Moving home is a significant undertaking, filled with checklists and challenges. Among the most daunting of these tasks is moving with large appliances. That state-of-the-art refrigerator, reliable washing machine, and family-sized dryer are not just heavy; they are complex machines that demand careful handling. One wrong move can lead to costly damage, serious personal injury, or damage to your property.
Successfully relocating these household giants is a blend of proper preparation, the right equipment, and a deep understanding of safety protocols. Whether you’re considering a DIY approach or weighing the benefits of professional help, this comprehensive guide is your roadmap to a secure and seamless appliance move.
At Shiftraa, we’ve managed thousands of relocations, from local moves within Mumbai to complex international shipments. We understand the intricacies involved and are here to share our expert advice to ensure your valuable appliances arrive at your new home in perfect working condition.
Why Moving With Large Appliances Requires Special Attention
You might think moving a fridge is just a matter of muscle. However, the reality is far more complex. Understanding the risks is the first step towards mitigating them.
- Risk of Personal Injury: The sheer weight and awkward dimensions of appliances like refrigerators and ovens make them a leading cause of moving-related injuries. Back strains, hernias, crushed fingers, and serious falls are all potential dangers. According to safety experts, improper lifting techniques are a primary cause of musculoskeletal disorders.
- Damage to the Appliance: These are not just big metal boxes. They contain sensitive electronics, compressors, motors, and delicate glass components. Tilting a refrigerator improperly can cause its coolant to fail. Forgetting to secure a washing machine’s drum can lead to irreparable damage during transit.
- Damage to Your Property: Navigating tight corners, narrow hallways, and steep staircases with a 150kg appliance is a recipe for disaster. Scratched hardwood floors, dented walls, and broken door frames are common casualties of a poorly executed appliance move.
- Complex Connections: Appliances are connected to your home’s vital systems—water, electricity, and even gas lines. Improper disconnection can lead to leaks, electrical shorts, or dangerous gas leaks.
Given these high stakes, meticulous planning is not just recommended; it’s essential.
The Universal Pre-Move Checklist for All Large Appliances
Before you even think about lifting anything, follow these universal preparation steps. This groundwork will save you time, money, and a great deal of stress.
1: Consult the Owner’s Manual
Your appliance’s best friend is its owner’s manual. It contains manufacturer-specific instructions for moving, including crucial information about special “shipping bolts” or other features designed to protect the appliance during transit. If you’ve misplaced the physical copy, a quick search on the manufacturer’s website (like Samsung’s Support Page) will almost always yield a digital version.
2: Gather the Right Tools and Equipment
Attempting to move a large appliance without the proper gear is inefficient and dangerous. Assemble your toolkit in advance:
- Appliance Dolly: This is non-negotiable. An appliance dolly has straps and a sturdy frame designed to bear the weight and height of tall appliances.
- Moving Straps/Forearm Forklifts: These help distribute the weight and provide better control, especially on stairs.
- Moving Blankets and Padding: To protect the appliance’s finish and your home’s walls and floors.
- Furniture Sliders: For easily gliding the appliance away from the wall to access connections.
- Basic Toolkit: A screwdriver set, wrench, and pliers for disconnections.
- Cleaning Supplies: Microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaner, and a bucket.
- Painter’s Tape or Packing Tape: For securing cords and doors.
3: Measure Twice, Move Once
This age-old carpenter’s advice is golden for movers. Before you move anything, take detailed measurements of:
- The appliance itself (Height x Width x Depth).
- Every doorway, hallway, and staircase on its exit path.
Create a clear, obstacle-free route from the appliance’s current location to the moving truck. This may involve temporarily removing doors from their hinges or clearing furniture out of the way.
4: Prepare Your Home for the Move
Protect your property. Lay down cardboard, old blankets, or Masonite sheets to protect your floors from scratches. Use corner guards for walls and pad banisters if you’re navigating stairs.
Appliance-Specific Moving Guides: From Your Kitchen to the Laundry Room
Each appliance has its own unique set of needs. Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare the most common household giants.
How to Safely Move a Refrigerator/Freezer
- Empty and Defrost: At least 24-48 hours before moving day, empty all contents. Unplug the unit and let it defrost completely. Prop the doors open to allow air to circulate and prevent mildew.
- Clean Thoroughly: Once defrosted, clean the interior and exterior with a mild cleaning solution. A clean appliance is much more pleasant to unpack in your new home.
- Disconnect and Secure: Disconnect the water line if you have an ice maker or water dispenser, ensuring all water is drained. Coil the power cord and tape it securely to the back of the unit.
- Pack Interior Parts: Remove all shelves, drawers, and bins. Pack them separately in a clearly labeled box to prevent them from rattling around and breaking.
- Secure the Doors: Close the doors and secure them with painter’s tape, a bungee cord, or moving straps. Avoid using duct tape, as it can leave a sticky residue or strip the paint.
- Keep it Upright: This is critical! During the entire move, from your old home to the truck to your new home, the refrigerator must be kept as upright as possible. Tilting it too much can cause the compressor oil to leak into the cooling lines, potentially ruining the unit.
Expert Tips for Moving a Washing Machine
- Cut the Power and Water: Unplug the machine from the electrical outlet. Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves completely.
