Will professional movers take a TV off your wall during a move?

Part of our guide on moving yourself vs hiring movers

Do movers unmount TVs from walls?

Most professional moving companies do not include unmounting wall-mounted TVs in their standard service. This task requires additional time, care, and often specialized knowledge about mounting hardware.

Movers typically focus on large furniture and appliances, leaving delicate electronics like TVs for owners to handle. Some companies offer unmounting as an add-on service, but it must be requested and arranged well before moving day.

The decision whether movers will remove your TV depends on the contract and the mover’s policies. If your TV is heavy, large, or mounted with complex hardware, movers may refuse to do it for liability reasons.

Expect movers to disconnect power cords but rarely to remove mounts or physically detach the TV from the wall unless explicitly hired to do so. If that sounds like your situation, read up on movers only no truck next.

How to prepare your wall-mounted TV for moving

Before moving day, unplug and disconnect all cables from the TV. Remove any attached devices like streaming boxes or gaming consoles.

Protect the screen by covering it with a soft cloth or an anti-static screen protector. Avoid wrapping the screen directly with tape or plastic that could scratch it.

If you plan to leave the TV mounted for movers, cover the entire unit and surrounding wall area with padding to prevent bumps during transport. There is more on movers disassembling beds in a separate guide.

Label and pack all remote controls, cables, and mounting hardware in a clearly marked box. Keep this box easily accessible to avoid loss.

If you decide to remove the TV yourself, gather all necessary tools in advance, such as a screwdriver, drill, and possibly a stud finder if you plan to reinstall the mount at the new location. Knowing the mount type—whether it is a fixed, tilting, or full-motion bracket—also helps determine the exact removal steps and tools needed.

Carefully document the removal process by taking photos or videos of the TV and mount before uninstallation. This visual record assists in reassembly and ensures that all parts are accounted for. It also provides proof of the mount’s condition in case of damage claims during the move. It helps to understand questions to avoid moving surprises before going further.

• Disconnect cables: power, HDMI, Ethernet, antenna
• Cover screen: soft cloth, anti-static protector
• Pad the TV and wall area if mounted during move
• Pack remotes and hardware separately and clearly labeled

What to expect if movers won't remove the TV

If movers decline to remove your wall-mounted TV, you must plan to do it yourself or hire a handyman. Leaving the TV mounted risks damage to the screen and wall during transport.

Movers will typically disconnect power cords but will not detach the mounting brackets or remove the TV panel itself. This leaves the TV vulnerable to falls or bumps.

You might also face delays if movers find the mounted TV an impediment to accessing other items during loading. This can slow the entire move.

You will need to provide suitable protective packaging for the TV once removed, such as a TV box with foam padding or thick blankets.

Basic steps for safely removing a wall-mounted TV yourself

Start by unplugging all cables and removing any attached devices. Lay a soft blanket or padded surface under the TV for when you remove it.

Locate the screws or bolts securing the TV to the mount. These are usually on the back of the TV or the mounting plate. Use a screwdriver or drill with the correct bit to loosen and remove them.

Have a second person assist, as TVs typically weigh between 15 and 100 pounds depending on size, and can be awkward to handle.

Once detached, carefully lift the TV off the wall mount and place it flat on the padded surface. Do not carry the TV by the screen or edges alone to avoid damage.

Keep all mounting hardware in a labeled bag for reinstallation later.

1. Unplug cables and remove attached devices
2. Prepare padded surface beneath the TV
3. Use correct screwdriver to remove mount screws
4. Have an assistant help lift TV off wall
5. Place TV safely on padded surface
6. Bag and label all hardware

How to choose a mover if TV removal is important to you

Check mover policies for TV unmounting before booking. Some companies offer specialized services including electronic disassembly and reassembly.

Ask specifically if they have experience with wall-mounted TVs and what guarantees or insurance they provide for this service.

If your TV is large, expensive, or mounted unusually, consider a mover who uses dedicated TV crates or has special packing materials.

Factor in the cost of add-on services and weigh it against the difficulty of removing the TV yourself or risk of damage.

An increasingly popular feature to look for is whether a mover provides in-home packing services, which can include assistance with electronics like TVs. These services usually come at a premium but reduce the risk of damage and the effort required from you. Always verify if this includes unmounting and remounting or only packing.

Some moving companies collaborate with local technicians who specialize in handling complex electronics and mounts. If you have an expensive or uniquely mounted TV, ask if such partnerships exist and whether you can add this service to your moving package. The cost may be negotiable depending on the mover and your location.

If you opt to hire movers who do not unmount TVs, plan to schedule a handyman or technician yourself ahead of moving day. Coordinating this well in advance helps avoid last-minute issues and ensures your TV is removed safely and without delaying the move.

• Confirm mover policy on TV unmounting upfront
• Request insurance or guarantees for damage
• Choose movers with specialized packing gear
• Balance cost versus DIY removal risks

Will professional movers take a TV off your wall during a move?

The short answer: usually not unless you arrange it. Movers prioritize speed and liability management, so removing a wall-mounted TV is often excluded from their service.

If you want movers to handle your TV removal, you must explicitly request and pay for it. Otherwise, plan to unmount the TV yourself or hire a qualified handyman.

Understand the exact type of wall mount and TV setup you have so you can explain it to your mover or prepare the right tools.

Failing to clarify this can lead to delays or damage on moving day if movers refuse to remove the TV and it must be done last minute.

Questions people still ask

Having moved several homes with a wall-mounted TV, I learned that clear communication with movers and proper DIY removal saves time and stress.