5 Useful Tips for Moving Your Appliances Safely

If the idea of leaving your appliances behind after your home sale isn’t something you want to entertain, you’re not alone. Over the years, it’s become more common for homeowners to take their appliances with them to their new home, even for a cross-country move. 

Whether you’re a chef and adore your professional-grade kitchen appliances or you’re a homeowner who customized the colors of your washer and dryer, you should follow these useful tips for safely moving your appliances.  

1. Decide Between DIY Appliance Moving or Professional Movers

Should you move your major appliances or let a professional moving company handle the job? Of course, you’ll save money if you move your heavy appliances on your own, but you might stress less knowing experienced movers are responsible for wrapping the appliances, securing them for transport, and safely transferring each item. 

DIY Moving

You can move your appliances successfully, but you’ll need strong helping hands to pitch in (with the promise of a nice dinner out) and a few tools and supplies to smooth the process. 

Plan to gather the following materials to move your appliances:

• Heavy-duty dolly or hand truck capable of moving large appliances

• Floor protectors, like mats, sheets, cardboard, and carpet pieces

• Packing materials, like packing tape, moving blankets, small boxes for hoses, racks, and other interior appliance parts

Keep in mind that you’ll also need to rent a moving vehicle that’s large enough to transport your appliances. If you’re taking everything from the washer and dryer to the oven, you should prepare to rent a large-size moving truck.

Hiring Professional Movers

If your kitchen appliances are as dear to you as your own family, then working with professional movers is the best way to ensure a seamless move without damage. 

Hiring professional movers has several advantages, including: 

• Included packing supplies 

• Familiarity with the dimensions of popular appliances 

• Crews that work quickly and efficiently together 

• Moving insurance in case repairs or replacement is needed

• Possibility of reserving storage space at the company’s facility 

2. Plan Your Prep Work 

You might not think preparing your appliances for a move takes a long time, but you should give yourself at least one to three days. Give yourself more time if you need to schedule an appointment with a technician or find user manuals for directions for disconnecting. 

Keep in mind moving your own refrigerator, washer, and possibly dishwasher need at least 24 hours to air dry, especially if they’re going to a storage facility. You’ll want mold and mildew-free appliances when you return. 

Consider adding these tasks to your to-do list: 

• Double-check the measurements for your appliances’ space in your new home. 

• Ensure you have the correct power supply, outlet, and plug for your appliances at the new house. You might need an electrician’s help to install the appliances safely. 

• Contact the manufacturer or read over the user’s manuals for tips to prepare your appliances for a move. 

• Call the gas company for appointments to help disconnect and reconnect your appliances safely. 

• If you need it, schedule a technician’s visit to reinstall your refrigerator’s water lines. 

3. Disconnect, Clean, and Dry Your Large Appliances

After preparing your appliances, it’s time to move on to the next step. Before packing them into the moving truck, follow these moving tips to disconnect, clean, and dry your appliances. 

Dishwasher

• Turn off the electric and water supplies.

• Disconnect and drain the hoses.

• Wrap the dry hoses with towels and packing paper and put them inside the dishwasher.

• Clean the interior.

• Leave the dishwasher door open for a few hours or days before you move to ensure it’s thoroughly dry. 

Washer

• Turn off the electric and water supplies.

• Disconnect and drain the hoses.

• Wrap the metal connector ends of hoses in a towel, and place them in the washer.

• Clean the exterior and the interior of the washer with a soft, dry cloth.

• Ensure you’ve drained all the water from the tub.

• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines to secure and prevent the tub from damage during transportation. 

• After you arrive, hire a qualified appliance installer if the manufacturer recommends the service. 

Dryer

• If you have a gas dryer, hire a professional to disconnect it and cap off the gas line.

• Unplug the electrical power to the dryer.

• Clean the lint screen. 

• Wipe the interior and exterior of the dryer using a cloth.

Stove

• Hire a qualified stove technician to disconnect and cap off the gas line since it needs special handling.

• Deep clean the oven.

• Clean the outer surface.

• Detach all the removable parts and pack them in a box for safekeeping.

• Schedule a qualified technician to install the stove at your new house.

Refrigerator and Freezer

• Unplug the refrigerator at least 24 hours before your move day.

• Throw out the perishables.

• Disconnect the water line and empty the water reservoir.

• Clean and dry all surfaces and removable containers, including shelves and drawers.

• Pack all loose parts, including bins and shelves, in a secure container.

• Vacuum the dust from the condenser or compressor. 

• Empty and clean the evaporator pan and let it dry.

• Have a professional reconnect the ice maker and water dispenser to the waterline.

• Wait at least 24 hours after the delivery before you use the refrigerator. 

4. Don’t Forget Your Small Kitchen Appliances

Small appliances need prep work, too. You’ll need to deep clean, remove, and pack small parts, like a microwave plate, to avoid broken pieces. 

Take inventory of your small and countertop appliances:

• Microwave

• Blender

• Stand-up mixer

• Toaster oven

• Deep fryer and air fryer

• Crockpot

5. Wrap and Pack Your Appliances 

If you're moving your appliances yourself, you’ll need to wrap and pack them before loading them onto the moving truck. Your goal is to minimize movement during the ride so your appliances stay damage-free. Use plenty of packing materials to protect the appliance's surfaces. 

Check your owner’s manual for tips, but you’ll likely need a combination of: 

• Padded moving blankets

• Stretch plastic wrap

• Cardboard 

• Packing tape 

To give yourself peace of mind that your small and large appliances will make it to your new home in one piece, consider hiring a professional moving company.