How to Move a Gun Safe: Your Complete Guide for Savannah, GA Residents

Moving a gun safe is no small feat. These heavy, secure containers protect your firearms and valuables but pose real challenges when it’s time to relocate. For Savannah residents, understanding the right techniques, tools, and options can make this difficult task much safer and more manageable.

Understanding Gun Safe Weight and Construction

Gun safes vary widely in size and weight,from 200 pounds for small rifle models to well over 1,000 pounds for commercial-grade safes. The heavier the steel gauge and fire-resistant insulation, the more difficult the move.

To find the exact weight of your safe, check the manufacturer’s website or manual. Never guess based on appearance,two similar safes can differ by hundreds of pounds depending on materials and features.

Essential Equipment for Moving a Gun Safe

Because of their weight and bulk, gun safes require specialized equipment. The essentials include:

• Heavy-duty appliance or hydraulic dollies rated for at least 1,000 pounds.
  
  
• Moving blankets and padding to protect both the safe and your floors or walls.
  
  
• Ratchet straps to secure the safe to the dolly and prevent shifting.
  
  
• Floor protection such as plywood sheets or Masonite panels to distribute weight.
  
  
• Personal protective gear,steel-toed boots, gloves, and back support braces.
  
  

Attempting to move a safe without the right equipment can lead to serious injury or property damage.

Planning Your Move in Savannah

Before the move, plan your route carefully. Savannah’s mix of historic homes and multi-story properties often means tight corners, narrow doorways, and stairs—challenges that professionals handle daily through their residential moving services.

1. Measure your safe and the route. Note the height, width, and depth of both the safe and all passageways. Remove doors or trim if necessary.
   
   
2. Check staircases. Make sure they can bear the safe’s weight. Most residential stairs can support 100–200 pounds per square foot, but heavy safes may exceed that.
   
   
3. Clear the path. Remove furniture, rugs, and décor that could cause obstruction.
   
   
4. Protect the floors. Use plywood or blankets along the entire route to prevent scuffs and dents.
   
   

A dry run using a cardboard template of your safe can help visualize any tight spots before the move begins.

Preparing the Safe for Transport

Always empty your gun safe completely before moving. Remove firearms, ammunition, and valuables to reduce weight and prevent internal shifting.
Take an inventory and photograph items for insurance purposes, storing firearms separately in locked cases following Georgia laws.

Detach removable parts like shelves or dehumidifiers, and ensure the safe door is securely locked. If you understand the mechanism, removing the door may help reduce weight further, but only if it can be safely reinstalled.

DIY vs. Professional Moving

Moving It Yourself

If your safe weighs under 300 pounds and you have three or four capable helpers, a DIY move might be possible. Wrap the safe in blankets, secure it to a dolly, and move slowly and deliberately. Communication among helpers is key.

However, stairs or safes exceeding 400 pounds dramatically increase risk. Without professional-grade equipment, you risk back injuries, crushed toes, or damaged property.

Hiring Professionals

For most homeowners, professional movers are the safer and more efficient option. Trained crews use hydraulic lifts, stair-climbing dollies, and rigging systems—tools commonly used in specialty moving services—to handle heavy safes with ease.

Benefits include:

• Safety: Reduced risk of injury or property damage.
  
  
• Speed: Experienced teams complete moves in a fraction of the time.
  
  
• Insurance: Coverage protects against damage or accidents.
  
  
• Compliance: Professionals understand firearm transport laws and safety regulations.
  
  

Given Savannah’s historic architecture and older flooring structures, professional help is often the smartest choice.

Cost of Gun Safe Moving in Savannah

Professional gun safe moving costs typically range between $300 and $800 for local moves within Savannah.
Factors affecting price include:

• Weight and size of the safe
  
  
• Stairs or narrow access points
  
  
• Distance between pickup and destination
  
  
• Service level (basic transport vs. full-service placement and anchoring)
  
  

Expect additional charges for complex moves involving multiple floors or external hoisting.

