Barbeques are tough enough to withstand high temperatures, but vulnerable to the types of bumps, jolts, and vibrations you find in the back of a moving truck. Even simple grills contain loose and delicate parts that can be easily damaged without the right preparation. To make sure your grill is ready to fire up when you get to your new home, this blog we’ll explain how to move a BBQ or grill safely from your old home to your new one.
Gather Supplies
Transporting a BBQ doesn’t require any special tools, just a few basic supplies. To prepare your grill, you’ll need:
- Sponge or Scrub Pad
- Paper Towels
- Dish Soap or Grill Cleaner
- Trash Bags
- Disposable Aluminum Pans
- Sealable Container
- Ratchet Straps
- Bungee Cords or Rubber Tarp Straps
- Moving Blankets
- Stretch Wrap
- At Least One Moving Box
- Packing Paper
- Bubble Wrap or Packing Peanuts
A grill brush and grill scraper will come in handy as well, to remove food residue. If you don’t have them already, you can probably find them at your local hardware store or home improvement center.
Remove the Propane Tank and Charcoal Briquettes
Charcoal and propane are a potential fire hazard, which is why no moving company, including North American Van Lines, transports propane tanks or charcoal briquettes in our moving trucks. Before prepping your BBQ, make sure you detach any propane tanks and dispose of any charcoal or charcoal debris.
Take Out Loose Parts
Anything that’s not firmly attached to your grill should be removed and packed separately. This includes:
- Grill Grates
- Warming Racks
- Flavorizer Bars/Heat Plates
- Burner Covers
- Rotisserie Spit and Accessories
- Trays, Baskets, and Side Shelves (If Removable)
Clean each part thoroughly before wrapping it in packing paper. If it’s particularly dirty, soak it in a disposable aluminum pan with a small amount of dish soap, to soften any baked on grease or food residue.
Once each part has been scrubbed clean, place it in a moving box. Depending on the size of your grill and number of accessories, this may only require one box or it could take several. Prepare each box by placing a layer of bubble wrap or packing peanuts along the bottom, for cushioning. Fill the empty space with bubble wrap or packing peanuts as well, for extra protection and to keep the contents from shifting.
Metal components can be heavy, so be careful not to overfill your boxes. Boxes over 50 pounds are at greater risk of tearing. Once the box is full, seal it up with two strips of packing tape along the bottom seam and an additional strop along the top one. Label each box clearly with the destination and contents (e.g. GRILL GRATES, BACK PATIO).
Clean the Grill
After the individual components have been packed away, wipe down the interior of the grill as well as all its connected parts. You want it as clean as possible to prevent the BBQ from dripping while it’s in the moving truck.
Pay special attention to the grease pan, since it contains a lot of charred and oily residue. Slide it out and drain the contents into a sealable container, such as a glass jar or disposable aluminum foil pan, and throw it out. Pouring it down the drain could clog your pipes, while dumping it on your lawn could harm plants and attract pests.
Then wash the tray with soap and warm water. For stubborn buildups, use a degreaser. Once the grease has been completely removed, dry the pan and slide it back into place.
Strap Down the Lid
To prevent the lid from flying open, wrap a ratchet strap around the BBQ. A bungee cord or rubber tarp strap works just as well. If you’re worried about scuff marks, fold up a sheet of packing paper and place it underneath the strap or cord wherever it comes into direct contact with the grill. If your BBQ has foldable side shelves, lower them and lock them in place.
Cover the BBQ in Moving Blankets
Wrapping the grill in moving blankets helps protect it from dents and scratches. Once the grill is completely covered, use stretch wrap to hold the blankets in place and prevent them from getting caught in the wheels. If your BBQ has fixed shelving, make sure each one is wrapped especially thick to cushion it from bumps and jolts.
Load the Grill onto the Truck
If you’ve hired professional movers, your work is done. They’ll be responsible for getting the BBQ into the truck and making sure it’s secure. If you’re handling the move on your own, the simplest way to load a grill is to wheel it onto the truck and strap it to one of the side panels to prevent it from shifting during transport. You can also use O-Rings as anchor points if the truck doesn’t have side boards.
Most modern grills are equipped with wheels, but it’s not uncommon to find smaller grills without them. These BBQs are designed so they’re easy to carry, which makes loading them a cinch. They’re often light enough to be carried by a single person, but if in doubt, ask a friend to help you.
A Note on Propane and Charcoal
While propane tanks and charcoal briquettes cannot be transported in moving trucks, they can be transported in personal vehicles. However, because they’re a fire risk, experts advise that it’s best to dispose of them and purchase replacements after you arrive at your new home. Propane tanks can be taken to a dealer or dropped off at a hazardous waste center. You can also give them away if you have a friend, neighbor, or family member who could use them.
If you can’t find anyone who can use them, dispose of charcoal briquettes by dousing them in water for 48 hours and then wrapping them in aluminum foil before placing them in the trash. For added safety, place them in a non-combustible trash can instead of a plastic one.
Set It Up Again
Once your grill’s in your backyard or patio, cut away the plastic wrap and remove the moving blankets. Then take the detachable components out of their respective boxes and fix them in place. Finally, buy fresh charcoal or a new propane tank and start grilling!
North American Moving Services
North American Van Lines makes relocating simple. Our complete moving services handle everything from planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery. Whether you’re moving across the state or across the country, our teams have the experience to get you there