15. Prepare to move your appliances.
Many of your kitchen and laundry appliances – refrigerators, dishwasher, washing machines and others – require a bit of preparation to move. It will make your moving experience much easier if you prepare to move these appliances several days before your actual move. Bekins Van Lines knows that it’s overwhelming, and somewhat complicated – especially if this is your first move. Don’t worry; Bekins has compiled a helpful how-to for moving appliances.
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Refrigerators
Make sure that your refrigerator is turned off about 48 hours prior to your move. Also, secure any attachments inside the appliance or remove and pack in another container. If your fridge has a funny smell, try leaving an opened box of baking soda inside. It should absorb any unpleasant odor.
Freezer
The freezer needs to be completely defrosted prior to your move. Depending on the size of the freezer, this could take just a couple hours or days. Judge to the best of your ability and remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Defrost ahead of time and remove all food.
Dishwasher
It might be helpful to hire a third-party service to help disconnect the dishwasher from the water source. If you’re a total DIY-er though, make sure that the hose, inlet line and water valve are all disconnected and that the dishwasher has an ample amount of time to dry. Leave the door of the appliance open for at least 24 hours.
Oven
If you have a gas-powered oven, a third-party service provider will be very helpful. If you have an electric oven, make sure that the appliance is unplugged from the power source. All removable parts such as burner pans, grates and the shelves inside the oven should be secured or detached completely. As always, if time allows, it would be a bonus to clean the inside and outside of the appliance.
Washing Machine
The most important component to preparing a washing machine is ensuring that it’s completely drained. No matter what time of year you’re moving – even if it’s the summer – the appliance needs to be completely void of water. You’ll also want to make sure that the washer drum is secured.
Dryer
You could benefit from hiring a third-party provider to help disconnect your dryer, especially if it’s gas-powered. Regardless, the dryer should be disconnected from whatever power source its connected to and the cord should be taped to the back of the appliance.
Bekins has tons more moving tips that we’d love to share with you!
If you have any more helpful tips to moving appliances, let us know in the comments section!
