It has sliding shelves, temperature-controlled doors, built-in speakers, an ice cream maker, a built-in Keurig – and best of all- its baby blue. You’re shamelessly and hopelessly in love with your new refrigerator, and you can’t imagine life without it. The problem is you’re moving, and from the look of things, the fridge isn’t going anywhere. Moving appliances can be hard to do, and the bigger they come, the harder is to move them. So, which appliances can you plan on bringing with you when you move, and which ones can you plan on leaving for the next lucky family?
Hey, moving is tough; parting with your deluxe appliances can be tougher. At Colonial Van Lines, we know a bit about moving appliances, so we thought we’d give you a few ideas about which ones stay, which ones go, and which ones are just not worth the aggravation.
Moving Appliances: Which Ones Are Worth Taking?
So which appliances are worth the shlep? Here’s the truth about the home appliances that we love, and the ones that we may have to leave.
Moving Refrigerators
So by now, you’ve probably guessed that your refrigerator is not exactly a shoo-in for the moving truck. But the reason for that may come as a surprise. The truth is that, while our refrigerators look quite formidable, they are actually on the delicate side, and it’s highly unlikely that they’ll reach their destination unscathed. You can, however, improve that likelihood by taking the proper precautions.
- Fasten the fridge securely to the moving dolly and tape the door shut.
- Keep the fridge in an upright position when in motion. (This will prevent the oil in the compressor from reaching the cooling lines -which can potentially wreak havoc on your refrigerator’s cooling system).
- After moving your fridge, let it stand for at least three hours before plugging it in to give any residual oil a chance to return to the compressor.
Moving a Washing Machine
Although not quite as dainty as the refrigerator, the washing machine also has a weak part – its drum. And to guarantee that the drum stays safe, you’ll have to reinstall the transportation rods your washing machine came with to keep the drum immobilized during transport. If you’re not sure how to do it, consult your owner’s manual or the folks at the shop where you bought it. You may also want to get some help moving it; washing machines are pretty hefty.
Moving an Air Conditioner
Air conditioners are arguably the holy grail of appliances; widely sought after, highly valued, but difficult to re-install. Unfortunately, that’s what you’ll need to do if you want to bring one with you to your new home. Depending on the distance of the move, relocating your A/C can run you anywhere between $500 and $750, including parts and labor. That makes it an expensive passenger on the moving truck. If you’re trying to cut costs, the AC may be better left to the new owner.
For a quick clip on what it takes to move an AC, check out this youtube clip.
Moving the Dishwasher
When are dishwashers not convenient? When you’re trying to move them. Yes, difficult as it may be to believe, these helpful, handy household apparatuses can be a hindrance when you’re trying to transport them. Click here for the steps on “How to Move Your Dishwasher” and decide for yourself whether the dishwasher is worth the effort.
Why Not Moving Your Appliances Can Be A Good Move
Although you are not obligated to leave your appliances behind, doing so may sweeten the pot for potential homebuyers. First-time homebuyers look for fully loaded homes because they often don’t have their own appliances yet. Also, when buyers see your home stocked with the latest appliances in great condition, they’re sure to (do a happy dance) make your home a priority over other similarly priced homes. And do plug your appliances in your listing. Your realtor can evaluate your home based on the condition of your appliances, and get you more money on the sale of your home.
Colonial Van Lines Moving Appliances So You Don’t Have To
Ok, so maybe your appliances hold a special place in your heart and the thought of leaving them is too much to bear. Just don’t say Colonial Van Lines never warned you about the potential struggles ahead if you do decide to move them. We’ve moved many appliances ourselves, and we can tell you from experience that it’s not a job for weak of will nor the faint of heart.
Luckily, at Colonial Van Lines, we have the wills, the hearts, and the years of experience to move your appliances with the greatest of ease. We’ll dismantle what needs to be dismantled, disconnect what needs to be disconnected, take it to your new house without damaging your walls, floors, ceilings, or appliance of choice, and do it all over again in reverse once we get there. Plus, we’ll do it quickly, correctly, and congenially.
Whether it’s just an appliance that needs moving or a full-service pack, Colonial Van Lines will put together a customized package based on your budget and needs. Contact us today for our free rate quote and we’ll get you moving in the right direction.