Every move is challenging in itself, but moving a pool table is truly one of the hardest tasks during a move, as a pool table is usually large, heavy, and sensitive to impacts. Therefore, it’s not advisable to move it alone if you don’t have enough help or experience with such moves.
Know that experience prevails when you decide to move a pool table, as this is the only thing that can save you from causing potential damage.
However, most damage occurs because people don’t secure the pool table well enough, and the majority of damage happens during transport. This is yet another reason why you should consider hiring professional pool table movers.
Preparation for Moving a Pool Table
Good preparation is half the job, and the execution itself is just a small part of the focus needed to ensure a safe and stress-free move—we know this from experience!
So, grab a notebook and a pen, and start writing down everything you’ll need for this type of move if you’ve decided to do it without a pool table moving company.
List of Materials for Moving a Pool Table:
- Moving blankets to protect the pool table from impacts and scratches
- Bubble wrap for additional protection of smaller and more delicate parts
- Packing tape to secure the moving blankets and bubble wrap
- Boxes to store parts if you have removed any components
List of Tools for Moving a Pool Table:
- Screwdriver which you will need to even start the move
- Socket wrench to loosen larger screws and bolts
- Allen wrench for specific screws on the pool table (check before buying to ensure you need it)
- Dollies to facilitate easier transport, so you don’t have to carry everything all the time
- Work gloves to protect your hands (and the hands of any helpers you have) since the pool table is extremely heavy and has sharp edges and corners, and you don’t want to get injured
- Measuring tape to measure the dimensions of the pool table, as well as the dimensions of the space and doorways to ensure the pool table can move in or out of your new home in one piece
- Plastic bags or containers to store smaller parts of the pool table
But before you embark on this adventure, please call a few people (two or three, or maybe even more) to help you. They can be your friends, colleagues, or family members. Pool tables are extremely large, heavy, and not at all suitable for one person to move alone.
Preparation for Moving a Pool Table
Removing the Pockets
Firstly, you want to remove the pockets from the pool table. For this, you will likely need a screwdriver, and if the screws are more specific, use an Allen wrench.
Start by unscrewing the screws, then carefully pull the pockets out of their slots. After that, check that all pockets are completely detached and not damaged during removal.
Separate all pockets individually, label them if necessary to make it easier to return them to their place later, and store their screws in plastic bags or containers and label them.
Be mindful of the edges during and after removing the pockets to ensure there is no damage, as it can complicate the reinstallation of the pockets later on.
Removing the Rails
When removing the rails, although they may appear heavy and unbreakable, damage can occur, so be cautious even with this part.
It’s important to locate all the screws holding the rails along the edge of the pool table. On some tables, these screws can be found on the outer side, but in most cases, they are located on the inner side.
As with the pockets, carefully unscrew the screws, and then gently remove the rail. After removing the rail, just to be sure, check the condition of the rail in case it’s damaged.
Taking Apart The Slate
When you reach the pool table slate, this may be the heaviest part of the billiard table, so it is advisable to have multiple people to help you lift and pack this part of the table.
As with any other part, you need to unscrew each screw and lift the slate from the billiard table frame. Be careful as you can damage it, but it is very important to have someone help you as this is precisely the heaviest part of the billiard table.
Be careful with the slate not to drop it or tilt it too much as it can damage the edges or corners. Let the slate be on a flat, stable surface.
Packing and Transporting a Pool Table
If you haven’t opted for a professional pool table moving company and you want to pack the pool table yourself, stick to the list of materials we mentioned above for packing the billiard table.
Make sure to properly wrap the slate you removed from the billiard table in moving blankets and pad them well, then secure them with tape to prevent them from slipping out.
You can pack smaller parts into designated boxes or bags, especially if they are just screws, but be sure to label them beforehand so you can easily assemble them in your new home.
How to Transport?
You can use dollies, which we mentioned as tools above, to easily transport the heavier parts of the billiard table. However, if you haven’t hired pool table movers, you’ll have to arrange for a truck, for which you’ll most likely pay rent.
Still, be careful when loading the billiard table into the truck and securing it during transport to avoid damage.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Pool Table?
The cost of moving a pool table can depend on many factors, such as the distance of the move, the size and weight of the pool table, the presence of stairs, as well as additional services such as packing and unpacking the pool table, and of course, the season and availability of moving companies.
Typically, the price for moving a pool table can range from $200 to $600 with professional pool table moving companies.
However, as we do at Magical Moving & Storage, an insured and licensed moving company will always provide you with peace of mind during the move, and we recommend that you check out our pool table moving service and fill out our free quote!
Call Us And Get a Free Quote
If you’ve decided on moving with professionals, then you’re only one step from having a magical journey! Get a free quote and enjoy your move with Magical Moving & Storage.
