How to Prepare Large Appliances For A Move
Home appliances may create a lot of difficulties during a move. While your mover will take care of the wrapping & hefty work, you’ll need to make sure they’re prepared for transport.
As you approach your moving date, make sure to follow these helpful guidelines -
1. Read Agreements
Before you unplug, double check your real estate agreements. Make sure your appliances are not included in the sale of your home. If they are, it may be unlawful to remove them.
In addition, review your agreements at the new home. If the appliances are staying at the new place, you’ll end up with duplicates. At this point, you can request the mover to provide disposal service. Or, request they move the older unit(s) to your garage/basement or local charity.
2. Take Measurements
Plan ahead by taking measurements at your new place. Make sure your appliances will fit through the doors. If not, you may need to remove the door or find an alternative route. Your mover can assist with this. For kitchen appliances, make sure they’ll fit in between cabinets.
While you’re at the new place, make sure the electrical outlets match your appliance plugs. If not, you’ll need to contact an electrician to make the switch.
3. Contact the Manufacturer
Your appliance manufacture will have specific moving instructions that must be followed. These instructions are usually found in the owner’s manual. If you threw away or misplaced your manual, locate your appliance model number and do an online search. You can also contact the manufacturer directly for assistance.
We recommend gathering this information at least three weeks before the move, just in case you’ll need to purchase any shipping bolts or stabilizers. You’ll also need a few days for drying and defrosting.
4. Contact a Technician
Once you reviewed your owner’s manual, think about hiring a trusted technician. They can help you with any servicing. These services include disconnecting and capping off gas lines, disconnecting ice makers, stabilizing a washing machine drum and disconnecting water lines.
5. Empty, Clean and Remove Moisture
By moving day, your appliances must be unplugged, empty, dry and clean, with the detachable parts packed in a well-marked box. Power cords should be unplugged and tightly taped to the rear of the unit. Lids and doors should be taped shut.
Try to use up your perishables in your freezer and refrigerator so they won’t go to waste. If you’re moving locally, you can pack perishables in a cooler and move on your own. Remove, clean and pack removable shelving. Leave all doors open for a few days to remove moisture.
The stove should be cleaned inside and out, with the racks removed and packed. Knobs, burners, drip pans and grates must be packed. If you have a gas stove, be sure to disconnect the gas line prior to packing & cleaning.
Dishwashers must be completely empty. Racks and utensil holders must be packed separately. Leave the door open to ensure it’s completely dry.
Remove and pack the lint trap and other removable parts from the dryer. Wash them using soap and water.
Run a clean cycle on your washer before allowing the unit to dry. All hoses and electrical wiring should be removed and packed.
