How do I prepare electrical appliances like washers, refrigerators for packing?

To move such large, heavy-duty appliances like washing machines and refrigerators, you're going to have to prepare them for the move so as to not damage your house when they are being moved and make sure that they are ready to be loaded onto the moving truck come moving day. There are no parts to be disassembled on such appliances as these, and therefore they must be moved as is, which can often be a difficult task given their size and weight.

To prepare large appliances such as these for the move, there are several things you can do, for example, all appliances should be checked prior to moving to make sure that everything is working as it should be and that all the parts are where they are supposed to be. Taking this inventory of the appliances condition prior to the move is useful because if anything does happen to it during the move, you’ll know exactly where to look and you’ll know that it was not preexisting damage.

Also, prior to moving large appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators, make sure to remove all draws, pans, trays, shelves and other removable parts that can become loose in transit and fall off of the unit, which in turn makes them more likely to be damaged or even lost, or maybe capable of damaging your home.

All appliances should also be properly cleaned prior to the move, especially if they are being placed in a storage facility for any length of time. Not cleaning the washer or refrigerator can leave it prone to musty odors or mildew developing on the inside or outside of the appliance.

For more information about how to prepare and pack large appliances and other items like washers and refrigerators, as well as advice on how to pack just about anything else in your home, visit our moving guides page to read guides on all different moving topics.