Moving a vending machine is not as simple as it may sound. These machines are both large and heavy, requiring some careful planning and maneuvering. Here are the 15 steps to help you move a vending machine safely and efficiently.

1. Measure dimensions: First, measure the dimensions of the vending machine, including its height, width, and depth. This information will be critical when navigating through doorways and tight spaces.

2. Gather necessary tools: To move a vending machine, you’ll need an appliance dolly or hand truck, moving straps, moving blankets or pads, plywood sheets (to protect floors), and at least three other people to assist.

3. Empty the vending machine: Remove any items from inside the machine, as well as any money stored in it. This reduces the weight of the machine and helps prevent any interior damage during the move.

4. Disconnect power: Unplug the vending machine from its power source.

5. Secure movable parts: Wrap all of the vending machine’s exterior parts that can move, like buttons and levers, with moving blankets or pads to avoid damage during transit.

6. Wrap with moving blankets: Wrap the entire machine with moving blankets or pads for extra protection against scratches and dents.

7. Load onto appliance dolly: With assistance from your helpers, lift one side of the vending machine slightly and slide an appliance dolly underneath it. Make sure to secure straps around it to prevent any shifting during transport.

8. Secure wheels: If your vending machine has wheels, lock them in place before attempting to move it.

9. Plan your route: Determine the best route to exit your current location and enter your new location before you start moving.

10. Move slowly and carefully: Working with your team of helpers, slowly roll the vending machine on the dolly using slow and deliberate movements. Keep an eye on doorways and tight spaces, remembering the dimensions we measured earlier.

11. Angle it for doorways: When moving through doorways, angle the vending machine slightly to ensure it fits without causing damage to the machine or your surroundings.

12. Lay down plywood sheets: To protect your floors from possible damage by the appliance dolly, lay down plywood sheets along your path before rolling the vending machine across them.

13. Adjust course if necessary: If you encounter obstacles during the move, adjust your path or remove any obstacles as needed.

14. Unload at destination: When you’ve arrived at the new location, remove the straps and unload the vending machine carefully from the dolly with your team’s help.

15. Connect power and restock: After positioning the vending machine in its new location, plug it back into a power source and load all merchandise back inside.

Moving a vending machine can be challenging, but by following these 15 essential steps and working as a team, you will be able to smoothly transport your machine to its new home.