Best Ways to Get Your Big-Item Appliances Ready for the Move

Many of your smaller possessions are considerably simpler to pack and arrange when you are getting your house ready for a move. Storage containers and moving boxes make it simple to load clothing, books, cooking utensils, and other decor items.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and bewildered when preparing your bigger things and appliances for the move. These tips and ideas can help you feel more secure about moving your appliances around.

1. Make Sure Your Fridge Is Defrosted Correctly

Refrigerators and freezers are big, cold appliances that could damage if they are not defrosted correctly before moving. 

If you are moving to a location where the weather is warm and humid, you should defrost an empty refrigerator for about 2 to 3 days before the move. Completely defrosting an appliance before a winter move to a cold-weather area is a last-minute job. It should be done 1 to 2 days before the move, as you cannot risk exposing it to the elements for too long.

If you are moving your fridge to a warm-weather area, you should defrost it with a hair dryer for 30 minutes at a time until it is completely defrosted. Defrosting the refrigerator in your garage for a few days may be done without exposing it to the outside environment.

The water pipe must be disconnected and properly emptied, as well. To prevent mold and mildew from growing, you must thoroughly wipe and dry all the shelves. The drip tray, usually positioned at the bottom of the fridge, should also be cleaned.

2. Disconnect and Thoroughly Clean Your Stove

The bottom of your stove should be liberally cleaned with a cleaning solution, as dirt and grease will accumulate there without the presence of any food. You should use a nylon scrubbing brush to remove any residue.

Your stove’s knobs should also be removed and cleaned. Finally, ensure the stove’s coils, behind the grates and burners, are thoroughly cleaned for a sparkling final appearance.

When cleaning your stove, remove the racks or fasten them firmly. If you’re using a gas stove, ensure the gas is off before disconnecting. Contact your gas provider and ask for assistance if you’re unsure about anything.

For the most part, electric stoves need significantly less maintenance; nevertheless, you should have your power supply examined once you arrive at your new location to ensure that current electrical standards are met.

3. Take Good Care of Your Washer and Dryer

When moving your washing machine and dryer, you must disconnect the water supply and remove the hoses. Then cover the water supply holes with a plastic cap from an empty bleach bottle. Be sure to wrap the tape around the lids to prevent them from falling off.

While moving your washer and dryer, you’ll want to locate the different components you received when you bought them. We recommend contacting the manufacturer to get a replacement kit if you lost the pieces needed to secure the drums.

If you don’t have these components, it’s best to find out ahead of time so that you don’t have to deal with extra stress on moving day.

4. Before the Moving Company Comes, Unplug All Appliances

All appliances are heavy, and you’ll want to ensure that you unplug them if you have any issues with their settings and don’t want to damage them during the move. Unplugging appliances like your oven, stove, and dryer can help you save money on moving costs.

Moving agencies often do not handle hard-wired equipment, including stoves and dryers. We suggest contacting a moving company to ensure that all of your belongings are correctly unplugged before your moving day.

Unless you’re a licensed electrician, it’s better to leave these appliances in the hands of a professional moving company.

Conclusion

When you move, there are many things to think about, but one of the most important is your appliances. If you take the time to defrost your fridge and unplug your other appliances, you can avoid moisture, electricity, and rust damage.

Although moving is never fun, it’s easier when you’re prepared—taking the time to prepare your appliances before the move helps you feel more confident and less stressed about the whole process.

Are you looking for a way to move a massive piece of equipment or appliance? For a secure and hassle-free move, it is best to work with 1 Stop Pack n Ship, one of Washington, DC’s most reputable packing and shipping companies. You may rely on our professional staff to deliver reliable bespoke packing and shipping solutions, ensuring your needs are satisfied. Get in touch with us now to see how we can help your move go more smoothly!