Installing the Safe at Your New Location

Once your gun safe arrives, proper installation ensures both security and safety.

• Choose a strong location. Concrete floors, especially in basements or garages, are ideal. Upper floors need structural support and may require reinforcement for safes over 600 pounds.
  
  
• Level and anchor the safe. Use factory bolt holes and appropriate anchors for concrete or wood flooring.
  
  
• Test the locking mechanism before restocking your valuables.
  
  
• Distribute weight evenly when placing items back inside.
  
  

Anchoring your safe adds a vital layer of security against theft and tipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Moving a loaded safe. Always empty it first.
   
   
2. Underestimating weight. Even small safes are heavier than they appear.
   
   
3. Using improper equipment. Standard furniture dollies or straps aren’t strong enough.
   
   
4. Skipping floor protection. Heavy metal edges can easily gouge hardwood or tile.
   
   
5. Moving alone or rushing. Both greatly increase the risk of accidents.
   
   

Taking time to plan and move carefully will save you from expensive repairs and injuries.

Georgia Firearm Transportation Laws

Under Georgia law, lawful weapons carriers may transport firearms in vehicles openly or concealed without a license, provided they aren’t prohibited from possession under federal or state law.

When moving:

• Transport firearms unloaded and locked in hard-sided containers.
  
  
• Keep ammunition separate from firearms.
  
  
• Research laws if traveling beyond Georgia, since carry regulations vary by state.
  
  
• Respect private property rights, businesses and facilities may prohibit firearms regardless of carry status.
  
  

Recommended Professional Movers in Savannah

If you prefer professional help, BC Brothers Moving is one of Savannah’s trusted local experts in specialty moving.
They handle gun safes, pianos, and antiques, using professional-grade equipment and techniques suited to Savannah’s historic architecture.

BC Brothers Moving serves Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, and surrounding areas, offering:

• Licensed and insured movers
  
  
• Free quotes and flexible scheduling
  
  
• Full-service handling, from pickup to anchoring
  
  

📞 Phone: (912) 658-5700
📧 Email: info@bcbrothersmoving.com

Their experienced team ensures your gun safe reaches its new location safely and securely, no matter how challenging the move.

Key Takeaways

• Measure and plan your route before moving.
  
  
• Use proper equipment rated for at least 1,000 pounds.
  
  
• Empty the safe and lock the door before transport.
  
  
• Hire professionals for heavy or complex moves.
  
  
• Anchor your safe at the new location for long-term security.
  
  

FAQs

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1. How do you move a gun safe without damaging it?
To move a gun safe safely, use a heavy-duty dolly rated for 1,000 lbs, wrap the safe in moving blankets, and secure it with ratchet straps. Clear the path, protect floors with plywood, and have at least three helpers for balance and control during transport.

2. Can I move a gun safe by myself?
It’s not recommended to move a gun safe alone. Even smaller models weigh several hundred pounds and can cause injury or property damage. Always use proper equipment and enlist at least three helpers, or hire professional movers experienced in handling heavy safes.

3. What equipment do I need to move a gun safe?
You’ll need a heavy-duty appliance or hydraulic dolly, ratchet straps, moving blankets, and plywood floor protection. For stairs, use a stair-climbing dolly. Wear gloves and steel-toed boots for safety. Avoid standard furniture dollies—they can’t handle the weight.

4. Should I empty my gun safe before moving it?
Yes. Always remove firearms, ammunition, and valuables before moving your gun safe. This reduces weight, prevents shifting contents, and avoids damage or accidents. Secure firearms separately in locked cases, following Georgia firearm transport laws.

5. How much does it cost to move a gun safe in Savannah, GA?
Professional gun safe moving in Savannah typically costs between $300 and $800, depending on weight, stairs, and distance. Complex moves or full-service options that include placement and anchoring can range from $600 to $1,200. Always request detailed quotes.