Moving large appliances, such as the refrigerator and washing machine can be one of the hardest parts of moving. Due to their size and bulk, if appliances are not handled properly, they can easily be damaged and cause damage to the floor and walls of your home.
Before you move any appliance follow these two steps
1. Clear a path
Moving large appliances can be difficult, time-consuming and even dangerous if the path is cluttered with furniture, toys and other things that can cause you to trip. So the first thing you need to do is clear a path. Choose the shortest route possible and remove everything that is in the way. Make the path wide enough for the appliance as well as a worker on each side.
2. Clean the floor
Flooring is the first thing that can get damaged when moving large appliances. If you have carpet or linoleum flooring, they might get torn, so it is a good idea to cover them. If you have other types of flooring, such as wood or ceramic, they might get scratched. You can reduce the chances of damage by cleaning the floor to remove the dust, dirt, and stickiness that generate friction.
Here are some tips on how to move major appliances
Refrigerator
Remove all the food inside and unplug the refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving. Prop open the doors and place towels under the doors to soak up any ice that melts. Once the fridge is defrosted, dry it thoroughly. Take out the drawers and the ice maker and pack them in a box. When you get to your new place, wait a few hours before plugging the refrigerator in.
Dishwasher
Empty the dishwasher and gently slide the dishwasher out from the wall inset and disconnect the hoses. Drain any water in the hoses into a bucket and secure them with rope so they stay off of the floor and out of your way. Then clean the control panel with a clean damp cloth and wipe down the inside to remove the buildup inside.
Washing Machine
Unplug the washing machine. Remove all the external hoses and drain any water into a bucket and secure the hoses with rope so they stay off of the floor and out of your way. Stabilize the washing machine to prevent damage during transport. When you reach your new place, reconnect the external hoses and plug it in.
Dryer
Unplug the dryer and disconnect the vent hose. Thoroughly clean out the vent hose and the lint screen. If it is a gas dryer, call a qualified technician to remove the gas line and cap them securely.
Oven/Stove
Unplug the stove and remove the oven grates, range burners, burner caps, and all the other loose parts. Pack them separately. Clean the stove thoroughly and leave it to dry.
Moving heavy appliances can often cause damage to your home so it’s important to handle with a lot of caution. If these steps cause you anxiety consider hiring a professional moving company to take care of the appliances for you. Check out these moving tips to learn how to keep your home from being damaged when moving.
