Trampolines are great for keeping your kids and their friends entertained for hours. They even make a great spot for outdoor sleepovers or camping when you don’t want to stray too far from home.
When it comes to moving them though, trampolines aren’t so great. It’s a large piece of apparatus to tackle and there are lots of elements to disassemble which can be a huge source of stress. Not to mention that it requires dry weather – which isn’t always attainable in the UK. Not to fear though, we’ve compiled a guide to help you pack your trampoline for moving like the experts.
To pack a trampoline for moving in just four steps:
- Consider a replacement first.
- Clear and clean the trampoline.
- Dismantle the trampoline.
- Pack up trampoline parts in labelled boxes.
1. Consider a Replacement First
You should first consider whether it is worth moving your trampoline to begin with. A trampoline is one of the more time-consuming and expensive items to move and reassemble, so it is sometimes cheaper and far less hassle to just get a new one after you’ve moved.
If you haven’t taken care of your trampoline over the years, you’ll know that it can rust, weaken, bow, rip, tear and so on. Consider if these parts will survive the move, and if they’ll need to be replaced when you reassemble. If this is the case, it might be best to invest in a new trampoline altogether. Keep in mind that rusted parts can cause the trampoline to become unstable, which can cause unexpected injuries.
2. Clear and Clean Trampoline
If you feel confident that your trampoline will survive the move, it’s time to give it a clean. Trampolines are notorious for gathering leaves, cobwebs, bugs and other garden debris that you’ll need to get rid of.
Once you’ve swept the garden debris off, clean stubborn marks and stains from the mat and padding with a standard household cleaner – or a reliable combination of white vinegar and baking soda. Avoid using washing powder as this can stain the pads.
If your trampoline has rusted a little bit over time, you should also have a go at removing rust while your trampoline is still assembled with a rust remover or miracle cleaning paste. However, this is only advised for recent rust – if your trampoline is corroded beyond repair, you should just replace the part (or purchase a new trampoline if it is widespread).
If you’d like to clean the parts after the trampoline has been dismantled, you can do this with just vinegar and salt. Watch this helpful video from Brian Hilson to find out how.
3. Dismantle the Trampoline
To dismantle your trampoline,
- Undo all the ties underneath the trampoline.
- Remove and fold the padded edge.
- Take down the poles and untie the net – make sure you replace the bolt so you don’t lose it.
- Release the springs from the trampoline, but keep the net on the elastics. When you purchased the trampoline, you should have been given a spring tool or a spring puller to install – and release – springs on the trampoline .
- Unscrew the top screws on the frame and remove the legs – this might require some grease if you can’t get them to budge.
Keep in mind that dismantling the trampoline yourself will save you money in the long-run – if you are reliant on your movers to dismantle the trampoline, this can be time-consuming and more expensive.
If you haven’t got far to go, or if you have a vehicle large enough for an assembled trampoline, you can always try and move it without taking it down.
4. Pack Parts in Labelled Boxes
Make sure you pack all of the trampoline’s parts in labelled boxes as you go – a standard cardboard box should be fine, just make sure there are no metal pieces next to the net and padding.
You can keep small nuts, screws and bolts in labelled Ziploc bags as these are easier to lose in a larger box.
We’d recommend that you take photos of your trampoline (and its underneath) before you dismantle if you’re worried about remembering which part is which when you reassemble it.
Our Final Recommendation
When in doubt: hire a removals team.
At Falconers we use meticulous moving techniques, passed down and perfected through generations for over 132 years, to ensure your trampoline – and all other items – are moved and kept in perfect condition. If you don’t feel confident, we’d recommend that you hire an experienced removals team like us.
To learn more about our storage facilities, or any of our removals services, contact a member of our team today.
For more advice on how to move common household items, like your shed, television, mirrors, bed and dishwasher, head over to our blog for expert guidance.
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Written by Holly Charman, for Falconer Removals & Storage.
