How to Move Appliances Safely: Tips from the Pros

Moving large household appliances — like refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers — can be one of the most challenging parts of a move, requiring careful planning and the right equipment. From protecting your floors to safely lifting and securing each unit, here’s everything you need to know on how to move appliances of all kinds — straight from the pros.

How Much Does It Cost to Move Appliances?

If you’re wondering about the budget, the cost to move appliances varies based on whether you hire professionals or do it yourself. Hiring movers to transport major appliances typically costs around $100–$300 per appliance for a local move, depending on size and weight. For example, professional refrigerator movers charge about $220 on average to move a fridge locally. Long-distance appliance moving can run higher. 

On the other hand, DIY moving can save money but comes with its own expenses: you might spend $20 or so to rent an appliance dolly and another $100+ per day to rent a truck, plus the cost of moving supplies (blankets, straps, etc.).

If you’re moving appliances as part of a move, however, it usually won’t cost much more to include them—especially if you’re already hiring a full-service moving company. 

Decide if Moving Appliances Is Worth It

Before you start hauling that fridge or stove, take a moment to decide if moving appliances is actually worth the effort and cost in your situation. Large appliances are valuable but also cumbersome, and in some cases, you may be better off not moving them at all and buying new ones for your new home. Ask yourself a few key questions:

• What is the appliance’s age and condition? If your washer is on its last legs or your fridge is an older model, it might not survive a move.

• Will it fit and be useful in your new home? Measure your appliance and the spaces in your new place.

• How far are you moving? The longer the distance, the more opportunity for damage and the higher the moving cost. 

• Could leaving appliances benefit your home sale? Leaving major appliances behind can actually increase your home’s resale appeal.

Deciding whether to move an appliance comes down to its value to you versus the cost and hassle. If you choose to take your appliances, proceed with a solid plan. The next sections explain how to move appliances safely, starting with preparation.

Moving Appliances: First Steps

If you’ve decided to bring your appliances along, proper preparation is critical. Rushing this step can lead to damaged floors, scratched appliances, or even injuries.

Supplies for moving appliances

You’ll need to assemble some specific moving supplies to handle heavy appliances. Make sure you have:

• Appliance dolly (hand truck): A sturdy dolly designed for heavy appliances is a must for safely wheeling fridges, washers, and other bulky items.

• Moving blankets and tape: Thick blankets will protect appliance surfaces as well as walls and doorframes. Secure blankets with packing tape or stretch wrap so they stay put.

• Furniture sliders: Place sliders under appliance feet to easily slide machines away from walls or across floors without scratching.

• Straps or rope: Use straps (ratchet straps or bungee cords) to tie down appliances to the dolly and keep doors or drawers from swinging open.

• Basic tools: Keep a screwdriver, wrench, and pliers handy. You’ll likely need these to disconnect water lines, remove appliance doors, or detach any brackets.

• Work gloves: Durable gloves improve your grip and protect your hands while maneuvering heavy metal appliances.

• Helpers: Plan for at least one or two people to assist. Moving appliances is not a one-person job — having extra hands will make the process safer and easier.

Measure and map your route

Before you roll out an appliance, map the path it will take from its current spot to the moving truck.

Measure doorways, hallways, and stairwells to ensure the appliance can fit through. Remove any obstacles in the way: prop doors fully open (or even temporarily take doors off hinges), clear furniture, rugs, and clutter, and protect wall corners. 

If you have stairs to navigate, plan how you’ll handle them — appliances are top-heavy, so you may need additional help or special stair-climbing dollies. It’s a good idea to tilt and maneuver appliances slowly and have a spotter who can guide you, especially around tight corners. 

Protect Your Home

Moving heavy appliances can scuff up floors and walls if you’re not careful. Take time to safeguard your home before the big haul. Use cardboard, plywood sheets, or floor runners to cover hardwood floors and carpets along the route. This creates a smooth surface for moving appliances and prevents gouges or snags. 

