Planning to take your major household appliances with you when you move? Wondering how you’ll get them from your current address to the next? Whether you’re keeping one or all of your current appliances, getting them to a new location can present a challenge. Even if you’re hiring professionals such as Ward North American to load and transport the appliances, you still have to figure out how to prepare them and what goes into ensuring their safe delivery.
There are numerous important steps to take in preparing appliances for a move. Knowing how to move large appliances such as a refrigerator or a stove starts with the following key steps.
First Up: Check Your Owner’s Manuals
If you still have the owner’s manuals for your appliances, check to see whether there are moving instructions included. If you don’t have the manuals, you may be able to find them online. Another option is to contact the dealers from whom you bought the appliances and ask about moving instructions. Use the guidelines in these manuals to know how to properly prep your appliances for a move.
Clean the Appliances
Whether you’re talking about the refrigerator or the washing machine, a good first step in moving prep is cleaning the appliance. To prepare it for being transported, you’ll want to completely empty it and get it cleaned out.
- For the washing machine, run it empty through the normal wash cycle using hot water, and then leave the door open for 24 hours.
- For the dryer, use water and a mild liquid household cleaner to rub clean any discoloration on the drum. Next, run a load of old cloths or rags through a cycle to remove any residue.
- For the refrigerator, empty it completely. Use water and a mild liquid household cleaner to scrub and wipe all surfaces, including walls, drawers and shelves. Remove the racks and secure them so they won’t shift during transport.
- For the stove, thoroughly scrub the inside of the oven, using steel wool as needed, and clean the outside of the appliance as well. Remove the racks or secure them so they can’t bang around as they’re being lifted and moved.
- For the dishwasher, empty the unit completely. Remove any utensil holders/racks and pack them separately. Clean the machine if necessary, run a cycle and let everything thoroughly dry.
Unhook Pipes and Power
After your appliances have been thoroughly cleaned, the next step is to unhook them. Any machine with a water source will need its water line disconnected and drained. If you have a gas stove, you’ll want to turn off the gas before you start disconnecting the line. If you’re at all unsure about how to unhook the gas, contact your service provider for more information. Likewise, all appliances need to be unplugged. The refrigerator should be unplugged for at least 24 hours before moving.
Secure Cords
Take each appliance’s power cord and loop it neatly. Secure the plug to the back of the appliance using packing tape, making sure no cords will be able to come loose or dangle during transport.
Tape Doors Shut
As further protection against damage in moving, make sure all of your appliances’ doors are taped up and secured before you move them.
Whether you’re moving across town or to the other end of the country, you can make your move smoother and more seamless when you take proper precautions in preparing appliances for a move. Follow the instructions above before moving day to ensure your transition goes smoothly. Then, when your movers arrive, you can rest easy knowing that your household appliances have been protected and are ready to be hooked up again.
