When you’re planning a big move, your refrigerator, clothes washer and other appliances are often the last things on your mind. But, assuming you’re taking them along, they’ll need to be factored into your packing and loading plans. Is there anything special you need to do in order to prepare your major appliances for a long-distance move? Yes, says Kirk Hensler of Premier Relocations in Novi, Michigan. Most appliances require special preparation in order to prevent damage during transport. According to Hensler, your moving company representative should, when he comes to your home for your initial survey, ask which of your major appliances will be moved and talk to you about how the moving crew will handle each of them. He should also provide you with instructions for preparing your appliances in advance. Here are a few tips for getting major appliances ready for move day.
Preparing Your Refrigerator
Obviously, says Hensler, you will want to empty and defrost your refrigerator in advance of your move. This will help ensure that your fridge is free of mold and odors when it arrives at your new home. First, plan to unplug your refrigerator at least 24 hours before your move. Remove all food items and shelves (if they’re removable). Allow the freezer to defrost and then thoroughly wash and dry all shelves, drawers and other surfaces. If your refrigerator has removable racks, shelves or drawers, you may want to keep them out and secure them so they can’t shift during transport. Also, take a few minutes to clean the refrigerator’s condenser or compressor. There may, says Hensler, be other things to consider, depending on your refrigerator’s make and model. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for recommendations with regard to moving the unit.
Preparing Your Washer and Dryer
As with your refrigerator, you will want to make sure that your washer and dryer are both clean and dry inside before you move them. Any moisture that remains inside either of these appliances could, in warm temperatures, cause mildew growth or, if you’re moving during the winter, freeze and cause damage.
Your clothes washer’s manual probably includes information on how to prepare your washer for a move. In most cases, Hensler explains, you will need to secure the tub to prevent swaying while the unit is aboard the moving truck. You can purchase a kit that includes special screws and instructions for securing the tub. These kits are normally available at home improvement stores.
Before your move, says Hensler, you’ll want to unplug your dryer and thoroughly clean the lint screen. If you have a gas dryer, a special technician will need to disconnect the appliance before it can be moved.
Disconnecting and Installing Appliances
Hensler says that any time a gas or water line is involved, as in the case of a gas dryer or a refrigerator with an ice-maker, a third-party technician will need to be brought in to disconnect the appliance in preparation for transport. You can hire someone to do this or your moving company can hire someone for you. “This is done for safety reasons,” says Hensler. “Disconnecting a gas dryer, for example, requires capping the gas line. This should only be done by a qualified professional.” Your appliances will probably be disconnected on the morning of your move or, in some cases, the day before. Once your appliances have arrived at your new home, you will also need to hire a qualified technician to install those appliances that require gas or water. |
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