Vending Machine Relocation Made Easy: Tools, Tips & More

• What to do before the move?
• Gathering equipments
• What goes into moving it
• Do you need professional help?
• Cost of moving a vending machine
• Tips for a safe and smooth transfer

• Preparation before moving: Before moving a vending machine, it's crucial to get the basics right. Empty the machine completely - remove all food items, trash and leftovers to reduce weight and prevent damage. Unplug and defrost well in advance to let the machine reach normal temperature. Measure all doorways and paths to avoid last-minute surprises or damage. Secure internal components to prevent leakage and tape any parts that could shift during transport. Pack it carefully as if preparing for a journey.
• Gathering equipment: Moving a vending machine requires specific equipment. You'll need a vending machine dolly - a heavy-duty appliance designed for items 400-900 pounds that enables easy movement. Pallet jacks help move machines smoothly across even floors in commercial buildings, restaurants or hotels. Furniture sliders assist with transitions between areas to prevent dents and make the process smoother.
• The moving process: If attempting to move it yourself, follow these steps: First, pack and lock the machine to secure all components after defrosting and emptying. Next, carefully tilt and place it on the dolly, strapping it securely to prevent movement. Navigate corners and edges cautiously when moving it out to the vehicle. Use a ramp or liftgate for loading. Finally, strap and lock it inside the truck to prevent shifting during transport before carefully unloading at the destination.
• Professional help considerations: Consider hiring a vending machine moving company if you lack internal expertise or resources. Professional help becomes especially important for long-distance transport or when special equipment is needed. Multiple machines or tricky building layouts increase the need for professional services. Always choose licensed and insured movers who have specialized vending machine moving equipment to reduce damage risks.
• Cost factors: Moving costs depend on several factors: travel distance, labor hours required, machine size and weight, and quantity of machines being moved. Since pricing is highly subjective, it's best to contact trusted transport services and compare multiple options in your area for the best rates.
• Safety tips: For successful transport, always use appropriate equipment and clearly communicate expectations to movers if hiring professionals. Never attempt to move alone - have at least one helper to avoid injury. Protect the machine from floor damage and edges during transport. Finally, always test and re-level the machine after moving to ensure proper operation, and document any damages for potential claims.

While moving a vending machine could seem like a big task, with the right expertise and insights, it could become a smooth process. Make sure you unload and empty it, pack it right, use good and suitable equipments, hire the right professionals, and ensure the machine is taken care of at every step of the way. Happy moving!

Given the weight (400 to 900 pounds) and the complicated edges and bulky designs, it is not recommended to move a vending machine alone. You should ideally hire atleast one more person to help you with the process, gain access to the right equipments and make sure you follow the steps needed to do this right.

We would recommend against it as tilting it to the side can often damage internal wiring or components and increase risk of leaks/damages.

Potentially- yes! If the move was for a long distance or the machine was shaken or tilted during the move, things like payments systems of storage boxes might need to be fixed. It is always good to run a test when it is offloaded to check.