How to Pack Appliances for Moving

No matter the size, moving appliances takes careful planning to ensure they reach their final destination safely. These six tips will help you learn how to pack appliances for moving, from securing loose parts to using the proper padding.

1. Clean and Dry Everything First

You don't want to bring dirty appliances into your new clean space. Remember, any leftover crumbs, grease, or moisture can lead to unpleasant odors, mold growth, or even internal damage during transit — yikes. So, before packing, take the time to clean and dry each appliance thoroughly.

Start by wiping down all surfaces, empty crumb trays, and remove food residue from appliances like toasters, microwaves, and blenders. 

When wondering how to move a refrigerator or freezer, keep in mind they should be emptied and unplugged at least 24 hours before transporting for defrosting. Remember this should be done whether you plan a DIY move or hire professional appliance movers.

2. Remove Loose and Detachable Parts

Many types of appliances, including your coffee maker and dishwasher, have components that can easily get lost or damaged in transit. You want to ensure any pieces that can shift during a move, like dish racks and microwave turntables, are securely packed.

• Use labeled resealable bags for small items like screws, attachments, and accessories.

• Wrap fragile pieces like glass blender containers or coffee pots in dish towels, bubble wrap, or packing paper to prevent breakage.

• Store and pack components with their corresponding appliance whenever possible to make reassembly easier after the move.

3. Wrap Cords and Secure Them

A hanging or loose cord can instantly become a tripping hazard or get lost in a move. Worse, a cord accidentally pulled or dragged when moving can damage the appliance.

To avoid cord drama, always secure the cords with twist ties, Velcro straps, or even rubber bands and tape them onto the appliance when possible. Remember not to twist the cords too tightly to prevent cracking.

If you have multiple appliances with similar-looking removable cords, consider labeling them with masking or painter's tape to quickly identify which cord belongs to which appliance when unpacking. 

4. Use Original Boxes to Pack Small Appliances

If you still have the original boxes and packaging materials for your espresso machine or air fryer, now is the best time to use them. These boxes fit your appliance snugly, providing the best structural support and protection during transport. They also include custom inserts, like foam padding or molded cardboard, which help keep fragile components in place.

What to Do If You Don’t Have the Original Boxes

However, if you no longer have the original boxes, no worries—you can still pack your appliances safely with a few adjustments:

• Pick a box that’s only slightly larger than the appliance to avoid excess shifting.

• Use bubble wrap, towels, or crumpled packing paper to cushion the appliance on all sides.

• Reinforce the bottom of the box with heavy-duty packing tape to keep the appliance from falling out.

• Label the box clearly, including which side should be upright so internal components do not shift.

5. Secure Large Appliances for Smooth Moving

Bulky items like ovens or dishwashers can be challenging to maneuver in and out of your abode. You also want to ensure they are protected while in the moving truck.

• Protect large appliances with moving blankets: Secure the coverings with bungee cords or packing tape to keep them in place—this includes ensuring the doors on the appliances remain closed.

• Secure appliances inside the truck to prevent shifting: Use straps or bungee cords to anchor them to the truck’s side panels, ensuring they stay upright to protect internal components from damage.

• Avoid tilting large appliances: This is especially true if you are moving your fridge, as this can cause oil displacement in the compressor, risking damage to internal parts.

• Enlist a few pros: Hiring labor for your move ensures that large appliances get on the truck safely and you are not stuck with all the heavy lifting. 

6. Plan for Easy Setup in Your New Home

Unpacking appliances is the last step in the moving process. While some appliances are plug-and-play, like your coffee maker, other appliances, like gas stoves or dishwashers, require a utility hook-up. Here is what to consider:

Give Appliances Time to Settle

Some items, like your refrigerator, need time to settle upright for a few hours before plugging in to allow fluids in the compressor to stabilize.

Check for the Right Connections

Before moving, verify that your new home has the proper electrical outlets, gas lines, and water hookups for major appliances. If not, take the time to talk to a contracting professional about your utility needs.

Unpack and Reassemble in Order

If you remove parts (like refrigerator shelves or appliance attachments), keep them together in labeled bags or boxes so they’re easy to find. Start with large appliances that require installation first, then move on to smaller ones.