Is Moving a Gun Safe Worth It?

Moving is a headache. There’s no two ways around it. But moving a gun safe is a special kind of complexity. It’s not as simple as packing it up. In many cases, it makes sense to move your safe. However, as with any large and heavy item, there are exceptions.

Since 1988, we’ve been moving safes. We’ve learned quite a bit about the best way to move a gun safe, when moving a gun safe is worth it, and when it’s not. The following insights are based on those nearly 40 years. We hope they help you determine if moving your safe is the right decision for you.

3 Essential Questions When Considering Whether or Not to Move a Gun Safe

1. Does Your Safe Fit Your Needs?

The first and foremost thing to look at is, “Do I have the appropriate safe?” Many of our customers are moving because their current circumstances and needs have changed. In the same way you may have outgrown your home or are downsizing, you may have outgrown your safe or be ready for something smaller. In this case, it may be time to part ways with your current safe and purchase a new one!

2. What is Your Safe Worth?

Generally speaking, the cost of a safe increases over time. However, this can vary based on the safe's make, model, and condition.

While safes tend to hold their value, selling one privately can be an entirely different story. Coordinating a private sale requires a lot of planning to overcome the logistical hurdles of physically transferring your safe, including ensuring the buyer has the proper:

• Tools

• Expertise

• Experience

This not only ensures the safety of your property but also protects both parties from any potential issues during the process.

In some cases, our Buyback Program might be the best route to take. Though our BuyBack Program offer might not always be the highest price point, it provides a seamless solution — including a full-service gun safe moving crew.

When you choose to sell your safe back to Northwest Safe, there’s no need to worry about dealing with a private buyer—often a stranger who could be coming to your home. Instead, we handle everything for you, including:

• Making an offer that includes both the cost of extraction and the buyback quote

• Scheduling a pickup date

• Managing the entire removal process

This is ideal for anyone who doesn't want to risk the waiting game associated with platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. It’s also ideal for someone who wants to ensure moving the safe is done without risk of injury or property damage.

3. What is the Cost to Move My Safe?

The cost of moving a gun safe is determined similarly to the cost of installing a gun safe — both services are based on variables. Here’s a brief rundown of the key factors that determine the cost:

• Weight and Size: Larger, heavier safes are more expensive to move because they require more labor and specialized equipment.

• Difficulty: If the moving route involves obstacles like stairs, slopes, or narrow doorways, the difficulty and associated costs will increase. These situations add time and risk.

• Scheduling: Timing is another important factor. The more advanced notice you give, the better. If you need your safe moved on short notice, you'll incur additional fees because we will have to dispatch a special crew to handle your specific move. On the other hand, booking ahead allows us to group your move with others, helping to reduce costs by spreading out the expenses for the day.

In most cases, the cost to move your safe will be about 1.5 times the standard delivery charge. The .5 additional cost is a direct reflection of our team making two stops rather than one. However, as mentioned, the complexity of the move can increase the cost. If your move involves obstacles, or if you need the safe relocated urgently, you may need to factor in additional charges to account for those factors.

When Does It Make Sense to Move Your Safe? (2 Real Life Examples)

Understanding the cost vs. benefit of moving your safe often boils down to a few real-world examples. Let’s look at two case studies to illustrate how these variables play out in practice.

Example 1: Moving a High-End Safe Out of State

Riley purchased a safe in 2018 for $4,000. Today, that same safe is valued at $5,000. However, this price doesn’t include the $485 installation cost, bringing the total purchase price to $5,485.

Riley is moving from Enumclaw, WA, to Peoria, AZ, and has given Northwest Safe three weeks notice. The cost of moving the safe—including shipping—comes out to $2,985.

In this case, it definitely makes sense to move the safe! The significant increase in the value of the safe and the reasonable cost of moving means Riley can enjoy a solid return on investment by keeping it.

Example 2: Moving a Large Entry-Level Safe

Riley bought a more modest safe in 2018 for $999. The new version of the same safe is valued at $1,399, and the installation cost would be an additional $385, bringing the total cost of a new one to $1,784.

Riley is moving from Issaquah, WA, to Atlanta, GA, and the total cost for the move—including shipping—is $2,385.

In this case, the cost of moving the safe exceeds the value of moving it. Given the discrepancy between the current value and the high cost of moving it, we would recommend either taking advantage of our Buyback Program or selling the safe privately.

Get Help Planning Your Gun Safe Move

As shown by the examples above, the decision to move a safe comes down to several factors—chiefly, its value, the complexity of the move, and the cost involved. If the cost to move the safe makes sense, given its value, it’s likely worth relocating. However, if the moving costs outpace the value, then selling the safe privately or using our Buyback Program could be more economical.

When deciding, always factor in your:

• Timeline

• Cost of moving

• Any potential complications during the move

If you’re not sure whether it makes sense to move your safe, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help you explore all options, whether that’s moving your safe or finding a new solution that suits your needs.

Let us help guide you to the best option. We're here to provide the expertise you need!