How to Move an Outlet: 8 Steps for Safe Installation

Say so long to unsightly wires with these simple steps

A woman cooking recipe in the kitchen
Photo: Tony Anderson / DigitalVision / Getty Images
A woman cooking recipe in the kitchen
Photo: Tony Anderson / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Melissa Graham
Written by Melissa Graham
Contributing Writer
Updated May 26, 2023
SKILL LEVEL
Challenging
COMPLETION TIME
2 hours
COST
$100–$300
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Stud finder
  • Drywall saw
  • Pen or pencil
  • Voltage tester
  • Screwdriver
SUPPLIES
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves
  • Electrical box
  • Spackle

Let’s say you have a mounted TV with unsightly cables hanging down your wall. In that case, it’s possible to learn how to move an outlet for convenience and cord-clutter removal. 

Keep in mind that electrical work is best left to a professional electrician to ensure it’s completed correctly and safely. If you have experience working with electrical wiring, the steps below can help take you through the process, from how to prep to how to connect wiring to your new outlet.

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Prepping to Move an Outlet

Before you start cutting into drywall and stripping wire, identify where you want to move the outlet. You’ll want to make sure the new spot is compliant with current city building codes and that you have all the necessary tools and supplies. This way, you won’t have to make an extra trip to the hardware store mid-project. 

It’s also essential to purchase or gather protective gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, to ensure you’re as safe as possible when working with wiring. If you’re working with an outlet in an older home, inspect the wiring for frayed wires or loose connections that would require more extensive work. If that’s the case, hire a professional electrician to determine the best next steps for your home’s wiring.

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  1. Turn Off the Power

    First thing’s first: Turn off the power to the circuit of the outlet in question. Flip the appropriate breaker in your circuit breaker box to eliminate power to that outlet. Even if you’re positive the power is off, you’ll need to use a voltage tester on the outlet surface to make sure. Once the voltage tester proves power is off, you can move to the next step. 

  2. Locate the Studs

    Determine where you want to move the outlet and use a stud finder to locate the studs in that wall. Mark the stud’s locations with a pencil so that, when the time comes, you can attach the electrical box to the side of a stud. 

  3. Mark the Wall and Cut a Hole

    A man cutting a hole in the wall
    Photo: BanksPhotos / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Place the electrical box on the wall where you plan to attach it to the stud, and then trace around it with a pen or pencil. Using a drywall saw, cut into the wall on the lines, following as close to the traced lines as possible. 

  4. Take Off the Plate Cover and Remove the Outlet

    Use your screwdriver and remove the plate cover from the old outlet. Then, unscrew and take out the mounting screws to the outlet and pull it out of the wall. Next, loosen the terminal screws on the side of the outlet. Remove the outlet from the attached wires. 

  5. Extend Cable and Cut Excess

    With one hand in the hole for the new outlet, pull the cable from the old outlet out of the wall. Using your wire cutters, cut about 6 inches of cable off. Then, use your wire stripper to strip 2 inches off the end of the cable and 1 inch of insulation off the black and white wires. 

  6. Attach the New Electrical Box

    Move the end of the cable through the knockout hole in the back of the new electrical box. Put the box into the pre-measured hole and secure it to the side of the stud with a screw and screwdriver. 

  7. Connect the Wiring

    A person connecting wiring of an outlet
    Photo: sestovic / E+ / Getty Images

    Using a pair of pliers, put the ends of the wires into the hooks. Take the black wire and hook it into the brass terminal screw on the outlet. Tighten the screw, then repeat the same step with the white wire, but onto the silver terminal screw. Now, take the bare copper wire and hook it to the green screw on the bottom of the outlet. 

  8. Slide Wiring into Electrical Box

    Push the wiring and the outlet into the new electrical box and screw them in with a screwdriver. Take the plate cover and screw it into place, then restore power to the circuit. Test the power with the voltage tester to make sure everything is wired correctly. Repeat until power reaches the outlet in its new location.

  9. Repair the Wall

    Patch the hole in the wall where the old outlet lived with spackle and a putty knife. Once the area is dry, you can touch up the paint so it will look good as new. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

While it’s possible to DIY moving an outlet if you have prior electrical experience, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician to complete this task. Working with electrical wiring can be hazardous to your home and personal safety, risking electrical shock or fire. 

The good news is that if you hire a professional electrician, the cost to install an outlet yourself is largely the same cost as what an electrician would charge. While you may spend anywhere from $100 to $300 to do the job yourself, an electrician is likely to charge about $75 to $485 per outlet. If it saves you time, stress, and the risk of creating further issues, it’s worth hiring an expert from the get-go.

Frequently Asked Questions

First, check the current electrical code in your area to ensure spaces you’re considering meet the requirements. After that, your outlet’s location is up to you. If you’re moving it to hide wiring, you may want to move it in a spot that will also be hidden from view, such as behind a media center or table. As long as you meet the spacing guidelines set by electrical codes, you should be able to pick any spot in your home for an outlet. 

It depends on where you live. Some cities may require a permit for electrical work, while others don’t. You’ll need to call your city’s building department to determine if you’ll need to apply for a permit or not. If a permit is required, you’ll likely have to pay a fee for it. 

Yes. You should always turn off the power to the work area before beginning, use a voltage tester to ensure it’s off, and wear protective gear, such as insulated gloves or safety glasses, to prevent risk of injury. Proper wiring and grounding techniques are also necessary to make sure the job is done right the first time and won’t harm any future homeowners. 

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Learn more about our contributor
Melissa Graham
Written by Melissa Graham
Contributing Writer
Melissa has spent over ten years writing about home design, style, and DIYs for regional and national publications.

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