Tips for Preparing Major Appliances for a Move
August 27, 2018
If you’re moving and planning to take your major appliances with you to your new home, take note. Many people fail to properly prepare appliances for moves, and end up with damaged or non-working units once they reach their new digs. Maryland’s McKendree Moving & Storage offers tips to best prepare, pack and protect your appliances.
- Refrigerators: Empty and unplug yours at least 24 hours prior to your move. Allow time for your freezer to fully defrost, then clean and dry all surfaces to prevent mildew and odors. If your fridge’s freezer has an icemaker, disconnect the waterline and make sure it’s completely drained. Remove and secure racks so that they don’t shift during the move.
- Stoves and ovens: If your stove operates on gas, your first and most crucial step is to turn off the gas supply and carefully disconnect the line. Know that gas lines can be fragile and leaks can prove dangerous, so you may want to have a professional from your gas provider help. In any case, remove or securely fasten oven racks and thoroughly clean your stove and oven inside and out.
- Dishwashers: Empty, drain and wipe dry the inside of your dishwasher. Remove and pack the utensil holder separately.
- Washers and dryers: You’ll want to consult your owner’s manual for instructions on preparing, packing and moving your washer and dryer. If you’re one of the many, many Americans with no clue where what became of those manuals, many of them can be found online by searching the model name and numbers of your machines. In any case, you’ll need to remove all hoses and pack them separately, and secure your washer’s drum.
For all appliances, tape down knobs, power cords and other elements that may come loose during a move. And here’s an idea for saving space on the moving truck – Pack lightweight, unbreakable items like linens, towels, pillows, cushions, stuffed animals and clothing in plastic trash bags and store them inside your appliances.
To ensure a smooth move to or from the Washington, DC metro area, call McKendree Moving & Storage at 800-530-2626.