Congratulations! You’ve just received the keys to your new home and you’re one step closer to embarking on your moving journey. At this point, the majority of your belongings have been packed up, but there’s still one room left that you need to tackle – the kitchen.
It’s no secret that moving from one home to another is a tiring task that includes a lot of heavy lifting. You may even opt for the most common route, which is hiring professional movers to do all the work for you. However, it’s not impossible to make this a DIY project. Sure, you might need different tools to help you out, including a dolly, floor protectors, sliders, etc., but you can certainly move your heavy appliances easily without causing property damage or injury.
If you’re looking to save a little bit of money, here are some tips on how to help move large kitchen appliances safely on your own.
How to Move a Refrigerator
Your refrigerator may just be the most important kitchen appliance you move to your new home, and it’s most likely the toughest to move, too! Here are the steps to help make moving your refrigerator an easy process.
- 1. Clean out all of the contents. You don’t want to risk refrigerator contents moving and spilling. Making a mess could cause an accident, and you don’t want to risk injuries in the process. Plus, an empty refrigerator is a lighter refrigerator.
- 2. Unplug the refrigerator. After it’s unplugged, be sure the freezer compartment defrosts for at least 6-8 hours. This will allow moisture inside to completely evaporate.
- 3. Wipe the inside of the refrigerator. Do this while the freezer is defrosting to prevent mold, mildew and other bacteria from growing inside.
- 4. Remove glass shelving. Pack the glass shelves from inside your refrigerator separately. A bonus tip: Consider labeling the shelves for when you’re reassembling your refrigerator in your new home. It may make the process simpler!
- 5. Disconnect the water line. Before you do this step, double check that all the components are thoroughly dry. Then, turn-off the water line to the refrigerator, detach the refrigerator’s water line to the ice maker or water dispenser, and be sure to empty the water reservoir before moving the refrigerator.
- 6. Tape the electric power cord to the back of the refrigerator. This step ensures that you won’t fumble or trip over the lengthy cord while you’re moving your refrigerator. If there are any small parts that go with the appliance, try putting them in a small bag and taping them to the back as well.
- 7. Secure the refrigerator door. Do this using a strong cord or rope and tie the doors together.
- 8. Move the refrigerator to a dolly. When physically moving the refrigerator to a transportation tool, keep it in an upright position. It’s important not to move the refrigerator on its side, because it could damage the compressor.
- 9. Secure the refrigerator in your vehicle. Since the refrigerator is heavy, have a few other people to help you move it into your vehicle, so it stays balanced and stable. (A truck might be the best option to transport your refrigerator.) Once it’s in the vehicle, use tie-down straps to secure the refrigerator in place so it won’t wiggle around while you’re driving.
- 10. Let the refrigerator sit for 2-3 hours. You and your refrigerator have been on quite the journey. Let it sit for a few hours before plugging it into the new outlet, so the fluids can flow back into the compressor. You don’t want an electrical surge to happen!
How to Move an Oven
Consider the following when you’re getting ready to move your oven to your new home.
- 1. Turn off the gas. This step is only necessary if you have a gas stove. Be sure to turn the gas valve to the off position and unscrew the tubing.
- 2. Remove the bottom drawer and racks. This will make it easier to eventually move the oven.
- 3. Unplug the stove. Pull the stove out far enough to unplug the gas line if you have a gas stove. If you don’t have a gas stove, unplug the electric power cord. When moving your oven, try using floor protectors , such as foot or moving pads, to help protect your floors from damage. Tip the stove back in order to slide the protectors underneath it.
- 4. Check for anti-tipping devices. Certain stoves have anti-tipping devices that would need to be disconnected prior to moving the stove. (These anti-tipping devices are usually attached to the rear leg of the stove’s range, or screwed into the wall behind it).
- 5. Pull out the oven. Gently pull the oven away from the wall; you may need someone to assist you. In order to help prevent the oven door from flying open, tape it closed. If possible, you can always remove the oven door from its hinges.
- 6. Take off knobs and stove racks. Remove these items before placing the stove on a transportation device (like a dolly) and pack them separately.
- 7. Put the oven on a dolly and secure it. Carefully place the oven on your dolly and secure it with straps.
- 8. Secure the stove in your vehicle. Carefully move your stove from the dolly to your vehicle and avoid lifting it by the oven door handle. Like your refrigerator, use tie-down straps to secure the oven in your vehicle.
How to Move a Dishwasher
There are several steps involved when you’re about to move your dishwasher.
- 1. Unplug the dishwasher. Cut off the electric power source and double check that there’s no water remaining inside the appliance.
- 2. Make sure the electric power cord is secure. This is a safety precaution, so the cord won’t come loose during the move.
- 3. Clean inside the dishwasher. Use a soft, dry cloth to do so.
- 4. Begin to move the dishwasher. You can use moving blankets to cover the dishwasher or insert moving pads underneath to help protect it.
- 5. Put the dishwasher on the dolly. Carefully move the dishwasher onto your dolly and secure it with straps; you may need assistance during this step.
- 6. Secure the dishwasher in your vehicle. Carefully move it from the dolly to your vehicle and secure it with tie-down straps in your vehicle.
Conclusion
In the end, it’s certainly possible to transport your large kitchen appliances without hiring professional movers. There’s some preparation and planning involved in the process, but if you cautiously follow all the steps, you’ll be enjoying your new kitchen in no time.
