Moving appliances requires some advance preparation to ensure they arrive at your new home in good working order. This is especially important if you’re moving long distance. Since the inside of a moving van is subject to extreme winter and summer temperatures, not prepping appliances properly can have a negative impact on them during the move.

If you’re using a professional moving company like Premiere Van Lines, we make arrangements for a certified technician to come prepare your appliances for moving, at a reasonable cost. Or if you’d like to ready your appliances yourself, follow the below guide for best-practice tips:

Refrigerator and Freezer

To prevent mildew and unpleasant odours in your refrigerator and freezer, it’s recommended that you clean these appliances at least 48 hours before the move. This ensures everything will be completely dry before loading into your van.

  • Disconnect power chord from electrical outlet
  • Remove all food, shelves and drawers from fridge and freezer
  • Wash and dry shelving and storage drawers with warm water and a mild detergent
  • Wash and dry the inside walls and base of fridge and freezer
  • Leave doors open so that all moisture can evaporate
  • Pack bins and shelving for transit
  • Empty and clean evaporator pan
  • Empty the water reservoir
  • Vacuum the condenser or compressor and back of appliance
  • Arrange for a technician at destination if your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker or water dispenser to ensure water lines are properly connected

Dishwasher

  • Run a cycle and then leave the door open for a few days to ensure it dries out completely
  • Disconnect and drain hoses
  • Let hoses dry out before packing in towels
  • Hoses can be stored inside dishwasher during transit
  • Remove or tape down racks

Stoves and Ovens

  • If you have a gas stove, it’s imperative to have a certified technician disconnect the gas lines
  • Remove all removable parts, clean and dry them thoroughly
  • Pack and label parts
  • A large mirror carton is ideal for shelves
  • Clean the inside of the oven and stovetop
  • Vacuum and then wash the back and sides of stove

Washing Machine

  • Disconnect power chord from electrical outlet
  • Run washer for 30 seconds so water drains into tub
  • Turn to spin to drain water
  • Disconnect and drain hoses
  • Wrap metal connector end of hoses in a towel and store inside washer for transit
  • Contact machine manufacturer to purchase a moving kit that includes the proper transit bolts and blocking material to secure the tub during transit
  • Carefully follow manufacturer’s instructions as to how to install transit bolts
  • Use a wrench to make sure bolts are properly tightened
  • Wipe down the inside and outside of the washer
  • Leave door open to allow it to dry inside
  • If moving a front-loading machine, use the original blocks that came with the appliance
  • It’s wise to have a technician install your washer at destination to ensure hoses are properly connected

Dryer

  • Disconnect chord from power source
  • Clean lint screen
  • Wipe down inside of dryer
  • Vacuum back and side walls of dryer
  • If you have a gas dryer, you’ll need a licensed technician to disconnect gas lines and reconnect at destination

Microwave

  • Clean inside of microwave by placing a bowl of water with a cut lemon and a microfibre cloth and turn on for about one minute
  • Use cloth to wipe down inside of microwave
  • Remove glass turntable tray and pack it in a box with kitchen items
  • Disconnect power chord
  • Pack microwave in original carton if available

For more information about moving appliances or for a free, no obligation moving cost estimate contact your local Premiere Van Lines office.