Likewise, wrap door frames or stair banisters with towels or moving blankets to avoid scratches when large appliances pass through. It’s also wise to tape down appliance cords securely to the unit (so they don’t drag or catch on anything). 

How to Move Appliances: Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Stove, Washer & Dryer

Now for the main event: learning how to move appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, and laundry machines. Each of these has unique requirements, but the general principles of caution and preparation apply to all.

How to Move a Refrigerator

Refrigerators are among the heaviest household items, often weighing hundreds of pounds, and they need extra care due to their fragile cooling components. Here’s how to move a refrigerator safely:

1. Empty and unplug: Start by removing all food and ice, then clean out and defrost the interior.
2. Disconnect water lines: If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, turn off the water supply valve and disconnect the water line.
3. Secure or remove loose parts: Take out shelves, drawers, and other loose components and pack them separately. Coil up the power cord and tape it to the back of the fridge.
4. Load onto the dolly: Position the appliance dolly on one side of the refrigerator. With a helper, carefully tilt the fridge and slide the dolly’s lip underneath. Strap the refrigerator tightly to the dolly. 
5. Move with caution: Wheel the fridge out along your prepared path. Take it slow over thresholds or down any steps (one person should guide from below while one steadies from above on stairs).
6. After the move: Once loaded on the truck, secure the fridge so it won’t shift, using straps to tie it to the truck wall.

How to Move a Dishwasher

Alt text: Hand pressing control panel on built-in dishwasher, partially open in a modern kitchen during appliance move or setup

Moving a dishwasher involves dealing with water hookups and cabinetry, but with patience it can be done smoothly. Here’s how to move a dishwasher out of your kitchen:

1. Disconnect power and water: For built-in dishwashers, first cut the power by switching off the circuit breaker or unplugging the unit (if it has a plug under the sink). Turn off the water supply valve feeding the dishwasher (usually under the sink) and disconnect the water supply hose.
2. Detach from cabinet: Dishwashers are typically secured to the underside of the counter with brackets or screws. Remove these fasteners and any lower kickplate panel if applicable. Gently slide the dishwasher straight out of its opening.
3. Prepare for moving: Once the dishwasher is out, secure the loose hoses. Close the dishwasher door and tape it shut. Also tape the power cord to the side so it’s not dangling.
4. Use a dolly if needed: Dishwashers are fairly lightweight (around 100 lbs) but can be awkward to carry. If you have a long way to go or stairs, it’s easiest to set the unit on a dolly.
5. Reinstall: At the new home, hooking a dishwasher back up might require a plumber or handyman unless you’re comfortable reconnecting the water and drain lines and securing the unit under the counter.

How to Move a Stove or Oven

Whether you have a standalone range or a separate built-in oven, moving a stove is a heavy-duty task — especially if it’s a gas appliance. Here’s how to move a stove and/or oven safely:

1. Disconnect utilities: For an electric oven or range, simply unplug it from the wall. For a gas stove/oven, you must turn off the gas supply before disconnecting.
2. Remove loose parts: Take out oven racks, stove-top grates, burner caps, and any other removable parts. Pack these separately.
3. Clean and secure: Grease and grime can make a stove slippery to handle, so a quick wipe of the exterior might help. Close the oven door and tape it shut.
4. Maneuver out of the kitchen: Slide the stove out from the wall carefully. Once it’s clear of the counter, set the appliance dolly at the back of the stove.
5. Load and secure: Strap the stove onto the dolly and keep it as upright as possible. When loading into the truck, keep it upright and secure it with straps so it can’t tip.
6. Reconnect: At the new location, have a professional reconnect the gas line and check for any leaks before using a gas stove. For electric ovens, simply plug them back in. 

