Tips for Moving Large Appliances

When it comes to moving, your large appliances are likely to give you the most anxiety. Not only are they big and heavy, but they’re also expensive, and the last thing you want is to risk breaking them. For that reason, here is a list of tips organized by appliance to make moving a breeze:

Preparing to Move

You’ll need to make sure you’re completely prepared before trying to move your appliances in order to avoid damaging your floors, walls, or the appliance itself. Make sure that you have measured the appliance and the doorways it’ll need to go through to avoid bumping either during the move. If it won’t fit, you might have to find another way to exit the room or accept that it could be a really tight fit.

Then you’ll need to make sure you have all the right supplies. Think through what you’re moving and decide whether it would be best to rent a dolly or cart, a stair roller, or if you want to cover the floor to get it across. You can purchase plastic floor protectors if you’re worried about scraping the floor that will also make it easier to slide you appliance across. You can also place carpet squares on the floor and wood on top and put your appliance on those to slide it across the floor.

No matter what the appliance is, you also want to make sure that it is empty before moving it and that any doors are taped shut to avoid them swinging open while trying to move them. In addition to making sure that your appliance is clean and secure, you should also take care of your floors before moving it. Any dirt or grit may make the move more difficult if you have to slide the appliance and could scrape up the appliance itself or the floor.

Once you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to move on the specific appliance itself.

Refrigerator/Freezer

This is often the first appliance that people dread moving when they decide to move, but with some simple tips, it’ll be much easier:

• Make sure the fridge is empty before moving it. This may seem like a no-brainer but with everything else you have to worry about it can be easy to forget things.
• Unplug the refrigerator or freezer and allow it to melt and defrost for at least a day before trying to move it. Make sure to dry it thoroughly if it hasn’t dried yet.
• You should unplug the water line as well or turn it off if you have a water or ice dispenser and empty the water reservoir.
• Remove any shelves or drawers and pack them up carefully before moving the whole unit.
• Vacuum the condenser or compressor to remove any dust.

Remember that when you arrive at your new place with your fridge you may require professional movers help to set it back up so you may want to consult with one in your new area to see if you’ll need their help when you arrive.

Stove/Oven

The first thing you should do before moving a stove is cleaning it thoroughly. If there are any food remnants or grease they are likely to catch dust and dirt on the way. You’ll also want to remove any racks and pack them up separately.

The thing about a stove is that it is more likely to involve a professional movers help then some of your other appliances. If you have a gas stove, you will need a professional technician to disconnect it ad shut off the gas line. When you arrive at your new house you will need a gas installer to check on you gas supply and take care of setting up the stove however an electric stove will likely not require any assistance.

Microwave Oven

Because microwave ovens are smaller they are likely going to be a lot easier to move but there are still a few things you should remember:

• Make sure to remove the glass tray and pack it up separately and don’t forget to seal the door shut.
• A microwave oven can easily be packed back in its original box if you still have it or just a well-cushioned box. If the microwave is large then you may want to ask a professional if it can be wrapped before packaging.

Dishwasher

• Be sure that any hoses or water supplies are disconnected and blocked off.
• You’ll also want to leave the dishwasher door open to ensure that it is dry before the move.
• You can wrap the hoses in towels or packing paper and put them in the dishwasher for the move and be sure that the door is secured before moving it.

Washing Machine

A lot of times people will think through their kitchen and think that they’ve covered all their appliances. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. You’re washing machine that been hiding in a closet or small laundry room as long as you’ve lived their needs to move too.

• Like with your dishwasher and fridge, you’ll want to disconnect and drain the hoses and leave the door open so that it can dry. You’ll also want to wrap up the hoses and place them inside the washing machine.
• You may want to hire a professional to secure the whole washing machine and moving it but if you think you can do it yourself, use your own or purchase manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent the washing machine from shifting or moving.

However, when it comes to installation in your new home, it’s time to hand it over the professionals.

Dryer

Electrical dryers are a little simpler when it comes to moving but you need to be sure that you have unplugged it before doing anything. After cleaning the appliance including the lint screen it should be good to move. When arriving at your new place, make sure that your power supply fits the electrical requirements of the dryer before setting it up.

If you have a gas dryer then you’ll need a qualified technician to disconnect the appliance and the gas line before the move and to set it up after.

Need More Help?

You can reach us at 1 (800) 233-6683 or visit your local Massachusetts moving company to learn more about what we can do to help you. Download the Ayer Moving Guide for a Stress-Free Move!