How to Move Appliances

Moving appliances to a new home isn’t just a matter of having some strong friends on call. It’s also a matter of preparing the appliance for the move so things go as well as possible! These tips for moving appliances can help. (Remember -- Before you prepare, clean or service any appliance, be sure to unplug it first!)

Before you move appliances:

Dry out refrigerators and freezers.
Stop using your dishwasher a few days before moving. Clean and dry it and disconnect the hoses. Let the door stay open for a few days to make sure it is dry, then wrap the dry hoses in towels and packing paper and store them inside the dishwasher.

Moving Washers and Dryers

Washer: Clean and dry the machine completely, and disconnect the hoses. Drain the hoses, dry them and wrap the metal ends in towels. Place the hoses inside the washer for the move, and secure the tub inside the washer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (You can also get a third party service provider to prepare your washer for moving and/or install it in your new home.)
Dryer: Unplug the dryer and clean the lint screen. Once at your new home, make sure the electrical requirements of your dryer are met before you plug it in.
Gas Dryer: Prior to moving, have the gas disconnected and the gas line capped off by a qualified technician. Our professional movers and drivers are not qualified to perform this service, so you will need to make arrangements with a third party.

Moving a Stove / Range / Oven

Wipe grease off of the stovetop -- it can attract dust and also stain other things that it touches in transit.
If your range is a gas range, you’ll need to have a qualified service technician disconnect it and secure the gas line prior to moving. An electric range generally won’t need special servicing.
At your new home, you’ll need to find a qualified gas installer to check the gas supply, connect the gas range and other gas appliances, seal the openings and light the pilot.

Moving a Refrigerator

Moving a fridge is a tricky job, because it has to be very clean and dry to prevent mold and mildew growth. Here’s how to prepare it:

Unplug the power cord before cleaning.
Disconnect the water line if the refrigerator has an ice maker and/or cold water dispenser.
Dispose of all perishable foods and wash all the refrigerator’s removable parts.
Thoroughly clean the interior of the fridge and allow it and all parts to dry completely before moving.
Pack the loose parts, such as shelves and drawers, in a secure container that’s approved for this purpose before moving.
Vacuum the compressor or condenser.
Empty and clean the evaporator pan -- this should also be allowed to dry completely.

At your new home, try to allow the refrigerator to sit for 24 hours before plugging it in so that the oil in the compressor can settle. Also, having the icemaker and water line connected by a professional is a smart idea. You may have to dispose of the first few batches of ice because of impurities in the water line.

Moving a Microwave Oven

Remove the glass trays, wrap them and pack them securely in a moving carton. If you have the original box, pack the microwave in that; if not, a well-padded moving carton will do. More microwave tips:

Don’t place cardboard in the door opening of the microwave because it might cause the door to spring open during the move.
Large microwaves may be eligible to be pad-wrapped for the move -- ask your movers if yours qualifies.
Be careful not to block the microwave’s exhaust vent when you install it in your new kitchen!

Moving is expensive enough without having to repair or replace damaged appliances. Be sure to use these tips for moving appliances so they arrive safely!