How to Move a Washing Machine (Washer)

Washing machines are extremely heavy — often over 200 lbs — and have moving internal parts that require stabilization. Here are the steps for how to move a washing machine safely:

1. Drain and disconnect: Begin by disconnecting the power (unplug it) and shutting off the water supply valves, usually located  behind the washer. Next, disconnect the two water supply hoses from the back of the machine.
2. Secure the drum: The drum (wash tub) inside the washer must be stabilized for moving, or it could be damaged. Most washers come with transit bolts (shipping bolts) that keep the drum from wobbling during transport. If you don’t have transit bolts, you can stuff blankets or foam between the drum and the casing to immobilize it as much as possible.
3. Bundle hoses and cord: Place the detached hoses inside the washer tub (or in a plastic bag) and close the lid or door. Coil the power cord and tape it to the washer so it doesn’t drag.
4. Lift with help: With someone’s help, tilt the washer backward and slide the dolly underneath it. Strap the washing machine securely to the dolly and keep the washer upright.
5. Load and unload: Use the dolly to roll the washer along the prepared path. In the truck, keep the washer upright and strapped in place.
6. After the move: When reinstalling, remove any transit bolts before using the washer. Reconnect the drain hose and water supply hoses tightly and turn on the valves.

How to Move a Dryer

Alt text: A dark-haired woman holding a tablet crouching behind a dolly loaded with a box, with a couple more moving boxes behind her

Clothes dryers are a bit lighter than washers but still hefty appliances. The process for how to move a dryer is similar, with a few specific considerations:

1. Disconnect utilities: Unplug the dryer from the power outlet. If it’s a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply valve and disconnect the gas line (only if you’re qualified — otherwise have a professional do this part). Cap the gas line securely once it’s disconnected to prevent leaks.
2. Clean the lint trap: It’s a good idea to empty the lint screen and give the dryer a quick wipe inside, so loose lint doesn’t spill out during the move. Also detach the exhaust vent hose from the back of the dryer. You may find a lot of lint in the hose, so have a vacuum or trash bag handy.
3. Secure the door and cord: Tape the dryer door shut and tape the power cord to the side of the unit. If the vent hose is coming with you, clear out any lint, then pack it separately (or place it inside the dryer drum).
4. Use a dolly: Like other appliances, tip the dryer and slide a dolly underneath for easiest transport. Strap it on securely. Proceed slowly and carefully.
5. Move and load: Wheel the dryer out to the truck, navigating through your pre-cleared path. Avoid sudden movements. In the truck, keep it upright and tie it down so it won’t shift.
6. Reconnect: At the new home, attach the dryer’s vent hose to the wall duct before using the dryer. If it’s electric, plug it in; if it’s gas, have the gas line reconnected by a professional and test for any gas smell before turning the dryer on.

How to Move Heavy Appliances: General Tips

Moving heavy appliances can be particularly challenging due to their size, weight, and the potential risk of damage or injury. After all, appliances like refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers typically weigh hundreds of pounds.

To make the process safer and smoother, keep these essential tips in mind for moving heavy appliances:

• Use the right dolly
• Recruit enough help
• Protect floors and doorways
• Lift carefully
• Use furniture sliders

What is the easiest way to move heavy appliances?

After going through all these steps, you might be thinking that the easiest solution is to let someone else handle it! In many cases, that’s absolutely true — the simplest and safest method for how to move appliances (especially very heavy ones) is to hire professional movers who are trained for the task. Experienced movers have special equipment (like appliance dollies with straps, furniture sliders, and even motorized stair-climbing tools) to handle heavy appliances with ease.

Simplify Moving Appliances with Colonial Van Lines

Moving appliances is hard work, but you don’t have to go it alone. If the idea of lugging fridges and washing machines out of your house still feels overwhelming, Colonial Van Lines is here to help. 

Our professional crews can handle everything from disconnecting your appliances and protecting your home, to loading, transporting, and setting them up at your new location. We’ve moved countless refrigerators, stoves, and laundry machines for our customers, so you can trust us to do the heavy lifting for you. Contact us for a free quote today.