Major home appliances are one of the most challenging items to move. Not only are they heavy and awkward to handle, but improper moving techniques can damage the appliance, your home or even you. But with a little prep, proper strategy and help, you can move your appliances safely and efficiently.
5 Tips to Safely Move Appliances
Moving washers, dryers, refrigerators and other household appliances can be tricky. Here are a few tips to help you move your appliances with minimal stress and damage.
1. Plan Ahead
Before giving your fridge or washer the old heave-ho, it’s best to have a plan of action. First, scout out your route and measure all doorways, hallways and stairwells to ensure your appliance will fit. Once you know which way you are headed, clear the path of all obstacles and assemble the necessary tools such as dollies, moving straps, sliders and protective blankets.
2. Prepare The Appliance
Get your appliance ready for the move. You’ll want it empty and unplugged with doors and cords secured. Consider wrapping the appliance or using moving blankets to prevent damage. Here’s a more specific rundown by appliance:
- Refrigerators & Freezers: Empty all contents, unplug and defrost at least 24 hours in advance. Secure or remove shelves and drawers.
- Washing Machines & Dishwashers: Disconnect the water supply, drain hoses and secure moving parts. Leave the door open for a few hours to dry out.
- Ovens & Ranges: For gas appliances, hire a licensed professional to disconnect. Remove racks and secure doors.
- Dryers: Unplug and disconnect venting. Clean lint filters and secure cords.
- securing doors and cords, wrapping the appliance, and using moving blankets.
3. Protect Your Floors & Walls
Moving ovens, dishwashers and refrigerators out of your kitchen is no easy feat. Your washer or dryer isn’t going to be any easier. Appliances are heavy, awkward and can easily scratch floors and ding walls when being moved. Before attempting to lift or slide, you should set down moving blankets or even cardboard to create a safe path or invest in appliance sliders or gliders to protect your hardwood or tile floors. You may also want to cover corners and doorways to prevent damage to them.
4. Use Proper Tools & Lifting Techniques
Reduce strain and risk of injury to yourself and others by using proper lifting tools and lifting techniques when moving heavy items like appliances in or out of your home. Remember to bend at the knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs whenever attempting to lift heavy items. Two-wheelers, handcarts, dollies and moving straps are helpful tools that can reduce strain and risk of injury if you know how to properly use them.
5. Never Lift Alone
You should never attempt to move large appliances by yourself. If you are unsure of how to safely move your appliances, rather than enlist help from friends or family, you should consider hiring professional appliance movers. Professional movers with experience handling larger household appliances have the expertise, equipment and muscle to handle your appliances causing damage or injury.
Some Moving Jobs Just Need a Couple More Guys™
Put our muscles to the test with your heavy, awkward and impossibly bulky home appliances. Our two-person insured crews are experienced when it comes to moving appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, ranges, dishwashers, freezers and more. They are trained to navigate difficult moving situations with precision and care, maneuvering tight corners and stairs while limiting personal injury and damage to your belongings. If you’ve got an appliance to move, all you need is a Couple More Guys™. Schedule a moving crew online.