How to Prepare Your Appliances for Moving Day

Most of us plan to use up whatever’s in our fridge and freezer before we move. It’s a chance to get rid of food that’s been lurking there for too long and to have meals on hand without having to cook during those hectic last days. It can also be tempting to do laundry right until moving day so you start with clean clothes and empty laundry hampers at your new residence. In actual fact, you should be preparing your appliances carefully several days ahead.

Appliances are large and costly items and shouldn’t be moved by amateurs. A reputable mover like All Jersey Moving & Storage has years of experience and fully trained crews to ensure they don’t scratch walls or scuff floors and the items arrive intact at their destination.  

We take good care of removing and transporting your appliances on moving day but disconnection, servicing and reconnection are the owners’ responsibility. Remember to read the appliances’ manuals – most are now available online if you’ve mislaid them.

Here’s what you can do to prepare and protect your appliances and ensure many more years of use in your new home:

Refrigerators

• Turn off and unplug the power cord.
• Remove the bins and racks, clean thoroughly, allow to dry completely and pack them in a labeled box.
• Clean the interior of the fridge, and leave the fridge and freezer doors open to air and allow moisture to evaporate.
• Vacuum the compressor, coils and air filter and empty the evaporator pan.
• If your refrigerator is connected to a waterline that should be disconnected at least a couple of days before the move. Once the water line has been disconnected the small needle shutoff valve has been known to leak and should be monitored once disconnected. Moving companies are not insured to perform this service so arrangements need to be made well in advance.

Stoves, Ovens and Ranges

• Remove oven racks, broiler and burner pans and burner grates, clean well and store in a towel in a labeled box.
• Cover knobs with tape to secure and protect them.
• Ensure the glass top of your stove (if you have that model) is protected with layers of bubble wrap or soft cloths as it’s easily scratched.
• Remove the glass turntable from your microwave and pack it securely in a box.

Important: Gas ranges must be disconnected and reinstalled by a qualified technician.

Dishwasher

• Run an empty load to get rid of accumulated dirt or odors and leave open to dry.
• Drain the pump.
• Unplug the machine and tape the power cord to the back using moving tape.
• Remove the racks and other fittings inside so they don’t damage the interior if the machine is jostled around.
• Detach the hoses.
• Latch the door.

Washing Machine

• Turn off the water supply and power and unplug the machine.
• Detach hoses from the machine and then from the water valves.
• Put a large pail or other container on the ground and allow any remaining water in the machine to drain from the hose into the pail.
• Take the opportunity to clean behind the washing machine as it’s not usually that accessible.
• Leave the door open for about two days to ensure that it’s completely dry.
• Secure the drum – if it’s misaligned the machine won’t work properly
• This is an excellent time to replace the hoses. Old hoses can leak or burst and cause costly damage especially if left attended for any length of time.

A washing machine weighs at least 145 lbs., making it difficult to maneuver. It also needs to be stable in the moving van so it doesn’t bounce around and get damaged.  Consider using a reputable moving company like All Jersey Moving & Storage to pack and transport all your bulky items like washing machines and pianos.

Clothes Dryer

• Unplug the dryer and tape the plus to the back of the dryer with packing tape.
• Disconnect the hose vent.
• If it’s a gas dryer the gas line would need to be disconnected before the mover’s arrival. If you’re unsure how to do this its best to hire a licensed plumber to do this for you.
• Clean your lint trap screen. Vacuum the hose, behind and underneath the dryer to eliminate lint.

This is an excellent time to replace your plastic or foil duct with a metal one to prevent dryer fires.

Microwaves

• The glass dish should be removed to prevent it from sliding around and causing damage.
• We recommend packing this item in a box to properly protect it.

It’s a good idea to use an electrician or trained technicians if you’re at all unsure of how to disconnect or disassemble appliances. And it makes sense to use professional movers too, to keep expensive possessions intact and reduce stress when setting up your kitchen and laundry room at your destination. All Jersey Moving & Storage is highly recommended by our customers and endorsed by many independent websites and the Better Business Bureau.  Call now for a free quote and leave the heavy lifting to us.