How To Prepare Large Appliances For A Safe And Easy Move
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How To Prepare Large Appliances For A Safe And Easy Move

May 21, 2025

Relocating large and expensive household appliances can be an uphill battle, especially without the right techniques and tools. The excitement can quickly vanish if you discover a broken TV or damaged refrigerator while unpacking your belongings in your new home. Thus, preparation is essential to protect your large appliances during the move.

Whether it’s your washing machine, dryers, ovens, or dishwashers, safety comes first for a hassle free experience. These bulky items are heavy yet delicate. Improper handling can lead to damage, hefty repairs, and even voided warranties. Thus, it is good to prepare everything in advance and pack using high quality materials before the arrival of budget removalists Sunshine Coast. Here is a step by step guide to help you prepare all types of large appliances for a safe and sound move. With the right steps and techniques, you can keep your valuable items intact for a stress free experience.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Carefully Read the Manufacturer’s Manuals

First things first! Take inventory of your large household appliances that you want to move. After that, read the manufacturer’s manual for each appliance. These documents usually include specific instructions, warnings, cleaning guides and disconnection processes. For instance, a front load washing machine may require specified stabilisation kits and bolts to prevent damage during lifting and transportation.

Tip: Don’t neglect important care instructions that will keep your expensive appliances functional post relocation.

2. Empty and Clean the Appliances

Remove all perishable food content from your refrigerator and store it in a portable cooler. If possible, ensure you toss stale and expired food, and create a meal plan for a week or two to reduce food waste.

Next, remove shelves, drawers, grills, etc, from your appliances. For a fridge, defrost it at least 48 hours before cleaning. You can use eco friendly cleaning solutions like a white vinegar or baking soda to remove stains and grime from all large appliances, including an oven, dishwasher, washing machine etc.

3. Disconnecting and Securing Appliances For a Move

woman preparing a washer for a move

Unplug all your large appliances from their power sources and disconnect the water lines from the washers and refrigerators. When it comes to gas stoves and dryers, carefully disconnect and cap the gas line with the help of professionals. You can also hire a professional technician to prevent electrical hazards.

When preparing your washing machine for a move, use transit bolts to secure the drum. This will prevent damage during the lifting and moving process. Even securing doors with stretch tape can do wonders.

4. Pack Loose Parts Carefully

Once you’ve removed trays, drawers, shelves and other detachable components from your appliances, ensure you pack them separately to prevent damage. Use high quality packing paper and bubble wrap to pack each component for extra protection. It is good to label all your boxes. Next, secure all electrical cords and hoses using packing tape, and pack loose screws in a ziplock bag and tape them to the appliance for quick and seamless reinstallation.

You can also hire experts for safe removals Sunshine Coast and stay relaxed throughout the journey. This will give you peace of mind when setting up your new home.

5. Ensure Utmost Protection of Your Appliances

Below are some appliance specific tips to prevent permanent damage during the relocation process:

  • Refrigerator: You can use pool noodles to wedge them around glass corners and edges for extra protection. Belt straps can also keep your appliance secure while in transit.
  • Washing Machine and Dryer: Place towels inside the drum to prevent them from bouncing or moving during transport. This will provide proper cushioning to the drum. It is good to stuff foam padding under the feet to prevent scratches.
  • Dishwasher: Protect the interiors of your dishwasher by lining it with kitchen towels and bubble wrap. This will protect the racks. You can also fill the space with wrapped utensils to avoid jostling. It is good to use best quality packing materials for a safe and sound move.
  • Oven and Microwave: Use cardboard as a shield to protect delicate control panels and knobs.

6. Protect Doors and Lids

During home relocation, appliances can shift, which can cause doors and lids to open. This not only makes it harder to navigate large items through doors but can also cause damage to the appliance. So, it is better to secure all doors and lids of your fridge, oven, dryers, washing machine, etc with tape. Use a high quality packing tape that can keep the doors closed during transportation.

Tip: It is good to measure your appliances and create a proper floor plan to avoid last minute chaos post relocation.

7. Secure the Exterior Body: Preventing Dents and Scratches

Refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, etc, can be heavy to lift and load. Improper handling can leave scratches and dents on the exterior body. To protect them, pack each appliance in moving blankets, towels and other sturdy padding material.

If you don’t have original cardboard boxes of your appliances, purchase specialised covers to keep your delicate items safe during a move.

8. Hire Professionals

It is always good to book expert removalists Sunshine Coast for safe and efficient relocation of your large appliances. They have years of experience and necessary equipment to make moving easier while protecting your expensive household items.. However, it is good to do proper research and hire a reliable company. Ensure you ask relevant questions, check customer reviews, and compare prices before making the final decision.

Tips to Prepare Large Appliances For a Damage Free Move

tips for moving large appliances

Wrapping Up

Whether you hire professionals or not, you’ll still need to prepare your appliances to ensure a smooth, seamless and damage free moving experience. This includes unplugging each large appliance, draining water, removing stains and dirt, and carefully packing detachable parts. Considering these hacks can keep your expensive items safe and secure throughout the journey.