Are you moving or shipping your beloved turntable? Packing it properly is crucial to ensure it arrives at its destination in one piece.
But with so many delicate components, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to pack a turntable to keep it safe during transit. From wrapping the deck in bubble wrap to double boxing, we’ll cover everything you need to know to protect your prized possession.
So, let’s get started!
How To Pack A Turntable
Step 1: Disassemble the Turntable
If possible, remove the platter, tone arm, and turntable from the record player. Individually wrap each piece in packing paper or anti-static bubble wrap. If these parts cannot be removed, secure them with tape or twist ties.
Step 2: Line the Box with Foam or Bubble Wrap
We recommend that you line the bottom and sides of the box with foam or bubble wrap before you put the record player inside. Pack the heaviest pieces first, so start with the platter, the 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.
Step 3: Wrap the Deck in Bubble Wrap
You want to make sure you have a full 3 layers of 3/4” bubble wrap on all sides of your deck. To wrap it properly, make sure you have a good 6 feet of open floor or table space. Unroll your bubble wrap and set your turntable upright on the wrap. Tightly hold the bubble wrap to the deck and start rolling it end over end slowly until you have 3 layers of bubble wrap on it. The edges may have excess bubble wrap hanging over, or they may be bare, depending on which bubble wrap you got and how big your turntable is. Make sure you cover the edges with 3 layers of bubble wrap as well and use packing tape to secure the edge pieces to the main body. Now use packing tape to secure the bubble wrap cocoon so it cannot open.
Step 4: Pack Everything into a Box
Now it’s time to finish the turntable packing job. 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. The idea is to make sure the turntable cannot shift around during transit.
Step 5: Double Box
Shut the first box and seal it well using packing tape. Position the first in the middle of the second box, right over the bottom layer of packing peanuts. Top up the second box with packing peanuts. Make sure the peanuts cover the first box entirely from all sides, including the top. This packing method is known as double boxing – the box that contains the record player will float into the air and no external forces resulting from the moving process itself (including vibrations) will be able to cause any damage to the delicate turntable.
Step 6: Label Your Box
Shut the second box, seal it well, and label it accordingly. Remember to write FRAGILE on at least two sides of the carton.
Gather Supplies
Before you begin packing your turntable, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. Here are some materials you will need:
1. Packing paper or anti-static bubble wrap: This will be used to wrap and protect each individual piece of the turntable.
2. Foam or bubble wrap: You will need to line the box with foam or bubble wrap to prevent any damage during transit.
3. Packing peanuts: These will be used to fill in the space around the turntable in the box.
4. Packing tape: This will be used to secure the bubble-wrapped turntable and seal the box.
5. Double box: You will need two boxes, one to hold the turntable and another larger one to protect it during transit.
6. Labeling materials: Make sure to label the box as fragile and include arrows indicating which side should be facing up during transport.
By having these supplies on hand, you can ensure that your turntable is packed safely and securely for its journey to its new destination.
Secure The Platter And Cover
When packing a turntable, it is important to secure the platter and its cover properly. The platter is a delicate part of the turntable that needs extra protection during transit. Here are some steps to follow to secure the platter and cover:
Step 1: Remove the Platter and Cover
If possible, remove the platter and its cover from the turntable. Individually wrap each piece in packing paper or anti-static bubble wrap. If you cannot remove them, secure them with tape or twist ties.
Step 2: Wrap the Platter and Cover Together
Wrap the platter and its cover together in multiple layers of bubble wrap. Make sure that all sides of the platter and cover are covered with bubble wrap. Use packing tape to secure the bubble wrap in place.
Step 3: Pack the Platter and Cover
Place the wrapped platter and cover into a box. Fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or bubble wrap to ensure that they do not move during transit.
Step 4: Double Box
Securely shut the box and label it accordingly. Then, place it inside a second box with packing peanuts to double box it for extra protection.
By following these steps, you can be sure that your turntable’s platter and cover will be protected during transit.
Wrap The Deck In Bubble Wrap
When it comes to packing a turntable, the deck is one of the most delicate and important parts to protect. To ensure that it stays safe during transit, it’s essential to wrap it in bubble wrap.
To begin, make sure you have a full 3 layers of 3/4” bubble wrap on all sides of your deck. Start by unrolling your bubble wrap and setting your turntable upright on the wrap. Tightly hold the bubble wrap to the deck and start rolling it end over end slowly until you have 3 layers of bubble wrap on it.
It’s important to note that the edges may have excess bubble wrap hanging over, or they may be bare, depending on which bubble wrap you got and how big your turntable is. Make sure you cover the edges with 3 layers of bubble wrap as well and use packing tape to secure the edge pieces to the main body. Now use packing tape to secure the bubble wrap cocoon so it cannot open.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your turntable deck is properly protected during transit. Remember, taking extra care in packing your turntable will guarantee that it arrives at its destination in perfect condition.
Place In A Box And Add Packing Materials
Once you have wrapped and secured all of the individual components of your turntable, it’s time to place them in a box and add packing materials. We recommend using a sturdy cardboard box that is slightly larger than the turntable itself. This will allow for extra padding and protection during transit.
Before placing the turntable in the box, line the bottom and sides of the box with foam or bubble wrap. This will provide a cushion for the turntable and prevent it from shifting during transit. You can also use packing peanuts or crumpled paper as an alternative.
Next, carefully place the wrapped turntable components into the box. Start with the heaviest pieces first, such as the platter and turntable, and then add the lighter pieces like the tonearm and dust cover. Make sure to fill any empty spaces with additional packing materials, such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts, to prevent any movement during shipping.
Once all of the components are securely in place, add another layer of packing materials on top to ensure everything is snugly packed in. Close the box and reinforce all seams with packing tape.
For added protection, we recommend double boxing your turntable. This involves placing your packed turntable box inside a larger box filled with packing materials. The outer box provides an extra layer of cushioning and protection during transit.
Finally, label your box clearly with “FRAGILE” on at least two sides to alert handlers that it contains delicate equipment. With these steps, you can rest assured that your turntable will arrive at its destination safely and without any damage.
Double Box For Extra Protection
When it comes to packing your turntable for a move, you want to take every precaution possible to ensure that it arrives at its destination in the same condition as when you packed it. One way to add an extra layer of protection is by double boxing. Double boxing involves placing the first box containing the turntable into a second, slightly larger box and filling the space between the two with packing peanuts.
To double box your turntable, start by packing the turntable itself into the first box as described in the previous steps. Once you have sealed the first box, place it into the second, slightly larger box. Use packing peanuts to fill in the space between the two boxes, making sure that there is enough cushioning to prevent any movement during transit. The goal is to create a thick protective layer in which the first box will float within the second one.
Double boxing provides an extra layer of protection against external forces that may cause damage during transit, such as vibrations or impacts. It also helps distribute weight evenly and prevents any pressure from being placed on one specific area of the turntable.
Remember to label both boxes as fragile and mark them with arrows indicating which side should be up during transport. By following these steps, you can ensure that your turntable will arrive at its new home in perfect condition.
