Packing up appliances is part of a move that goes on the “wish I didn’t have to but I’m definitely going to” list. They are expensive, bulky items that require special care when moving – they are machines after all.
Having someone help out, and a simple step-by-step resource like the one below, makes the task much more manageable no matter what type of appliance you’re moving.
Moving a Refrigerator
- Empty the fridge of all the food.
- Disconnect the refrigerator early enough so that it has time to defrost.
- Coil up the power cord, secure it with a zip tie and tape it to the fridge.
- Remove the trays and other movable parts.
- Disconnect the icemaker if the refrigerator has one.
- Make sure the refrigerator is completely dry inside then use a bungee cord or rope to tie the doors closed. For added freshness consider putting activated charcoal inside.
- Use a dolly to wheel the fridge out to the moving truck.
- Make sure the dolly has straps and the base of the dolly is big enough for the fridge bottom.
- Slide the fridge away from the wall and then slide the dolly bottom under the refrigerator.
- Tilt the dolly back and slowly roll it forward.
- Back the fridge up into the moving truck while it’s still on the dolly.
- Keep the refrigerator upright while moving.
Moving a Washing Machine
- Turn off the water to the unit.
- Let the water run for 30 seconds to relieve the pressure in the hoses then turn off.
- Unplug the washer.
- Unhook all the hoses, including the drain hose, at the back of the washing machine.
- Put the hoses in the unit for easy storage.
- Secure any hoses that can’t be disconnected to the back of the machine with tape.
- Enlist the help of another person to slide the washer onto a dolly to move it.
Moving a Dryer
- If you have an electric dryer, unplug it then remove the metallic vent hose located at the back.
- Clean the vent hose and lint trap.
- If it’s a gas dryer, turn the gas off and unhook the metallic vent hose at the back.
- Store hoses that can be disconnected within the unit. Tape hoses that remain connected to the back of the unit.
- Use tape or plastic wrap to secure the door.
- Enlist the help of another person to slide the washer onto a dolly to move it.
Moving a Stove
- Those with gas stoves should always follow natural gas safety tips.
- Pull the stove out from the wall a foot or two and unplug it.
- If you have a gas stove, turn the gas off. If there is a shutoff valve on the stove gas line turn that to the “Off” position.
- Remove the racks and grates.
- Secure the controls with tape.
- Secure the door with tape or plastic wrap.
- Pull the stove all the way out to the middle of the kitchen.
Wrap a strap around the oven to keep the door from falling open. - Lift one side and slide a dolly underneath.
- Wheel the stove into place, carefully lower the dolly then lift the stove on one side to slide the dolly out from underneath.
Moving a Dishwasher
- Remove all dishes and utensils.
- Remove the racks.
- Shut off the power to the dishwasher.
- Disconnect the water supply line.
- Thoroughly clean out the dishwasher.
- Allow the dishwasher to air dry with the door open for 24 hours.
- Lock the door shut and tape it to ensure it doesn’t come open in transit.
General Best Practices for Moving Appliances of Any Kind
- Always follow electrical safety recommendations when handling kitchen appliances of all sizes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has created a very handy Home Electrical Safety Checklistthat can be used to protect your family, home and appliances.
- If user manuals are available, reference the manufacturer’s guidelines for moving the appliance.
- Bulky appliances like refrigerators, freezers and stoves should be moved by at least two people.
- Before moving measure the appliances and doorways to determine the best path. If needed, remove the doors of the appliances. Here’s additional ideas to try when an item won’t fit through the door.
- Protect the floors by using carpets or moving blankets underneath appliances.
- Use a dolly or hand truck to move heavy appliances.
- When moving appliances downstairs always bungee or strap the appliance to the dolly.
- Always use extreme caution when moving gas powered appliances. If you aren’t comfortable disconnecting a gas stove it’s best to have an appliance technician do it for you.
- If you smell gas while moving gas powered appliances stop immediately and turn off the gas supply.
- Consider having the appliance serviced before the move.
- Load appliances into the moving truck first, and keep them up against the back or sides whenever possible.
- For added protection, you can
- If you are uncomfortable doing the job yourself or don’t have the equipment needed to move the appliances consider hiring a professional moving company to help.
Does the thought of moving expensive appliances stress you out? Appliance moving services from Square Cow Movers is worry-free! Our pros move appliances every day and know all the tricks of the trade. Give us a call or use the online form to get an instant moving quote!
Original Source: https://squarecowmovers.com/how-to-move-appliances/