Do Movers Move Appliances? Which Ones & How To Prepare Them

So your big move day is coming up and you are wondering about those large appliances you have and if movers move them. In this article, I’m going to break down what movers do and don’t do with your appliances and some responsibilities you have to take on with your appliances for your move.

Do movers move appliances?

Yes, movers do move appliances such as washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators. However, some movers will not disconnect and reconnect them because they don’t want to take on the liability. Always ask your mover beforehand because each of them operates a bit differently.

Will movers move stoves and dishwashers?

Yes, most movers will move stoves and dishwashers if they have been disconnected and properly prepared for a move. Again, many movers won’t want to disconnect these items themselves, because they won’t want to take on the liability.

Tips For Preparing Your Appliances For Your Move

In this section, I’m going to list some of the typical appliances you may have in your home and give you some tips for preparing them so the movers can move them.

Refrigerator

To prepare your refrigerator for moving, you should disconnect it at least 24 hours before the movers arrive.

Disconnect both the electricity and the water if you have an ice maker. Make sure to turn off the water valve before disconnecting and drain all the water in the lines.

If you had to pull the refrigerator out, keep it out for cleaning.

Be sure to remove all food from both the refrigerator and the freezer. Thoroughly clean inside and out.

For the freezer, you’ll want to place a towel inside overnight to soak up any moisture when it thaws.

Preparing your refrigerator for storage – If you are moving your refrigerator into storage there’s one more thing you should do. Using a ball of tape or some kind of wedge, keep the refrigerator door and freezer door open just a crack. That was any odors can escape.

Sub-zero Freezer

Unplug your freezer at least 24 hours before moving.

You should have already gotten rid of the food before unplugging, otherwise, you’ll have no place for it all and you’ll have to throw it all away.

Soak up any moisture by placing a few towels inside during the thaw.

Washing Machine and Dryer

If your movers will disconnect and reconnect the washer and dryer for you, the only thing you’ll have to do is to give them both a good clean.

If your movers don’t want to take on the liability for the disconnection and reconnection that’s ok. Many movers will not.

If that’s the case, you’ll either have to do it yourself or have a professional come out and help you.

A professional is always recommended, especially if you have an older home or older washer and dryer.

If you want to do it yourself or just have a full understanding of how it all works, check out this video on YouTube about how to disconnect your washer and dryer.

Stoves and Dishwasher

In most cases, you won’t need movers to move your stove and dishwasher since most of them stay with the home.

But, if for whatever reason you need to move them, make sure they are prepared properly before the movers take them.

Don’t expect your movers to come in and disconnect the gas and water and pull them out. Again, many movers don’t want to have that liability in case something major goes on like a gas or water leak.

It’s always recommended to have a professional come out and properly prepare these items for the movers. Again you can do it yourself but it’s not recommended.

Like most of the appliances, giving them all a good clean before moving is ideal, especially if moving into storage.

What about small appliances like coffee makers and toaster ovens?

Yes, movers will definitely move these.

These items should be cleaned thoroughly, especially if you’re moving into storage.

Small appliances should be wrapped and protected with packing paper and placed either individually into small boxes or together in medium boxes if wrapped and packed properly. They should not move around in the boxes and they should be properly snug in the box and surrounded by wads of packing paper.

Barbeques

Movers will move barbeques, but movers will not move the propane. Propane is a highly flammable combustible and can explode inside of the moving truck. It has happened many times causing major injuries and fatalities.

If you are moving yourself, DO NOT keep the propane attached to the barbeque. Always remove the propane and either move it separately in another car or simply give it away to someone or to the place you fill it up at.

Aside from the propane, you also want to clean your barbeque very thoroughly before moving.

How To Dispose of Your Appliances

In a world where technological advancements bring us newer and better appliances, the question of responsible disposal becomes increasingly important. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or replacing your trusty old refrigerator, here’s a brief guide on how to dispose of your appliances in an environmentally friendly manner.