- Drain All Water: Have a bucket ready. Disconnect the water supply hoses from both the wall and the machine, draining any residual water into the bucket. Then, drain the main drain hose.
- Install Transit Bolts: This is the most important step. Washing machines have a floating drum that can be damaged by excessive movement. Transit bolts (or shipping bolts) are metal rods that secure the drum in place. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to install them. If you don’t have them, you can usually order them from the manufacturer. Do not move your washer without them.
- Clean and Secure: Clean the drum and secure all hoses and the power cord to the back of the unit.
A Guide to Moving a Clothes Dryer
- For Electric Dryers: Unplug the heavy-duty cord. Disconnect the flexible ventilation hose from the wall and the back of the dryer. Clean out any accumulated lint from the hose and dryer vent. Secure the cord and hose to the unit.
- For Gas Dryers: SAFETY WARNING! Gas lines are not a DIY job. You must hire a qualified, licensed professional to disconnect the gas line. The risk of a gas leak is extremely high and can have fatal consequences. Once professionally disconnected, the rest of the moving prep is the same as for an electric dryer.
The Right Way to Move a Dishwasher
Moving a built-in dishwasher can be tricky. It requires basic plumbing and electrical skills.
- Shut Off Power and Water: Turn off the power at the circuit breaker and shut off the water supply, which is usually under the adjacent sink.
- Disconnect Lines: Disconnect the water supply line and the drain line from the sink’s plumbing. This will likely involve some crawling under the counter.
- Drain and Dry: Ensure the unit and its hoses are completely drained of water. Allow it to air dry thoroughly.
- Secure and Protect: Secure the interior racks so they don’t move, and tape the door shut. Wrap the entire unit in moving blankets to protect it.
Moving an Oven, Stove, or Range
Similar to dryers, the first step depends on whether it’s gas or electric.
- For Gas Ranges: HIRE A PROFESSIONAL. We cannot stress this enough. A licensed plumber or gas technician must handle the disconnection and reconnection.
- For Electric Ranges: Turn off the power at the circuit breaker, then unplug the large cord.
- Clean and Pack: Give the entire appliance a thorough cleaning. Remove all oven racks and grates, and pack them separately. Tape the oven door securely shut.
The Final Step: Loading and Transporting Your Appliances
Once everything is prepped, the physical move begins. Safety is paramount.
Proper Lifting and Carrying Techniques
Always follow the principles of safe lifting as recommended by health authorities like the Mayo Clinic.
- Team Lift: Never attempt to move a large appliance alone. You need at least two strong people.
- Use the Dolly: Tip the appliance slightly and slide the appliance dolly underneath. Secure it tightly with the dolly’s straps. One person should guide and balance the dolly while the other spots and helps navigate.
- Lift With Your Legs: Keep your back straight, bend at your knees, and use your leg muscles to do the lifting, not your back.
Securing Appliances in the Moving Truck
Don’t just place appliances in the truck; secure them.
- Position them along the front or side walls of the truck for stability.
- Always keep refrigerators and freezers upright.
- Use ratchet straps or moving ropes to anchor them firmly to the truck’s walls, preventing them from shifting or tipping over during transit.
- Use moving blankets as padding between appliances and other furniture.
Reinstallation and Post-Move Care
You’ve made it to your new home. A few final steps will ensure your appliances work perfectly.
The Waiting Game: Letting Things Settle
For refrigerators and freezers, patience is key. After setting it in its new spot, let it stand unplugged for at least 3-4 hours. This allows the compressor oil that may have shifted during the move to settle back into place. Plugging it in too soon can permanently damage the compressor.
Reconnecting Your Appliances Safely
- Level First: Before connecting anything, use a level to ensure the appliance is stable and balanced. Most have adjustable feet.
- Connect in Reverse: Follow the reverse order of your disconnection process.
- Check for Leaks: After reconnecting water lines for your washer, dishwasher, or fridge, turn the water on slowly and check carefully for any leaks at the connection points.
- Professional Help for Gas: Just as with disconnection, have a licensed professional handle the reconnection of any gas appliances.
When to Call the Professionals: Why Shiftraa is Your Best Choice
Reading this guide, you can see that moving with large appliances is a complex, high-risk job. A single mistake can be more costly than hiring professionals in the first place.
This is where Shiftraa provides invaluable peace of mind.
- Expertise and Training: Our crews are professionally trained in the specific techniques required for every type of appliance. We know about transit bolts, compressor oil, and gas line safety.
- The Right Equipment: We arrive with heavy-duty appliance dollies, straps, ramps, padding, and fully-equipped trucks to do the job right.
- Full Insurance: In the unlikely event of an accident, your valuable appliances are fully covered by our comprehensive insurance.
- End-to-End Service: We can handle everything from disconnection and preparation to transportation and basic reinstallation, saving you time and physical strain.
- Secure Storage: If your new home isn’t ready, we offer secure, climate-controlled warehousing solutions to keep your appliances safe until you need them.
Don’t let the stress of moving your heaviest possessions overshadow the excitement of your new beginning. Let the experts at Shiftraa’s Residential Moving Services manage the heavy lifting.
Move Smart, Move Safe
Moving with large appliances doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. By following a detailed plan, using the correct tools, and prioritizing safety above all else, you can ensure your essential household machines make the journey successfully.
