Packing TipsHow to Move and Store a Pool Table Safely
Pool table owners have a lot of work to do when they try to move one of these beasts – they can be nearly 10 feet long and may weigh over 700 pounds. As a result, it is crucial to understand the method needed to move a pool table safely. By following these steps, you can ensure that you move your table to a new home with safety without causing any damage to yourself or your new home.
1. Gather Up Your Tools
Moving a pool table is going to require a little preparation work before you begin. You're typically going to have to take the table apart, mainly removing the pockets, rails, and lets before you start. We suggest a drill and a screwdriver set to make this process easier. You may also want a socket wrench – that all depends on your table, and the process need to take it apart.
Some may also want a staple remover to take off the pool table's felt – this step is optional. Others may also want protective items for moving, such as gloves for the hands and buffeting items to put on the parts when moving the table. If you're storing the table during a move, we suggest bubble wrap and blankets to ensure that it is adequately protected.
And before you move anything, make sure to measure the doorways and the general area where you are moving the table – this should give you an idea of any extra steps you may need to take, such as tilting the table, as you move it.
2. Take the Table Apart
You may not want to take your pool table apart, but you must. When installing it, you did not move it as one piece. And they are not designed to be moved in this way, either. As a result, it is essential to use your tools to take them apart. Start by unscrewing the legs on the bottom and placing them to the side. The measurements are often in metric – so be prepared for that. Once you have removed the legs, you can wrap them up in blankets to make them safer for your move.
At this point, you need to remove the table's ball pockets with an appropriate screwdriver. You need to remove these parts to lighten the load and protect them from damage during the move. Wrap them up in a blanket or bubble wrap and set them to the side. At this point, your table only has a few other items that need to be removed before you relocate or store it.
Now, use your socket wrench to safely remove the rails by removing the bolts holding them down along your table's sides. When removing other pieces – such as the slate – make sure to wrap the appropriate bolts and screws up in tape and label them to make it easier to assemble your table later.
You can remove the felt using a stapler remover – if you like – and use a screwdriver to remove the slate. This substantial rock part of your table is sensitive and can be damaged if you leave it on the table. Removing it also decreases the table's weight. However, this step isn't strictly necessary. If you remove it, wrap it in bubble wrap and tape it down to keep the slate safe.
3. Moving the Table Properly
At this point, your table is almost ready to move. However, you need to wrap up any parts that you haven't yet. For example, you need to make sure that you wrap the tabletop with blankets and bubble wrap to keep it protected. Strong duct tape can hold these blankets down if you need it. Make sure to label all parts by writing with a sharpie on a piece of tape.
You can now place the lighter parts – such as the legs, screws, and the pockets – in a large box. This box should have handles to make transportation easier. You use a box in this situation because it focuses these items in one area and makes it harder to lose them when moving. Label the container with tape and a sharpie, as well, so that it is easier to locate.
When it comes to bulkier items, such as slate or the tabletop, you have a few choices. Some may want to move these parts by hand. You're going to need at least three or four people to move these heavier parts in this way. For example, the slate may weigh over 100 pounds and is long and heavy in a way that will require a handful of people to move.
Some people may prefer to use a dolly for these parts because they think that they can move them by themselves. However, we suggest at least two other people when moving with a dolly – one on each side for support. Make sure to tie down each part to the dolly when you move it, too, to keep them from tipping over and getting damaged.
Make sure to lay down a blanket on the shipping vehicle floor to protect the slate and the table. Place the tabletop in the vehicle first, and put the slate and felt on top. Place the rest of the parts along the sides and tie down the tabletop and legs to keep it safe while moving. Remove and reassemble the table when you get back by putting the legs on first, then the slate, felt, and pockets. You're done!
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