside. If possible, transport the box in your own vehicle rather than relying on a moving company. This will give you more control over how the box is handled and ensure that it is not subjected to any unnecessary bumps or vibrations during transit.

If you do need to rely on a moving company, make sure to choose one with experience in handling delicate equipment. You may also want to purchase additional moving insurance for your turntable to provide extra peace of mind.

Unpack And Reassemble The Turntable At Your New Home

Unpacking and reassembling your turntable at your new home can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be done with ease.

First, carefully unpack the turntable from its box, making sure to remove all the packing materials. Inspect all parts for any signs of damage that may have occurred during transit.

Next, if you’ve removed any detachable parts, reattach them to the turntable. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid any damage to the delicate components.

If you’ve used the double box method, remove the turntable from the inner box and then remove it from the outer box.

Once your turntable is out of its packaging, place it on a flat and stable surface. Check that it’s level by using a spirit level. Adjust the feet or base accordingly to ensure that it’s level.

If you’ve removed the platter, tone arm, or any other parts, carefully reattach them following the manufacturer’s instructions. Double-check that everything is secure and in place before proceeding.

Finally, connect your turntable to your audio system or speakers and test it out. Make sure that everything is working correctly before you start playing any records.

In conclusion, packing and unpacking a turntable for moving requires careful planning and execution to ensure that your prized possession arrives at your new home in perfect condition. By following these steps, you can pack and unpack your turntable with confidence and ease.