It can be challenging to learn how to move your home appliances and electronics, but a few tips and tricks can make your move simple and easy. As with any large, unconventionally shaped, or particularly valuable items, it’s always worth hiring a professional mover to help. Professional moving services have experience, tools, and packing materials to get the job done safely and efficiently. It is often best to speak with your moving agent to schedule a third-party expert to handle any disconnection and reconnection.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators may be large, but they’re relatively easy to move. Before the move, empty your refrigerator and freezer and let it defrost for at least 24 hours. Remove shelves, drawers, or parts that may shift during the move, and disconnect the water and power sources. If you have the time, this is a great opportunity to deep clean your refrigerator and air it out for drying.
Hours before the move, use a bungee cord or dependable rope to prevent the doors from opening. If you have double doors, an additional tie on the handles may be useful. Due to their size, refrigerators usually need a moving dolly to keep it upright during the move. It’s always better to have a team, and working with professional movers can keep you safe even while moving the heaviest appliances.
Washers and Dryers
When moving a washer, the very first item you’ll need is your owner’s manual. Follow the directions to drain the washer and prepare it for moving. Once the power and water are disconnected, drain and remove the hoses and clean out the inside before installing washer locks to keep moving parts in place. Tape the cord to prevent accidental damage or tangling and use packing materials to protect the surface from scratches.
Dryers are lighter and easier to move, but you’ll still want to read the owner’s manual for important information. If your dryer is connected to natural gas, contact a utility professional to make sure you disconnect it safely. Once the power cord is disconnected from your dryer, remove the vent pipe and clean out the dryer for moving. Tape the cord down to prevent tangling and your dryer is ready to move.
Stoves
Stoves and ovens can be heavy; it’s important to move them safely to prevent floor damage. Start by consulting your owner’s manual to disconnect the power and remove detachable pieces. Securely store any oven racks, burner pans or grates, and moving parts for installation upon arrival. If you have a gas stove or oven, you will want to call your utility company to ensure safety. Lastly, tie a strong rope around your oven to keep the door closed during the move, and have your movers use a dolly to protect your floor.
Small Kitchen Appliances
As with larger appliances, start with your owner’s manual for any special care instructions. You’ll want to clean and dry each appliance and place it in its original packaging. Towels, newspaper, and blankets can provide extra padding, and plastic containers can hold small, detachable parts. Invest in zip ties to keep cords neat and untangled, and your small appliances should arrive in good form.
Appliance Installation
Upon arrival, it can be helpful to move in large items while there is plenty of space. Professional movers are extremely helpful here — especially if you have stairs, narrow doorframes, or valuable floors. Consult an expert to get everything set up in your home, and don’t be afraid to reach out to a representative at your utility provider to make sure your electricity, water, and natural gas are properly connected.
Large TVs
Large televisions need special care when moving to prevent scratches or damage to internal electronics. As with most of the electronic equipment on this list, the original packing materials are usually the best fit and most secure. You want to keep your TV upright during the moving process to prevent stress or weight from damaging the screen. Talk with your mover about packing materials or custom crates, and add additional padding with blankets, towels, or pillows. Learn more here.
Computers
Laptops, notebooks, and tablets are relatively straightforward to pack, but desktop computers will need extra care. In all cases, you want to minimize their exposure to heat or moisture and keep them protected from impact. Treat your monitor like a miniature TV, and put your cords together in a plastic bag or container for easy unpacking. Make sure there is padding between your keyboard, mouse, or accessories.
Audio and Video
Speakers, subwoofers, and audio equipment can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and internal electronics need to be protected from shock and exposure. It’s important to wrap each piece of equipment individually before placing inside of boxes. Use packing peanuts or bubble wrap to prevent damage in transit, and label each container with handling instructions.
Photography and video equipment is especially fragile, but fortunately, most come with special hardshell cases specifically designed to keep cameras secured. Tripods and accessories should be packed together when possible, with small or fragile parts in a separate hard shell container for maximum protection. Use manufacturer cases whenever possible, and add bubble wrap and your own blankets or pillows for a snug fit.
