Safes are large, heavy, cumbersome items. They can be really awkward to move around, especially if you’re on your own.

You might be tempted to tip your safe over just so you can get more purchase on it, but is this the best idea?

Well, in general laying a safe on its back is not a problem so long as you tip it safely. However, you do need to put some prep in to make sure your safe and the contents aren’t damaged in the process.

The first thing you’re going to want to do is empty the safe. If you tip the safe with your guns or valuables inside, they are going to go flying around.

It’s also advisable to remove any shelves or organizers if they are moveable. Again, this will prevent them from being dislodged and thrown around the inside of the safe.

Loose articles are liable to break, but they can also do damage to the interior of your safe. They can smash into the locking mechanisms, hinges, and linings if left to roll around.

Before you tip the safe, check whether it is really necessary. If you can fit the safe through doors and openings without tipping your safe, then do so! Remember that you have to right your safe afterwards which means lifting your 500lb safe back up right! If you can avoid that you should!

If you really must tip your safe, prepare the home and the safe first.

How To Lay Your Safe On Its Back

You’re going to want to wrap the safe in a blanket or plastic before you start moving it. This will protect the paint job from any bumps or scrapes.

You also want to put thick carpet down on the ground. This will reduce the amount of pressure put on your flooring and avoid scratches.

Clear the path of any obstacles and hazards and remove any doors or frames that will get in the way. You don’t want to get stuck halfway! It’s advisable to measure the safe beforehand to check whether it fits through doors and openings.

The final thing you need to do before tipping, is work out how you’re going to move the safe once it’s on it’s back. A dolly is the best way to move your safe. You can buy or rent these from moving companies and hardware stores.

Now you can tip the safe. Never do this alone. You need to control the tip, or you’ll end up with a nice big dent in the floor and a potentially broken safe.

Make sure you have one or two people ready to receive the top of the safe as it tips. Go slow, so they have time to catch the safe.

When you’re moving the safe, keep an eye on the locking mechanism. This generally sticks out from the front of the safe and is easy to catch on door frames, walls, and people! Avoid this at all costs.

Bent, broken, and bumped locking mechanisms are bad news. Depending on the type of lock, you may find yourself permanently locked out of your safe.

Can You Lay a Liberty Safe on Its Back?

Liberty Safe is one of the top suppliers of gun safes in the US. They supply everything from handgun safes to huge home safes for rifles and shotguns.

Their gun and home safes weigh a few hundred pounds minimum. This means moving them can be a bit of a challenge.

Liberty recommends using a moving dolly when transporting your safe in the home. This means that you can keep your safe mostly upright. You should wrap your safe in blankets before moving and put moving mats down to protect your flooring.

Like other safes, you can tip Liberty gun safes on their back to fit into a van or a car so long as you take care. Again, you are advised to remove any of the contents before moving the safe. You should also remove any racks, shelves, or organizers before moving.

If you need to lay your safe on it’s back to move it through doors, then make sure that you pay attention to the locking mechanism.

Don’t forget that getting your safe into a van is only half the battle. You need to make sure you have enough hand and strength to right the safe again on the other end.

Liberty mostly suggest that you leave the transport of your safe to professionals. This could be their own safe fitters or a moving company.