Moving is difficult. But planning to fit your entire life into boxes that will be stacked on top of one another and moving to a new place can induce anxiety in the best of us.
So, we are all aware of moving the little things. Like you have the fragile objects with their bubble wrap; you have the clothes with suitcases and you have the administrative knick-knacks which will be piled in the boxes. But, what about the really expensive couch, you spent a fortune on? Or your fridge that holds all your meals.
These are the things that you are probably the most concerned about.
These heavy household items are the most cumbersome to pack and move, partially due to their bulk and partly due to the astronomical prices attached to them.
You don’t have to worry as we have compiled a pretty comprehensive list of how you can make your move as smooth as possible.
We’ll get into the specifics in a while. Before that, it is important for you to know that it is best to pack the large appliances in the original packing.
But if original packing isn’t an option, go ahead and take a look at our expert tips.
Manuals Can Be a Savior
Yes, manuals are often cluttered with a lot of information and can be challenging to navigate. Still, reading the manual is a small sacrifice in comparison to the new appliance you are going to need if the original breaks down.
Manuals will contain a detailed plan on how you need to segregate the parts of the appliance. If you are the one who seems never to remember where the paper goes (hint: recycling), you can download the manual from the internet or just log on to the help forum, and they would send you one.
Prep like The Dinner Party You Always Wanted to Throw
Once you have read the Holy Grail that is manual, you can then move to prep these appliances. The general order is unplugging, cleaning, and dismantling.
Even within the large appliances, there is a hierarchy one needs to follow – the more stable, substantial items at the bottom, the gorgeous refrigerators at the top.
You have to take extra care of some of the appliances as the growth of mold can become an issue rendering them useless.
Unplugging
Almost every device needs to be unplugged in advance as there are gases inside that need to settle before being packed.
Clean
Wash thoroughly with water and air dry your appliances lest you be dealing with issues like mold and fungi.
Clear
Big appliances are built with drawers and shelves. These shelves need to be dismantled and avoid additional unwanted costs; you need to be diligent about taking these parts out and packing them separately.
Dismantle
Some appliances are static like refrigerators, but some like the dishwasher can be taken apart to make a move easier. Also, do not forget to tape all doors and lids shut.
Some Equipment to Have On Hand
If you’re getting a mover to help with your transport, well and good, chances are they will help you out with equipment; otherwise, you can hire them from a shop locally.
Dolly
A wheeled trolley would make it much easier for you to get from point A to B, and added advantage your floors would be saved.
Measure Tape
You might have forgotten how you got the appliance in, but if you get stuck at the door, you will forever remember how you could not get it out. So measure your machine from the top to the bottom. That will tell you if the door needs to be removed from its hinges or not.
Blankets
Not the ones you use in winter. Instead, there exists this protective cloth that acts as a protection for your home appliances.
Straps
Again, furniture straps are not standard straps. You would need these to ensure that your furniture first attaches to the trolley and next to the inside of the moving vehicle. Alternatively, a lot of rope and stretch types would help you achieve the same results.
Sliders
Also called gliders are these amazing sliding pads that help you slide the furniture over the floor without leaving any stains. The best part is you don’t even actually have to buy them; you can easily rent them from a local company.
Individual Appliances
Finally, to the fun stuff, we have some specific points for your big appliance move.
Fridge
- Disconnect at least 24 hours prior
- Try not to store anything inside for those 24 hours or even during the move.
- The condenser or compressor needs to be vacuumed to remove any trace of dust.
- Dry the evaporator pan thoroughly in advance.
- Disconnect the water line and ensure that no water is left in the pipe.
- Remember to remove the power cord before doing any of the above-mentioned tasks.
Microwave
- Remove the rotating glass tray first and pack it separately.
- Ensure that the carton is well-cushioned.
- The door might spring open if there is cardboard placed at the opening.
Dishwasher
- Beware of the hoses; you want them to be disconnected and blocked off.
- Leave the door open for two days before the move to ensure that all the water is drained from the dishwasher.
Washer/Dryer
- Unplug from power and ensure that you drain all the pipes before wrapping the metal connector ends in a towel and putting them inside the washer.
- Secure the tub as mentioned in the manual. ( refer to the first thing I told you)
- Alternatively, a professional can be hired to complete all these tasks.
If you want sincere professional advice, get a mover. You will have to eventually. This will help you minimize the risk of damaging any of your large appliances during the move. So, look for a moving company around your area. Happy Moving!
