How To Move Appliances

Packing up appliances is part of a move that goes on the ‘wish-I-didn’t-have-to-but-I’m-definitely-going-to” list. They are expensive, bulky items that require special care when moving – they are machines after all. Having someone help out, and a simple step-by-step resource like the one below, makes the task much more manageable.

Moving a Refrigerator

• Disconnect the refrigerator early enough so that it has time to defrost.
• Remove the trays and other movable parts.
• Disconnect the icemaker if the refrigerator has one.
• Use a bungee cord or rope to tie the doors closed.
• Keep the refrigerator upright while moving.

Moving a Washer

• Turn off the water to the unit.
• Let the water run for 30 seconds to relieve the pressure in the hoses then turn off.
• Unplug the washer.
• Unhook all the hoses, including the drain hose, at the back of the washing machine.
• Put the hoses in the unit for easy storage.
• Secure any hoses that can’t be disconnected to the back of the machine with tape.
• Enlist the help of another person to slide the washer onto a dolly to move it.

Moving a Dryer

• If you have an electric dryer, unplug it then remove the metallic vent hose located at the back.
• If it’s a gas dryer, turn the gas off and unhook the metallic vent hose at the back.
• Store hoses that can be disconnected within the unit. Tape hoses that remain connected to the back of the unit.
• Enlist the help of another person to slide the washer onto a dolly to move it.

Moving a Stove

• Pull the stove out from the wall a foot or two and unplug it.
• If you have a gas stove, turn the gas off. If there is a shutoff valve on the stove gas line turn that to the “Off” position.
• Pull the stove all the way out to the middle of the kitchen.
• Wrap a strap around the oven to keep the door from falling open.
• Lift one side and slide a dolly underneath.
• Wheel the stove into place, carefully lower the dolly then lift the stove on one side to slide the dolly out from underneath.

General Best Practices for Moving Appliances of Any Kind

• Protect the floors by using carpets or moving blankets underneath appliances.
• Use a dolly or hand truck to move heavy appliances.
• When moving appliances downstairs bungee the appliance to the dolly.
• If you smell gas while moving gas powered appliances stop immediately and turn off the gas supply.
• If you are uncomfortable or don’t have the equipment needed to move the appliances consider hiring a Toronto moving company to help.