You may not realize this but turntables are extremely delicate devices that can easily get damaged during transport. Such fragile record players feel “at home” only when sitting stationary in a person’s home, on a flat and stable surface with no external forces of any kind affecting it at any time.
However, when it’s time for you to move out of your current place and you do own a turntable, then leaving behind the valuable possession is simply unthinkable. As a result, you must make sure your turntable is really well protected for the move so that it arrives in the new home perfectly intact.
Below you will find the best way to pack a turntable for moving. The packing steps will show you how to prepare the turntable for moving, how to prepare the box for the record player, and finally – how to pack the turntable into the box using a unique packing method called double boxing.
Follow the step-by-step guide on how to pack a turntable for moving. But first, let’s take a look at all the packing materials that you will need to get the job done as quickly and as safely as possible.
Packing materials for protecting your turntable
Packing a turntable safely would be impossible without using the right packing supplies. You have to make sure you’ve got the proper materials for packing your record player to prevent all possible damage during transit.
- First box. A sturdy double-walled cardboard box that’s slightly larger than the dimensions of your turntable.
- Second box. A second cardboard box that’s big enough to accommodate the first box. The packing method of double boxing is explained in detail below.
- Bubble wrap. Using bubble wrap to protect your turntable is crucial for the success of the entire packing operation.
- Stretch wrap. Using plastic wrap will be a pivotal moment in protecting your record player, so don’t underestimate its importance.
- Packing paper. You’ll use wrapping paper mainly for wrapping small components and filling in empty spaces.
- Packing peanuts. You’ll use the packing peanuts to create a thick protective layer in which the second cardboard box will float within the first one.
- Styrofoam. You’ll need to lay a few pieces of Styrofoam on the bottom of the second box and then line its sides too with Styrofoam.
- Packing tape. Make sure the packing tape you use is of good quality.
- Marker. Use it to label the second moving box once you’ve packed it up.
Useful info: How to pack with bubble wrap
How to prepare a turntable for packing
Once you’ve secured the necessary packing supplies, it’s time to turn your attention to the turntable itself and to prepare it adequately for relocation.
Follow these steps to ensure your record player is ready to be boxed up:
- Step 1. TAKE several hi-res photos of your turntable from different angles. These photographs will serve two purposes at the same time: 1) they will prove the condition of your vinyl player prior to the move, and 2) they might help you to reconnect the turntable once you’re in the new place;
- Step 2. REMOVE the cables (usually the speaker cables), roll them carefully into a bundle, and wrap them in stretch wrap. Leave them aside for now;
- Step 3. 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;
- Step 4. WRAP the headshell, together with the cartridge, in a small sheet of bubble, then secure it with packing tape.
- Step 5. 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.
- Step 6. 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.
- Step 7. USE shrink wrap to wrap the entire record player if your turntable does not have a dust cover. 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.
- Step 8. Wrap the entire turntable in a few layers of bubble wrap, then secure the resulted bundle with tape.
Good to know: How to use plastic wrap for moving
How to prepare the boxes for packing your turntable
The way you prepare the two boxes will also play a major role in the success of the whole turntable moving task. For best results, follow these preparation steps:
- Step 1. MAKE sure you understand perfectly the purpose of each box. The first box should be slightly bigger than the bubble-wrapped record player and its main aim is to provide additional protection for your valuable possession. The second box should be way larger than the first box and its major purpose is to keep the first box “hanging” in the air, completely surrounded by packing peanuts.
- Step 2. LINE the bottom and all sides of the first box with a couple of sheets of bubble wrap to create a soft cushion for the fragile player.
- Step 3. REINFORCE the bottom and all sides of the second box using strong packing tape. This will ensure that the carton won’t break under the load of the turntable.
- Step 4. LAY pieces of Styrofoam onto the inside bottom and along the inside sides of the second box to create a unique protective layer of considerable strength and thickness for the valuable item.
- Step 5. POUR packing peanuts into the second box until the bottom is well covered and an extra protective cushion is created for the delicate turntable.
See also: How to use packing peanuts when packing
How to pack your turntable for moving
Now it’s time to finish the turntable packing job. Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1. PLACE the stretch-wrapped and bubble-wrapped turntable into the first box.
- Step 2. Add the protected platter with the rubber mat into the container.
- Step 3. 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 4. SHUT the first box and seal it well using packing tape.
- Step 5. POSITION the first in the middle of the second box, right over the bottom layer of packing peanuts.
- Step 6. 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 7. SHUT the second box, seal it well, and label it accordingly. Remember to write FRAGILE on at least two sides of the carton.
See also: How to pack vinyl records for moving
Packing a turntable for moving is not as straightforward as you think. The main issue is, of course, the extreme fragility of the record player.
Therefore, if you feel rather nervous about completing this packing task on your own and you’d rather pay professionals to protect your prized possession, then get in touch with experienced packers who will know how to handle and pack delicate household items.
Also, we strongly recommend that you buy additional moving insurance for your expensive turntable when you’ve decided to trust professional movers with it.
