How to Prepare Large Appliances for Moving: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving into a new home can be both exciting and stressful—especially when it comes to relocating large household appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers. These heavy, high-value items require careful preparation to ensure they remain undamaged during transport and are ready for safe use in your new home. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to prepare large appliances for a smooth and successful move.

1. Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Before you do anything else, locate the owner’s manual for each appliance. These manuals often contain specific moving instructions and safety guidelines that are unique to the appliance’s make and model. If you don’t have a physical copy, most manuals can be found online by searching the manufacturer’s website.

2. Gather the Right Tools and Supplies

Having the correct tools and packing materials can save you time and prevent damage. Here’s what you’ll likely need:

• Moving blankets or furniture pads
• Appliance dolly with straps
• Packing tape and stretch wrap
• Zip-top bags for screws and small parts
• Bungee cords or rope
• Cleaning supplies
• Water line and gas line caps (if needed)

3. Clean and Dry All Appliances Thoroughly

Cleaning your appliances before a move isn’t just about hygiene—it also prevents mold, mildew, and bad odors from developing during the journey. Here’s how to clean common appliances:

• Refrigerator and Freezer: Unplug at least 24 hours before moving. Remove all food, defrost the freezer, and wipe down interior surfaces with a mixture of water and baking soda. Keep the doors open to air out and dry completely.
• Washing Machine: Run an empty wash cycle using hot water and vinegar or a washing machine cleaner. Afterward, disconnect and drain the hoses, then let the drum dry completely.
• Dishwasher: Remove and clean filters, then run a cleaning cycle. Disconnect and drain all water lines. Leave the door ajar to prevent moisture buildup.
• Oven and Stove: Clean racks, burners, and oven interiors. If it’s a gas stove, shut off the gas supply before disconnecting. For electric ranges, unplug and tape the cord to the unit.

4. Disconnect and Secure All Cables and Hoses

After cleaning, disconnect all power cords, water hoses, and gas lines as applicable. Coil up the cords and hoses and secure them with zip ties or tape. Place any small parts (like screws or brackets) in labeled zip-top bags and tape them to the corresponding appliance to keep everything organized.

Tip: For gas appliances, it’s safest to hire a professional to disconnect and reconnect them.

5. Secure Moving Parts

To avoid internal damage, secure any moving parts, such as refrigerator shelves, dishwasher racks, and washing machine drums. Use bubble wrap or towels to pad loose components inside the units. In washing machines, consider using transit bolts if the model requires them to stabilize the drum during transport.

6. Wrap and Protect the Exterior

Appliances can get scratched or dented easily during a move. Use moving blankets or heavy-duty furniture pads to wrap each unit thoroughly. Secure the padding with packing tape, stretch wrap, or bungee cords. Don’t forget to protect corners and protruding parts like handles or knobs.

7. Plan for Safe Lifting and Transport

Large appliances are not only heavy but often awkwardly shaped. Avoid injury and damage by following these tips:

• Always use an appliance dolly with strong straps.
• Load appliances upright and never on their sides (especially refrigerators and washers).
• Make sure appliances are the first to be loaded and last to be unloaded.
• Position appliances securely in the moving truck using tie-down straps to prevent shifting.

8. Allow Time to Settle Before Reconnecting

Once the appliances are in your new home, don’t rush to plug them in right away—especially your refrigerator. Let it sit upright for at least 3 to 24 hours before turning it on. This allows any fluids or lubricants that may have shifted during the move to settle back into place, which can prevent internal damage.

9. Reconnect Safely

If you’re confident, reconnect the appliances yourself, following the manufacturer’s setup instructions. Otherwise, hire a licensed technician to ensure everything is installed safely and correctly—particularly when dealing with gas appliances or complex plumbing.

10. Check for Proper Functioning

After everything is reconnected, test each appliance to make sure it’s functioning as expected. Listen for any unusual sounds, check for leaks, and ensure all settings and buttons work properly. This final step helps you catch any issues early and seek professional repair if needed.

At Coast Valley Moving & Storage, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional moving services backed by decades of experience and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs. Whether you’re relocating within San Clemente or heading out of town, our team of professional San Clemente movers is dedicated to making your move smooth, stress-free, and efficient. We treat your belongings with the utmost care, using high-quality packing materials, expert handling techniques, and secure transport methods to ensure everything arrives safely at your new home.

What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized service and local expertise. As trusted Newport Beach movers, we know the ins and outs of coastal California moves, from navigating tight streets to planning around traffic patterns. Our full-service solutions, including packing, storage, and specialty item handling, are tailored to fit your unique situation.

Ready to Make Your Move? Let’s Get Started!

Don’t leave your move to chance—trust the experienced team at Coast Valley Moving & Storage to handle every detail with care and precision. Whether you’re looking for reliable San Clemente movers or professional Newport Beach movers, we’re here to make your relocation smooth and stress-free. Contact us today for a free quote and discover how easy moving can be when you have the right team by your side!