Moving With Overhead Fans? How To Safely Disassemble and Pack Ceiling Fan Parts

 

Relocating ceiling fans? Follow this easy guide to properly disassemble all components and pack them securely to prevent damage.

Is your home filled with ceiling fans you want to take along during an upcoming move? Dismantling and packing them properly ensures all the fan parts arrive intact. 

This step-by-step guide covers how to safely disassemble, wrap, and load even large overhead fans for local or long-distance moving companies Edmonton relocation!

Step 1: Turn Off the Power at the Circuit Breaker

Cut power to the ceiling fan before taking it apart:

• Locate the circuit breaker box and open the cover.
• Identify the breaker controlling the fan and switch it to the OFF position.
• Use a contact voltage tester on the wires to confirm power is cut.

Disconnecting power prevents electric shocks while removing cords and wires during disassembly.

Step 2: Inspect All Components Beforehand

Do a check of all fan parts before disassembling:

• Turn blades manually to check for squeaks or grinding noises indicating damage.
• Examine blade brackets and motor housing for visible cracks or wearing.
• Test ceiling fan light kits and remote controls to confirm functionality.
• Make repairs or purchase replacement parts in advance if anything is found broken.

Inspection helps assess what needs extra padding or part replacements pre-move.

Step 3: Remove Fan Blades

Detach all the fan blades first:

• Locate screws or nuts used to attach each blade. Remove using a screwdriver.
• Detach blades from brackets carefully without bending.
• Label blades 1/2/3 etc. with painter's tape to reassemble correctly later.

Numbering blades ensures they are reinstalled on the same brackets and in the proper balance.

Step 4: Disconnect and Remove Light Kit

If your fan has a light, take the kit off next:

• Unscrew light bulb covers and remove any installed bulbs safely.
• Disconnect wiring harness connecting the light kit to the fan.
• Unscrew mounting screws to detach light kit from the fan motor.

Lights are often glass making them risky to transport while assembled. Removing minimizes cracks.

Step 5: Take Down Fan Motor

Now disconnect the ceiling fan motor:

• Locate screws anchoring fan motor bracket to the ceiling. Remove them.
• Carefully slide out fan motor from brackets to detach it.
• Keep motor upright to avoid internal damage.

The detached motor can now be packed flat, taking up less space.

Step 6: Remove Wall Control Panel

Take down any wall-mounted control panels:

• Unscrew panel frame from the wall and disconnect any wiring to it.
• Remove batteries from remote controls. Pack controls and remotes together.
• Label wires connecting to the panel so you can reconnect them correctly later.

Detaching the entire control system prevents misplaced components.

Step 7: Wrap Blades in Padding

Individually wrap separated fan blades:

• Cover blades with bubble wrap or thick towels all around.
• Pay extra attention to the corners and blade ends which can dent easily.
• Secure wrapping in place with tape.

Layering cushioning around each one protects finishes from scratches and dings.

Step 8: Box Fan Components Separately

Place wrapped parts in boxes labeled "Fragile":

• Wrap motor and light kit securely in towels and cushion with crumpled paper.
• Pack blades vertically in moving boxes, spaced with wadded paper between each.
• Box control panels with manuals and hardware like mounting brackets.

Boxing parts distinctively lets you locate them quickly when reinstalling.

Step 9: Load Boxes Last During Loading

Position boxes with fan parts carefully when loading the truck:

• Load heavy items like bookshelves first, keeping fragile boxes on top.
• Place boxed ceiling fans by the cab, avoiding rear bumps.
• Alert movers to gently load and transport fan boxes.

Loading strategy prevents crushing or collapsing of boxes holding delicate fan components.

Carefully disassembling overhead fans reduces stress on parts and prevents damage while in transit.