Moving Day Preparation: Appliances

Moving Day is quickly approaching and so many things still need to get done.

Packing belongings has to be the most time-consuming task when it comes to moving!

But another step in the moving process takes the cake: Preparing Appliances.

Today, we are going to focus on cleaning, preparing, and packing large appliances, such as your washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, stove/oven.

The goal is to make the move as easy and seamless as possible. Unless you are planning to purchase brand-new appliances, it is important to get them ready for use in your new place (especially if they will be spending any amount of time in storage). In addition, safety is key!

Step 1: Unplug the Appliances

  • Certain appliances, such as the refrigerator, freezer, dryer, and gas stove, need to be disconnected at least a day before moving day.
  • For gas stove and dryer, a qualified service technician is recommended to make sure gas lines are capped off.
  • For the washing machine, turn off all water faucets, remove and drain hoses.
  • For the refrigerator and/or freezer, make sure to disconnect the water line and empty the water reservoir.

Step 2: Clean the Appliances

  • Remove all food and beverages from the refrigerator and freezer.
  • This may seem like common sense, but nobody wants jars of mayo flying around in their fridge or a bucket of ice spilling around in the freezer.
  • It’s a good excuse to make some sandwiches or donate items to neighbors, family members, and friends.
  • If you aren’t moving too far, you can transport the items and keep them in a mini-fridge until your main fridge is ready.
  • Remove any glass shelves from the refrigerator, as well as door handles (but not the entire door!)
  • Removing door handles makes it easier to get the fridge out of the house with little to no scratches on walls and doorways. Removing the handles and screws in advance will save movers time!
  • Clean and dust the back of appliances, such as refrigerator, stove, dryer.
  • Chances are, the backs of these appliances have not seen the light of day for quite some time! Show them a little love by wiping them clean before bringing to your new home.

Step 3: Evaluate whether you need new appliances or can continue to use the ones you have

  • Some questions to consider:
  • Does your washer make loud noises?
  • Is your stovetop full of caked-on grease?
  • Is your freezer missing an ice maker?
  • Do your appliances match? (Do you even care?)
  • Have you measured the spaces in your new home?
  • This is one of the most important tasks when choosing appliances for your home. Are they going to fit?
  • Whether you are remaining loyal to the fridge that has seen your children grow up or choosing to purchase all new appliances for a brand new home, make sure to measure the space first!

So, before moving appliances, let’s get them cleaned, prepped, and ready for transport!