Large appliances can be the most difficult household items to get out of the house when you’re moving. Unlike furniture, large appliances tend to be connected to one or more household utilities such as water, gas, and electric. Because of these special circumstances, there are certain protocols that you should follow when disconnecting and moving these appliances. Once you’ve followed the proper procedures, you can utilize these helpful tips to move them out of the house.
1. Prevent Damage To Doors and Drawers
For large appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers, securing the doors and drawers will be of utmost priority. During the moving process, the doors and drawers of these appliances could swing open and hurt someone or damage a wall if they’re not secured. A local mover suggests using cord or rope to secure the doors and hold them shut during the move.
2. Drain Your Water-Using Appliances
Appliances like your washer, dishwasher, and refrigerator are hooked up to water lines. These water lines could contain residual water that will spill out during the move. These spills could cause accidents due to slippery floors or even ruin carpets and hardwood flooring. Before you move your water-using appliances, be sure to drain the water hoses and secure the hoses to the appliance.
3. Secure Your Washer Before Moving
One thing you may not think to do before moving your washer is to secure the drum. If you fail to secure the drum before moving your washer, it could result in damage to the internal structure and components of your washing machine, rendering it inoperable. If you kept the owner’s manual for your washing machine, it should provide you with instructions on how to secure the drum of your washing machine to prevent damages during moving. If you didn’t keep your owner’s manual, there are online instructions for securing the drum of your washer in preparation for a move.
4. Use An Appliance Dolly
You might be tempted to move a refrigerator or other large appliance by simply scooting it, lifting it, or dragging it. These are the worst ways to move a large appliance. Appliances tend to have bottoms and legs that are not suited for sliding or scooting on any flooring. Doing this can cause serious damage to the floor of the home out of which you’re moving. In addition to residential damage, moving an appliance manually can result in severe physical sprains or injuries.
The best way to move a large appliance is by using an appliance dolly. These sturdy metal tools are constructed using durable materials and possess straps to secure the appliance to the dolly. They have wheels to allow easy moving once the appliance is secured on the dolly and can be used to move the appliance long distances, down flights of stairs, or up ramps. Even when you use an appliance dolly, it is imperative that you do not load or move any large appliance by yourself. This presents a serious health risk to you should continue the appliance fall on you or come loose from the dolly. Always move large appliances with a friend.
