Moving across the country is a big undertaking. You not only have to pack and transport all your belongings, but also take an inventory of everything you own, deep clean the house, and coordinate with your moving company. And in the middle of all that, you need to figure out what to do with everything too big and bulky to fit in a moving box—like your appliances.
Appliances are some of the trickiest household items to move because they’re not only heavy but they can be fragile, too. In this guide, we explain how to move appliances as well as some best practices to keep you and your possessions safe.
How to Move Heavy Appliances
The key to moving heavy appliances is preparation. You can’t pack and move big appliances (such as your refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and washing machine) the same way you move your smaller items or even your furniture. Moving appliances requires first gathering some supplies.
To start, you’ll need:
- Moving Blankets: Wrap your appliances with blankets before you move them. This padding will protect them so they won’t get damaged while being jostled or bumped.
- Packing Tape: Some appliances have smaller elements or pieces you’ll need to tape in place so they don’t come off during the move.
- Moving Dolly: Never move heavy appliances without the help of a moving dolly.
Let’s look at tips for moving specific appliances.
Refrigerator
Before moving your refrigerator, remove all food and clean the fridge thoroughly. Then unplug it and disconnect the water line to the fridge and empty the water reservoir.
Wiped the fridge down both inside and out, then let the moisture evaporate completely. Pack all the loose parts (like shelving) into a moving box. If you have a separate freezer, defrost it and follow the same steps.
Washing Machine
Clean and dry your washing machine thoroughly. Disconnect and wrap the metal connector ends of the hoses in a towel or blanket and put them inside the washing machine.
There are likely manufacturer guidelines for transporting your washing machine. If you have those, be sure to reference them to know how to secure the tub by tightening down the tub with screws.
Make sure a professional installs the washing machine when you get to your new home.
Dishwasher
Clean and dry the dishwasher—you could even run an empty cycle with soap. Then disconnect and drain the hoses. Let it dry thoroughly by leaving the door open for a few days before you transport it.
Just like with your washing machine, you’ll want to wrap the dishwasher hoses in blankets and put them inside the machine.
Dryer
Unplug the dryer before you clean it. Don’t forget to clear out the lint screen.
At your new home, have a professional check that you have the right electrical requirements.
Stovetop/Oven
The stovetop/oven, in particular, should be cleaned thoroughly. This appliance has a lot of moving pieces that should be removed and packed in a separate box. If you’re moving a gas range, it will need to be disconnected before the move.
Once you’ve arrived at your new house, a professional will need to check your gas supply and connect the gas line.
Microwave Oven
Remove any glass trays inside your microwave, wrap them, and pack them up separately. A microwave can be put in its original box or packed in one that is the right size. Just be sure to pad it securely so it doesn’t jostle.
Move Your Appliances with Colonial Van Lines
You’re certainly capable to moving your appliances when the time comes to start fresh in a new location across the country. But still, the idea can be daunting. If you’d rather let someone else carry that burden, Colonial Van Lines is the best choice.
Trust our skilled team of movers to know how to move heavy appliances, making your moving day fast, efficient, and headache-free. Contact us today for a free quote.