When it comes to moving house, power tools are often overlooked until it’s time to pack them safely.
From drills and saws to battery packs and chargers, these items can be heavy, awkward, and in some cases potentially hazardous if not handled correctly.
This is especially true for lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in modern power tools and are now linked to at least three fires a day in the UK, highlighting the risks of improper handling and storage.
During a house move, tools are often packed tightly, knocked around in transit, or stored in less-than-ideal conditions. These situations can increase the likelihood of damage, particularly to batteries, which may cause them to overheat or become unstable.
For this reason, careful packing and handling are essential, not only to protect your tools from damage but also to reduce the risk of more serious safety issues.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to pack power tools for moving, so everything arrives at your new home in working order.
1. Keep Power Tools in Their Original Cases (If You Have Them)
If your power tools came with a case, use it. This is by far the safest and easiest way to pack them for a move.
Original cases are designed specifically to protect each tool during transport. They usually have moulded interiors that hold everything in place, reducing movement and preventing damage. This means your drill, charger, and accessories stay secure, even if the box is handled or shifted during the move.
Keeping power tools in their cases also helps you stay organised. Smaller parts like batteries, drill bits, and attachments are less likely to get lost, and everything you need is in one place when you arrive at your new home.
If possible, place the case into another sturdy moving box for extra protection, especially if you are moving multiple items together. This adds another layer of cushioning and makes stacking and transport easier.
Original power tool cases are designed to protect each tool during transport. They usually have moulded interiors that hold everything in place, reducing movement and preventing damage.
2. How to Pack Power Tools Without a Case
If your power tools do not have a case, you will need to take extra care when packing them.
Start by wrapping each tool individually using bubble wrap or thick packing paper. This helps protect the tool from knocks and prevents metal parts from scratching or damaging other items in the box. Pay particular attention to any sharp edges or moving parts, as these are more likely to cause damage during transit.
Once wrapped, place the tools into a strong, sturdy box. Avoid overpacking, and make sure there are no large gaps inside the box where items can shift around. You can use additional padding, such as packing paper or soft materials, to fill any empty space and keep everything secure.
The key is to make sure nothing is loose. If tools move around inside the box, they are far more likely to get damaged during transport.
Wrap each tool securely, cushion with padding, and pack tightly in a sturdy box to prevent movement and damage during transport.
3. Be Extra Careful with Lithium Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries require extra attention when you’re packing power tools.
These batteries are often used in common household tools like drills, but they can be dangerous if not handled properly. If damaged, overheated, or packed incorrectly, lithium batteries can become unstable and, in serious cases, catch fire.
During transport, tools and equipment are more likely to be knocked, compressed, or exposed to poor packing conditions. This increases the risk of damage, which is one of the main causes of battery-related incidents.
To reduce the risk, it is best to remove batteries from your tools before packing them. Keep them stored separately where possible, and avoid leaving them loose where they can knock against other items in the box.
If you still have the original packaging or protective covers, use them to keep the battery terminals safe. Keeping them secure and protected during the move is key.
4. Avoid Common Packing Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes people make when moving power tools is simply throwing them all into a box without proper protection.
While this might seem quicker, it often leads to tools knocking against each other while being moved. This increases the risk of damage, particularly with heavier items or tools with exposed metal parts.
Taking a few extra minutes to pack your tools securely, as outlined above, can help prevent unnecessary damage and ensure everything arrives in good working condition.
Avoid tossing power tools loosely into a box. Secure packing prevents damage from impacts and keeps everything in good working condition.
How Can We Help
To sum up, if you’re wondering how to pack power tools for moving, the key is to use original cases where possible, wrap tools securely, and take extra care when handling lithium batteries.
At Falconer Removals, our moving techniques have been passed down and perfected through generations for over 132 years. This ensures that your belongings, including more specialist equipment like power tools, are handled with care and transported securely.
Get a quote from our team today, or for more expert advice on how to pack, move and store your belongings, including answers to common removals questions, explore our blog.
