Moving day is hard enough without discovering a fridge full of meltwater or a washer that leaked across the hallway. Large appliances are heavy, sensitive, and expensive to repair if something goes wrong. Proper preparation protects your investment, saves time, and keeps your schedule on track.
The goal is simple: arrive with clean, dry, secured machines that can be installed quickly in your new home. That requires a bit of planning in the days leading up to the move—not a last-minute scramble the night before. A reliable moving company will handle careful loading, but preparation begins with you.
Tera Moving Services recommends starting appliance prep at least one to two weeks ahead of your date so you can schedule disconnections, gather supplies, and follow manufacturer guidance without stress. This lead time prevents preventable damage and day-of delays.
Your Two-Week Timeline
Begin by reading the manuals for each appliance to confirm any brand-specific directions. Put disconnection appointments on the calendar, especially for gas lines. Buy tape, zip-top bags, towels, and stretch wrap. If you need professional help—such as a licensed gas technician—book early to avoid peak-season bottlenecks. A little structure now removes chaos later.
Refrigerator: Clean, Defrost, Dry
Empty perishables two or three days before moving, then unplug the unit 24 hours before pickup to fully defrost. Remove shelves and drawers, wash them, and let all interior surfaces dry completely to prevent mildew. Tape hardware in bundles, and secure the doors shut for transport. If a fridge travels on its side, allow it to stand upright for several hours at destination before plugging it in so compressor oil settles properly.
Quick checklist
- Unplug 24 hours prior and defrost
- Clean and dry interior components
- Remove or secure shelves and bins
- Tape doors; keep hardware together
- Wait upright time before reconnecting power
Washer: Drain and Secure the Drum
Run a cleaning cycle first. Shut off water, disconnect hoses, and drain them thoroughly to prevent leaks in the truck. Wipe the drum dry and leave the lid open to air out. Most front-loaders include shipping bolts that immobilize the drum; install them per the manual to avoid internal damage from road vibrations. Pack hoses and small parts in labeled bags, and tape them to the cabinet so nothing gets lost.
Dryer: Power, Vent, and Gas Safety
For electric dryers, unplug and clean the lint trap. Detach and inspect the vent hose, then secure cords and doors. For gas models, schedule a qualified technician to shut off and disconnect the line, cap it properly, and verify there are no leaks. Reinstallation at the new home should also be done by a pro. Safety beats speed every time.
Dishwasher: Dry Out and Detach
Dishwashers hide water in lines and sumps. Unplug power, turn off the water supply, and remove the filter for a thorough clean. Let the interior air-dry at least 24 hours with the door open. Disconnect hoses carefully and wrap ends in towels or plastic to capture residual moisture. Latch the door shut for transport, and secure racks so they don’t rattle. Tell your moving company if the unit is hard-plumbed or requires special handling.
Range and Oven: Clean, Protect, and Cap
Remove racks for separate packing. For electric ranges, unplug and secure knobs and cords. For gas ranges, schedule a licensed technician to disconnect service and cap lines; your movers cannot perform gas work. Wipe away grease to keep surfaces from attracting dust and to protect electronics. If you’re also moving a built-in microwave or hood, check for brackets and specialized wiring that may need an installer’s touch.
Small Appliances: Don’t Skip the Basics
Coffee makers, air fryers, and toaster ovens deserve attention too. Empty reservoirs and crumb trays, coil and secure cords, and pack each item with cushioning. Whenever possible, use original boxes. Label these cartons “Kitchen – Small Appliances” and “Fragile” so they’re easy to prioritize on arrival. A trusted moving company will stage them for quick setup when you need caffeine on day one.
Labeling and Hardware Management
Nothing slows reassembly like missing screws. Place fasteners, brackets, and specialty connectors in labeled zip-top bags and tape them to the appliance cabinet or a clearly marked “hardware” box. Snap photos of hose and cable connections before disassembly; they’ll be your step-by-step guide at the new address. Keep a small toolkit handy for last-mile adjustments. These tiny habits save big time.
Day-of Access and Pathway Prep
Before the crew arrives, measure doorways, stairs, and tight corners. Remove trip hazards, prop doors if building rules allow, and install floor protection where heavy appliances will roll. Share elevator schedules, parking rules, and long-carry distances with your team. The clearer the path, the faster the load. Moving professionals emphasize that access details can shave hours off complex moves and reduce risk to flooring and walls.
Communicate Special Requirements
If any unit needs white-glove handling—panel-ready fridges, smart ranges, delicate induction tops—tell your movers in advance. Note whether appliances must remain upright, include water lines, or require crating. A professional moving company can plan padding, straps, dollies, and crew assignments to match the complexity. Clarity upfront prevents costly improvisation later.
Frequently Missed Details
People often forget to defrost freezers early, drain washer hoses fully, or remove glass fridge shelves. Others skip installing washer shipping bolts, risking drum damage. Gas disconnections get left to the last minute, causing unsafe, day-of delays. Finally, many folks pack the fridge power cord separately—keep cords with the unit so setup isn’t a scavenger hunt. Learning from these patterns protects your budget and timeline.
Installation at Destination
Reverse the process methodically. Position appliances, reconnect water and power, reinstall shelves and bolts, and level feet to manufacturer specs. For refrigerators moved on their side, honor the upright waiting period before powering up. Run test cycles on the washer and dishwasher to check for drips at connections. If you brought a gas dryer or range, schedule reconnection by a licensed technician. Smooth installation is the payoff for careful prep.
The Professional Advantage
Great preparation plus a skilled team equals a calm, predictable day. Crews trained for heavy appliances know how to pad, strap, and maneuver without scuffs or shocks to sensitive components. They also understand building rules, parking permits, and long-carry strategies common in urban environments. Tera Moving Services brings that playbook to every job, coordinating access, protection, and sequencing so appliances are last-on, first-off when it matters.
Final Thoughts
Appliances are the most valuable and finicky items most households move—yet they’re the easiest to overlook until the night before. Start early, clean and dry thoroughly, secure moving parts, organize hardware, schedule pros where needed, and share specifics with your movers. With a solid plan and a dependable moving company, you’ll avoid leaks, dents, and downtime, and you’ll enjoy a faster, cleaner setup in your new kitchen and laundry. Tera Moving Services believes that careful prep is the difference between troubleshooting and turning the lights on, brewing coffee, and getting on with your life.