How to Properly Move your Home Appliances from a Professional Moving Company
In today’s world of supply chain challenges no one wants to be faced with having to wait anywhere from six months to a year for a new appliance or appliance parts because they were damaged in a move.
There are many things a homeowner can do to help movers successfully move all types of appliances from their existing home or apartment to a new location in the Treasure Valley or across the country. In this article, we will explore several of the most common kitchen appliances and provide recommendations on what you as the homeowner can do to support your moving team and minimize the potential for damage.
How do you move a refrigerator safely out of your home?
Refrigerators come in all shapes, sizes, and configurations. The most important things to consider when moving a refrigerator is its weight, whether it can safely be moved through existing doorways, and being certain it is prepped and ready to go when the movers arrive.
There are several residential, built-in refrigerators that can weigh up to 800 pounds. Moving this much weight will require special tools and a moving van with a lift gate. Be sure to communicate the size and weight to your mover to be sure they are capable of moving this size refrigerator.
You may not remember if there were any challenges encountered when your refrigerator was moved in. Perhaps it was included with the purchase or rental of your home or apartment. In either scenario it is important to take some measurements to ensure your moving day is successful and stress free. Consider the path the refrigerator will need to take to leave the building and measure the doorways to confirm they will fit without removing any doors. Don’t forget to do the same thing at your new location as well. There are instances where an interior door or a door to the refrigerator itself may need to be taken off to allow it to fit. Your movers will not necessarily have the special tools or knowledge to take the doors off the refrigerator on moving day.
The refrigerator should be unplugged at least 24 hours prior to the move. Make sure you clean it well. Freezers should be defrosted, cleaned and dried to prevent mildew and odors from forming. Remove any racks that may shift during the move. Also, if the refrigerator has an ice maker, disconnect the water line and be sure it’s completely drained.
Finally, don’t forget to plan to store your food items so they can make it safely to your new location.
How do you move a washer & dryer safely out of your home?
Washers and dryers are another type of appliance that are frequently included in a move. At 150 to 250 pounds each they can be readily handled by two movers with a professional moving dolly. Again, there may be challenges associated with moving these items through interior or exterior doors. Remove all hoses and pack them separately in a box or place them in the washer or driver cavity for safe keeping. Be sure to secure the drum so there isn’t any damage as it is moved. Again, it is always best to reference the owner’s manual for any instructions specific to your appliance.
How do you prepare my appliances for a move?
You will want to be sure all of your appliances are disconnected from any sources of power or water and make arrangements to have them reconnected in your new home. Many professional moving companies are unable to disconnect or reconnect appliances due to the restrictions placed on them by their insurance companies. Be sure to secure any cords and cables to prevent tripping. If necessary, label them for easy re-installation. Be sure any extra nuts or screws removed from the appliance to prepare it for its move are safely bagged and stored in a safe location.
It is important to communicate any unique conditions within your home that the movers will need to be aware of when they’re moving your appliances. If you have recently updated or replaced flooring, the movers will need to install pads to protect from any damage when they are moved into position.
Need help moving your appliances? Contact Cross Town Movers today!
Moving can be a stressful time. Extra preparation will help reduce not only your stress level but also the potential for damage to your valuable appliances. Please give us a call to discuss this and other topics about preparing for your move at (208) 378-0226, or if you’re ready to get a quote, request an estimate from Cross Town Movers.