Ever moved an elephant?
It’s a bit like trying to move a pool table. It’s heavy, awkward, and can have a mind of its own…but there are ways to make it easier.
Proper preparation can help you avoid damage and ensure a smooth move. In this article, we’ll take a look at how professional pool table movers do it and some tips you can glean from them if you decide to DIY, including a quick-glance list at the end.
Pro Pool Table Movers Clear the Area First
Before you begin disassembling your pool table, it’s essential to clear the surrounding area. Ensure there’s ample space to work without any obstacles that might hinder the process or cause accidents. Move furniture, decorations, and other items out of the way to create a safe working environment.
Quick Tips:
Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure the disassembled parts will fit through.
Plan the route you’ll take to move the parts out of the house to avoid any surprises.
If you’re moving to a new home, it might be best to move the pool table last; everything will already be out of the way at that point.
Gather Necessary Tools and Supplies
Having the right tools and supplies on hand is crucial for safely disassembling and packing your pool table. You’ll need a socket wrench set, screwdrivers, a rubber mallet, a staple remover, labeling tape and markers, moving blankets, bubble wrap, packing tape, and plastic bags.
Quick Tips:
Organize your tools and supplies in advance to ensure you have everything you need.
Consider renting or purchasing specialized moving equipment like dollies or furniture sliders.
Have plenty of extra hands around — these things are heavy!
Disassemble the Pool Table
Disassembling your pool table is the most critical part of the process. It isn’t the best idea to try to move the top without taking the slate out. You could do serious damage to the most important part of your pool table.
Follow these steps from pool table movers carefully:
Remove the Pockets: Use a staple remover to detach the pockets from the table. Be gentle to avoid tearing the pockets or damaging the wood.
Detach the Rails: Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts securing the rails to the table. Once the bolts are removed, gently lift the rails off and set them aside.
Take Off the Felt: Carefully remove the staples or glue holding the felt in place. Take your time to avoid ripping the felt; it can be reused if it’s still in good condition.
Remove the Slate: The slate is the heaviest part of the table and must be handled with care. Use a socket wrench to remove the screws securing the slate to the table frame. Have a few people help you lift the slate, as it can weigh several hundred pounds. It can also be one or up to three pieces.
Disassemble the Frame: Once the slate is removed, use a screwdriver to take apart the frame. Keep all screws and small parts in labeled plastic bags to ensure you don’t lose them.
Quick Tips:
Label each part as you disassemble it. This will make reassembly much easier.
Take photos during the disassembly process to use as a reference when putting the table back together.
Pack and Protect the Parts
Proper packing is crucial to prevent damage during the move, regardless of distance. Wrap each piece of slate in moving blankets and secure them with packing tape.
For extra protection, add a layer of bubble wrap. Wrap the rails and legs in moving blankets, ensuring they are well-padded. Use packing tape to secure the blankets in place.
If the felt is reusable, fold it carefully and place it in a plastic bag to protect it from dirt and moisture. Place all screws, bolts, and other small parts in labeled plastic bags. Tape the bags to the corresponding parts to keep everything organized.
Quick Tips:
Use high-quality packing materials to ensure maximum protection. Replacement parts, if you can find them, aren’t cheap.
Label each package clearly to make reassembly easier.
Plan Your Move
Once your pool table is disassembled and packed, it’s time to plan the move itself. Consider the logistics of transporting the packed components to the new location. If you’re moving locally, you might be able to handle the transport yourself with the help of friends or family.
For long-distance moves or to ensure the safest transport, hiring professional pool table movers is highly recommended.
Using uShip will simplify this process. We connect you with customer-rated movers, making it easy to find reliable and experienced professionals who specialize in moving pool tables. You can compare quotes, read reviews, and choose the best option for your needs.
Quick Tips:
Ensure your moving vehicle is large enough to accommodate the packed pool table components.
Secure the components in the vehicle to prevent shifting during transport.
Reassembly at the New Location
Once you’ve transported your pool table to its new location, reassembly is the next step.
Follow the reverse order of the disassembly process, ensuring that each component is securely and correctly reassembled. Pay particular attention to leveling the slate and re-stretching the felt. This part is particularly hard and requires some additional hands. Hopefully the pizza and beer-bribed help is still around.
Quick Tips:
Refer to the photos and labels you made during disassembly to guide the reassembly.
Take your time to ensure the table is perfectly level and all parts are securely attached.
TLDR
Here’s a quick overview of what was discussed above:
Clear the surrounding area before disassembling your pool table to avoid obstacles and accidents.
Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure parts will fit through.
Gather necessary tools: socket wrench set, screwdrivers, staple remover, labeling tape, markers, moving blankets, bubble wrap, packing tape, and plastic bags.
Organize tools and supplies in advance.
Disassemble the pool table by removing pockets, detaching rails, taking off the felt, removing the slate, and disassembling the frame.
Pay special attention to the slate when you remove it.
Label each part and take photos during disassembly for easier reassembly.
Pack parts carefully using moving blankets and bubble wrap for protection.
Ensure the moving vehicle is large enough and secure components to prevent shifting during transport.
Reassemble the pool table in reverse order of disassembly, paying attention to leveling the slate and re-stretching the felt.
When it feels like too much, hire pro pool table movers on uShip.
Conclusion
Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, using professional movers through uShip will make the process much easier. With uShip, you can find reliable, customer-rated movers who have the experience and expertise to handle your pool table with care, all while saving you money.
And with our all-risk uShip Protection Plan, you can gain extra peace of mind that your game won’t suffer due to unforeseen damage.
Remember, proper preparation and professional help can save you time, effort, and potential damage to your pool table. So, take the time to plan and prepare, and your pool table will be ready for its new home in no time.
