1300 223 668
Moving a gun safe or heavy safe in Geelong needs careful planning, because these safes are extremely heavy, hard to lift, and must follow strict storage and transport rules in Victoria. Learning how to move a gun safe the right way protects you from injuries, floor damage, and legal issues.
CBD Movers has helped families and businesses across the region move safes safely, using trained crews and proper moving gear.
This guide explains how to move a gun safe step by step, what laws apply, how to stay safe, and when to hire expert safe removalists for peace of mind.
Why Moving a Safe Requires Special Care in Geelong
Geelong’s mix of older Victorian homes and new estate builds makes moving a safe challenging. Understanding how to move a heavy safe starts with knowing the weight and how it affects balance and handling.
Common Safe Weights & What They Mean for Handling
Gun safes used in Geelong homes usually weigh between 130 and 350 kg, which makes them too heavy for normal lifting. Fireproof safes weigh even more, often between 200 and 450 kg, because of their thick insulation. Commercial safes used in workshops or small businesses around Geelong can go above 1,000 kg.
Common Safe Types in Geelong & Average Weight
| Type | Typical Weight | Common Use |
| Gun Safe | 150–300 kg | Firearm storage in family homes |
| Fireproof Home Safe | 200–400 kg | Documents & valuables |
| Banker/Commercial Safe | 500–1,000+ kg | Businesses & workshops |
Professional Movers Trusted in Geelong
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Libby McMaster
“Very good. The removal men were very professional and the office staff were also helpful.”
Libby’s feedback shows the complete service CBD Movers delivers in Geelong.
Geelong-Specific Safety Rules for Moving a Gun Safe
Anyone learning how to move a gun safe must follow Victoria’s firearm storage and transport laws. These rules protect the community and ensure that gun owners store their firearms securely.
Victoria Firearm Storage Rules You Must Follow
A gun safe must stay locked and empty during transport. Firearms cannot be stored inside while the safe is being moved. The safe must be secured so it does not shift inside the moving vehicle. When it reaches the new property, it must be anchored or bolted down to a solid surface. These rules are checked by Victoria Police, and failing to follow them can lead to penalties.
Police Compliance in Geelong
If your firearm storage location changes, you must notify Victoria Police. Geelong Police Station handles inspections and can check whether your new home meets safe-storage requirements. They ensure the safe is strong, locked, and fixed to a building structure. Moving the safe correctly makes the inspection smoother and reduces delays.
Geelong Region Firearm Ownership Indicators
| Factor | Insight |
| Firearm licence holders | ~2.4% of Greater Geelong population (Vic Pol Open Data) |
| Common storage type | Level 1 & 2 gun safes |
| Mandatory requirements | Steel safe + bolt to structure |
How to Move a Gun Safe in Geelong (Step-by-Step Guide)
Learning how to move a gun safe is all about safety and planning. While some homeowners try moving the safe themselves, most realise halfway through that the weight, size, and risk are too high. Following the right steps makes the job safer.
Step 1 – Measure Doorways, Stairs & Hallways
In Geelong West, many older homes have narrow door frames that make moving a safe difficult. Newer properties in Armstrong Creek have wider halls, but they often have sharp turns that require careful positioning. Before moving, measure the safe and compare it with doorways, stair width, and any tight corners. This prevents getting stuck halfway or damaging walls.
Step 2 – Prepare Tools & Safety Gear
A heavy safe cannot be moved without proper equipment. A dolly rated for high weight, strong straps, thick blankets, and steel-toe boots are essential. These tools protect the movers and prevent the safe from slipping. Gloves help maintain grip, and wraps keep the safe from scratching walls or floors.
Step 3 – Empty the Safe (Mandatory)
A gun safe must be empty before it is moved. Firearms, ammo, and valuables should be removed and transported separately according to Victorian laws. Keeping the safe empty reduces weight and prevents shifting during the move.
Step 4 – Lift Using the Right Techniques
A safe must never be lifted straight off the ground. Instead, it should be tilted gently and slid onto a trolley. A 250 kg safe usually needs three to five people to guide and balance it. Pushing is safer than pulling, and keeping the safe upright helps avoid tipping. Professionals use stabilising straps to keep the load under control.
Step 5 – Transport Securely
The safe should stay upright inside the truck and be tied tightly to the side rails. The weight can shift during turns or sudden stops, so it must be strapped at multiple points. Nothing should be stacked on top because it changes balance and can cause damage.
