After an endless amount of research, open houses, and bidding wars the time has finally come to move into your new home. As the moving process begins, it suddenly dawns on you that your appliances need to be moved too. Moving appliances is a big task that you should not take on alone; because, there are many crucial steps in correctly preparing appliances for transport. Below you will find a list of dos and don’ts for moving appliances, so you can ensure the relocation is smooth and safe.
Refrigerators:
- Make sure your refrigerator is completely emptied, cleaned, and unplugged 48 hours before your move. The door should also be left open for 48 hours. This ensures that all the moisture inside will evaporate. If you have a frost-free model, allow for extra drying time.
- When cleaning, use a mild detergent or warm water with baking soda to clean the exterior and interior and dry thoroughly. Once you have finished cleaning, put an odor/mildew preventative inside.
Freezers:
- Completely empty and clean out the inside of the freezer. Freezer items are extremely perishable and should not be present during transport.
- Unplug and defrost your freezer 48 hours before the move. Make sure to place towels underneath it to absorb any excess water.
- Make sure the inside of the freezer is completely dry; even the smallest amount of moisture can cause mildew.
Washers:
- Turn off the hot and cold water lines, disconnect the drain hoses, and wrap the metal connector ends in a towel. Then, place them inside the washer for safe transport.
- All water should be drained from the tub, and an appliance mover should secure the tub to prevent swaying.
- Once you have reached the new location, have your washer connected by a qualified technician.
Dryers:
- Clean the inside and remove debris from the lint screen with a paper towel or your fingers, do not use any water. Once you have finished cleaning, put a load of old, dry rags in the dryer and run a normal drying cycle. This will get rid of any soap left behind; when finished, dry the inside of the drum with a towel.
- Disconnect the electrical supply. If you have a gas dryer, have a qualified technician disconnect and cap off the gas line before your moving date. Do not try and do this yourself, it could be a major fire hazard.
- At your new home, have a qualified installer also connect your dryer.
If you have an upcoming move and are in need of assistance with your appliances, call a Fry-Wagner Representative today and ask about our appliance moving services. This will save you the hassle of trying to disconnect your appliances yourself and will guarantee that your appliances are serviced correctly. More quick tips on the process of moving appliances.
