Moving a bank safe is a complex process that requires precision, expertise, and coordination with building managers and other stakeholders. These safes are not only enormous and heavy, but they are also valuable assets that demand careful handling to prevent damage. Explore how professional movers coordinate a bank safe relocation to enhance efficiency and safety.

Working With Remodeling Contractors

Banks may need to move their safes for several reasons, such as when a bank branch relocates to a new location or upgrades to a more secure facility. Structural changes in a building, like renovations or expansions, can also necessitate moving a vault to accommodate the new layout. For all of these reasons, bank safe relocations often happen during remodeling projects when both space and timelines are tight.

Movers must coordinate closely with contractors already working on-site, ensuring everyone is on the same page about the timeline and safe-moving route. This partnership minimizes delays and errors. For instance, remodeling contractors need to keep the moving pathway clear and stable to accommodate the safe’s dimensions and heavy weight.

Coordinating With Alarm Companies

Bank safes have sophisticated alarm systems to prevent unauthorized access and safeguard valuable contents. These systems come with various sensors that can detect tampering, forced entry, or any unusual activity near the safe. When triggered, the alarm system sends an immediate alert to the bank’s security team and the alarm monitoring company. The alarm monitoring company usually contacts local law enforcement to dispatch officers to the bank’s location.

To avoid triggering the alarm, the movers must inform the alarm company of when they will move the safe. Doing this helps avoid disruptions or misconstrued emergency situations.

Moving a bank safe

Minimizing Disturbances

Maintaining good relations with neighboring businesses is another critical consideration during safe relocations. Safe moving is an involved process because the safe is heavy, large, and valuable. To avoid disturbing nearby business operations, movers frequently schedule overnight or early morning moves when businesses are closed and foot traffic is minimal.

The process of moving a bank safe may involve temporarily altering the surrounding area to create a clear and navigable path. This may require the removal of door jambs and other structural elements to accommodate the safe’s size and weight. Movers use specialized dollies, rigging systems, and other tools to move safes smoothly and securely. For these reasons, banks may prefer moves during non-business hours.

Factors That Influence the Move’s Scale

The scale of moving a bank safe or vault depends on several factors, including the safe’s features, the characteristics of the surrounding environment, and what parts they are relocating. Some banks may choose to move an entire modular vault, while others may opt to remove only the door. Despite being significantly less extensive than dismantling the entire structure, the door is incredibly heavy and requires specialized handling.

At Boswell Safe and Vault Co., we prioritize minimizing noise and dust during the dismantling of modular vaults. By removing the vault’s pieces in whole sections rather than breaking apart cement, we ensure a cleaner and quieter process.

Navigating Challenges in Indoor Malls

Relocating a bank safe housed in an indoor mall brings its own unique complications. Movers must coordinate with mall management, security teams, and structural engineers before beginning the job. This includes determining a safe route for the relocation and protecting the flooring.

Improper safe moving can lead to significant structural damage to the building, such as cracked walls or floors, due to the immense weight of the safe. The safe itself may also suffer internal or external damage, potentially compromising its security features and rendering it less effective. Bank safes are expensive because they incorporate heavy-duty construction, sophisticated locking mechanisms, and advanced security features. Experienced safe movers carefully plan and prepare the moving route to prevent any damage.

Additionally, malls often enforce strict work schedules, requiring moves to be completed outside of regular shopping hours. To comply, movers work late nights or early mornings, navigating empty corridors to complete the task with minimal disruption. These steps ensure that they handle both the mall property and the bank’s safe with optimal care and precision.

Vault panels stacked in parking lot

Securing Parking Permits

If the vault must be moved to or from a high-traffic area, the movers may need to secure parking permits. These permits provide the moving team with designated spaces close to the building so they can minimize the distance the safe must travel. Without them, movers might face parking issues, adding unnecessary delays or complications to the process.

Parking proximity enhances the efficiency of the move and reduces the potential risk of damage to the safe or any obstacles along the route. Moreover, having a designated parking space eliminates the stress of finding available parking in busy areas. Finally, closer parking decreases the likelihood of disturbing traffic or business operations around the relocation site.

Training the Moving Crew

The movers themselves coordinate their actions for their own well-being and to protect the safe and the surrounding environment. Boswell Safe and Vault is the premier safe-moving company in Southern California because we use state-of-the-art equipment and the right techniques for every move we do.

Training the moving crew is a crucial part of ensuring a successful bank safe relocation. Crew members learn the principles of weight distribution and proper lifting techniques to prevent injuries and equipment damage. Training includes the correct use of specialized moving equipment like forklifts, hoists, and dollies designed to accommodate heavy loads. Protecting the surface of the safe with padded blankets or specialized covers also prevents scratches or dings during the move.

In addition to physical handling skills, crew training emphasizes adhering to strict safety protocols to protect both the asset and the personnel. Each team member learns how to assess potential risks on-site, ensuring the workspace is free of hazards and obstructions.

Professional movers ensure bank safe relocations proceed smoothly and safely by coordinating with remodeling contractors, alarm companies, building managers, and local authorities. By securing parking permits when needed and using specialized training, they minimize potential disruptions to daily operations. Call Boswell Safe and Vault Company for a flawless relocation that protects assets and minimizes disruptions.