Step 6 – Bolting Down a Safe in Your New Home
Bolting down a safe is a legal requirement for firearm owners. Concrete floors make anchoring easier and stronger, while timber floors may need a metal reinforcing plate to prevent movement. Professionals use the right anchor kits to keep the safe firm and stable.
Safe Removal Risks in Popular Geelong Suburbs
Every suburb in Geelong has its own challenges when moving a safe. Understanding these issues helps you plan better.
Belmont & Highton
These areas have many homes with steep driveways and split-level layouts. Moving a safe down sloped paths increases the chance of tipping if not controlled properly. Homes with stairs also require trained movers who know how to support weight on each step.
Geelong West & Newtown
These older suburbs have narrow hallways, small door frames, and delicate flooring. A heavy safe can crack or damage older timber floors if it is not lifted and placed correctly. These homes require extra padding and slow positioning.
Armstrong Creek & Charlemont
New estate homes often have longer hallways with multiple turns leading from the garage to the main living area. Moving a safe in these layouts requires careful planning so the safe does not hit corners or walls.
Geelong Suburb Challenges for Moving Heavy Safes
| Suburb | Challenge | Risk Level |
| Belmont | Sloped driveways | High |
| Geelong West | Small door frames | Medium |
| Armstrong Creek | Multi-turn hallways | Medium |
| Highton | Split-level layouts | High |
Why You Should Hire Professional Safe Removalists in Geelong
Hiring safe removalists in Geelong helps prevent the physical strain, compliance mistakes, and property damage that can happen during DIY moves. Professionals know the local home structures and common challenges.
How CBD Movers Handles Heavy Safes
CBD Movers uses equipment designed for large loads, such as hydraulic trolleys and skid boards. Their trained teams understand how to move safes through Geelong’s mix of old and new home layouts. They are fully insured and follow Victoria Police guidelines for legal firearm safe storage and transport.
Cost of Moving a Safe in Geelong
| Safe Type | Avg. Cost | Notes |
| Gun Safe | $250–$450 | Ground floor |
| Large Fireproof Safe | $400–$700 | Multi-level adds cost |
| Commercial Safe | $800–$1,500+ | Requires equipment |
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving a Gun Safe
People often forget to empty the safe, and this makes it heavier and unsafe to move. Using a normal trolley or trying to lift it without enough support can lead to injuries. Floors can get scratched or cracked if not protected. Some people even forget to notify Victoria Police after relocating firearm storage, which can lead to compliance issues.
How CBD Movers Helps with Bolting Down a Safe After Moving
CBD Movers helps identify the safest spot in your new home to anchor the safe. They protect the floor before drilling and use strong anchoring systems that comply with Victorian gun storage laws. This ensures the safe stays stable and does not tip or shift.
Final Safety Check Before You Move Your Safe
Before moving day, measure all entry points, clear the path from the home to the truck, empty the safe, and protect the floors. Make sure the safe stays upright and is secured tightly during transport.
Ready to Move a Safe in Geelong?
If you want a safe move without stress, CBD Movers can help lift, transport, and install your safe the right way. Get in touch today for a fast quote and expert support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Victorian law requires you to notify Victoria Police within 14 days when your firearm storage address changes. This applies to all suburbs in Greater Geelong, and inspections may be carried out to confirm proper storage.
No. A gun safe must be empty during transport. Firearms and ammunition must be removed and transported according to Victorian firearm laws.
Yes. Victorian firearm storage laws require safes to be bolted or anchored to the building structure. Concrete floors make anchoring easier, while timber floors may need reinforcement.
It’s not recommended. Keeping the safe upright protects the locking mechanism and keeps the weight balanced. Lying it down increases the risk of damage during transit.
Professional safe removalists use thick padding, runners, and protective boards to prevent damage to older timber floors commonly found in Newtown and Geelong West.
Yes. Learning how to move a heavy safe involves additional risks due to increased weight and balance issues. Heavy safes often require specialised equipment and trained safe removalists in Geelong, especially when stairs, tight hallways, or older homes are involved.
It’s not recommended. Keeping the safe upright protects the locking mechanism and maintains proper weight distribution. Laying a safe on its back increases the risk of internal damage during transit.
