If you have a home theater, it’s probably one of your favorite rooms in your home. But what happens when it’s time to move? You’ve invested in high-end equipment and top-notch installation: the best screens, surround sound–the works. Can and should you take it with you? The answer varies depending on your setup and relocation plans. Audio and home theater equipment is challenging to move. It’s both bulky and fragile at the same time. It can be easily damaged during your move if not packed correctly. You and your moving team have to manage all of the cables, cords, and remotes–plus the equipment itself. Talk with your AV company, your real estate agent, and your movers about what makes the most sense in your case.
Moving My Home Theater? What Should I Consider?
Your home theater is an oasis. You’ve spent the money for top of the line products and professional installation. In most cases, it features the ultimate viewing and sound experience combined with a comfortable, well-designed space. You’ve taken the time to select the following essential elements:
- Large flatscreen with a soundbar
- Surround sound speakers
- Gaming consoles
- Projectors and projector screens
- Professional wiring, including cabling within walls
- Custom seating and decor for a theater-like experience
Working with your audio-visual contractor and other partners, you need to decide whether it’s worth the effort to move your full setup or start fresh.
What Steps Should I Take Before Moving My Home Theater?
If you decide to move your home theater, the experts at Moving.com offer a series of helpful tips for planning and executing the project:
- Take pictures of your setup before moving so you remember how all the parts fit together.
- Disconnect cables from audio equipment. Mark cables with a colored tag and coordinate labels with the corresponding equipment.
- Use zip ties on cables to keep them from tangling.
- Put all cables that go with the same equipment together in a plastic bag.
- If cords are not removable, coil, zip tie and tape them to the equipment so they don’t dangle during the process.
- Store all of your remotes in one box.
- Wrap equipment in packing paper before using bubble wrap to avoid damaging delicate surfaces.
- If you have the original boxes for your equipment, use those for your move.
- Buy a designated flatscreen moving box for your TV if you don’t have the original box. They are extra sturdy and double-walled for the best protection.
- Use licensed and bonded professional movers in case something goes wrong.
Are There Cases Where Leaving My Home Theater Makes Sense?
Most real estate agents agree that a home theater can boost resale value. In many high-end luxury neighborhoods (including in Northern Virginia), sellers are at a disadvantage if they can’t offer a theater experience to potential buyers. And some agents say that a top-notch home theater can seal the deal on a sale. You can usually recoup 50 percent or more of your investment in a resale price bump. Talk with your agent about the pros and cons. In Northern Virginia, it can make sense to include your home theater as part of the sale. It’s also a chance to upgrade your system and tailor it to your new space.
AV Pros Can Recreate Your My Home Theater In Your New Space
As you prepare for your move, analyze your new space. Think about where your new home theater will go, keeping in mind wiring, temperature, humidity, and lighting. Hire a professional team for your new space, even if you’re moving your current equipment. You don’t want to risk damaging your equipment and worry about the intricacies of cables, wiring, jacks, and electrical outlets. Working with a professional team ensures your new home theater is set up correctly and safely. And it’s one more thing you can take off your plate as you move. You’ll be able to hit the ground running with your home theater in your new space.
Aegis Technologies has been there for countless clients during moves, whether you’re bringing the whole setup with you or starting fresh in your new space. If you’re going with new, bring us in early to work with your architect or builder in the early stages. We can also work with your movers to ensure they handle everything correctly and wiring remains intact for the new owners. Dealing with a mess of cords, cables and wires is the last thing you want to do during a hectic time. Working with the pros ensures the process is well-organized and seamlessly executed.
