It is generally not recommended to lay a modern flat-screen TV (LED, LCD, OLED) face down, particularly for transportation, as it poses a high risk of damage to the screen.
Always lay the TV with the screen facing up, never down. Lying it face down puts direct pressure on the most fragile part and almost guarantees damage. Use thick, soft padding underneath.
We've consulted the experts and uncovered six of the most common mistakes people make when placing the television, and how to avoid making them yourself.
Yes, but only temporarily for tasks like attaching a stand or cleaning. You should never transport a 65-inch TV lying flat. The vibrations and bumps from driving can easily crack or warp the fragile, unsupported center of a large screen.
For a 65-inch TV, aim for the center of the screen to be roughly 42 to 48 inches from the floor. This ergonomic sweet spot aligns the screen with your natural seated eye level, preventing neck strain. This means the bottom edge of the TV should sit about 24 to 30 inches off the ground.
No - even in the original box, a flat-screen TV should always be transported upright. Laying it flat can cause uneven pressure distribution across the panel, potentially leading to cracks or internal damage.
Regardless of TV type, it's best to secure the unit between other, larger items. Avoid putting pressure on the box to prevent damage. Place the TV near sturdy items or secure it near the truck's wall, ensuring other objects won't slide or crush the device. Always face the TV screen away from the wall of the truck.
No, you should never lay a flat-screen TV flat during a move. But there's more to it than that. With over 95 years of moving experience serving New York City, we've seen the aftermath of improperly transported TVs, and we're here to help you avoid that costly mistake.
Samsung is the undisputed global number one TV brand, holding the top spot for 20 consecutive years. According to market research firm Omdia, Samsung commands over a quarter of the worldwide market share, maintaining a significant lead across premium and ultra-large display segments.
Avoid Heat Sources Like Fireplaces and Radiators
Heat is the silent killer of electronics. Placing your TV above a wood-burning fireplace or right next to a baseboard heater might look cozy, but it's a bad idea. TVs generate their own heat, and when you add external warmth, the internal components overheat faster.
Smart TVs typically last between 5 and 7 years of regular use before encountering hardware failures or becoming technologically obsolete. While the internal LED or OLED panels can theoretically last 40,000 to 100,000 hours (10+ years), supporting components like power supply capacitors and backlights generally wear out much sooner.
Otherwise, you may have to rent a larger car last minute. Whether you place it in the back seat or the trunk, you should always put it upright. As we mentioned earlier, if it's placed on its side, it could break or crack.
Oversized boxes, big screens, or large cargo
Lay down a moving blanket to protect, create a cushion and prevent damage. Carefully lift the television and place it on the blanket. Keep the television box upright at all times. Place it firmly against the side of the truck bed.
Find Your Perfect Position
The most noteworthy thing to remember? Don't watch TV lying down all the way. Lying flat might seem comfortable at first, but you'll end up straining your neck as you stretch to see the TV. Instead, sit up with your back properly supported.
A 75-inch TV typically weighs between 60 and 100 lbs (27 to 45 kg) without the stand. The exact weight depends heavily on the brand, model, and screen type (e.g., LED, OLED, or Neo QLED).
To safely transport a 75-inch TV in a pickup truck, always keep it upright (vertical). Laying the TV flat can cause the large, heavy screen to bend and crack from road bumps or gravity.
One of the most frequent issues is improper drilling. Misaligned holes weaken drywall and reduce the mount's stability. Over-tightening screws can also crack the wall surface, while under-tightening leads to loose brackets. Another common mistake involves ignoring weight limits.
You can, but it is highly discouraged. Laying a 65-inch television flat exposes it to severe flex and vibration damage from bumps in the road, which can easily crack the fragile inner screen. It is always safest to transport the TV standing upright.
Yes, a 55-inch TV will fit in most standard SUVs, hatchbacks, and wagons, usually with the back seats folded down. If you drive a sedan, it will likely only fit if you take it out of the box and slide it across the back seat.
Never lay a TV flat in an open truck bed. Vibration, weather, and road debris make this extremely dangerous. If you must use a pickup, stand the TV upright in the bed and secure it with straps. You might also consider renting a covered truck instead.
Yes, storing a TV on its side (long-term) or laying it flat (during transport) is generally bad and can damage the screen or internal components. Modern, large, and thin TVs (especially OLEDs) are designed to handle pressure and weight in a vertical position. Storing them horizontally or on an edge can cause the screen to bow, warp, or crack due to its own weight.
Flat-screen TVs must always be transported upright. Laying one down puts uneven pressure on the glass and internal components, which can lead to cracks, warping, or permanent damage.