Anyone who’s packed up and moved all their belongings before is well aware of the fact that it can be a highly involved task. Whether you’re an experienced mover or new to the whole process, you can likely benefit from these 5 tips on packing and moving large home appliances safely.
1. Clear the clutter first
While you might not think of the little things when you’re considering how best to move the largest of your household appliances, this strategy can save you a lot of grief. Make sure you’ve packed away all of your smaller items so that they’re waiting readily in boxes by the time loading day rolls around.
Don’t forget to clear away clutter like discarded items you decided not to take and scraps of packing materials as well. Last-minute packing can sap valuable mental energy and increase the likelihood of unsafe decisions, and loose debris can be a serious tripping hazard.
2. Check your appliance manuals for any warnings or recommendations
Some people may not know that most large appliance manuals contain some pretty good instructions on how to safely prepare and pack them up for a move. Taking a few minutes to skim through your appliance manuals ahead of time can save you loads of aggravation later on.
Check your appliance manuals for valuable tips on which parts of your appliances can be safely dismantled and packaged separately for a smoother move, as well as warnings for any potential hazards.
3. Wrap metal connectors and hose tips and secure them in place
Prepare appliances like clothes-washing and dish washing machines ahead of time by disengaging their hoses and giving them time to drain and dry. Once everything has aired out, carefully loop up any stray hoses and cords and tape them securely into place.
Leaving cords or hoses loose and dangling can pose a serious tripping hazard–not to mention that they increase the risk of scratching the surfaces of your appliances or other belongings as well.
4. Make sure you have the proper moving equipment
Trying to move large household appliances such as washers, stoves, or refrigerators without the assistance of a hand truck or moving dolly can result in serious injury and damaged appliances, so make sure that you have the proper equipment on hand.
Furniture straps are also necessary to secure your appliances safely into the back of the moving vehicle. Sliders or gliding mats can also serve to facilitate the process of getting them from point A to point B, both before and after the move.
5. Obtain and use quality packing materials
It might seem obvious that packing materials such as tape, furniture blankets, cardboard, and zip ties are integral to a smooth moving process. However, a surprising number of people try to skimp in this area–only to find themselves wishing later on that they’d shelled out a bit more for the right materials.
Purchase quality packing materials, and don’t hesitate to play it safe with a little extra. After all, your appliances are worth way more than an extra furniture blanket or two, and you wouldn’t want them to end up damaged.
To Recap:
Moving to a new home is an exciting process, but many people find the idea of moving large appliances to be intimidating. As you get ready for the big move, think back to these 5 tips on packing and moving large home appliances safely in order to keep the process as stress-free as possible.
Don’t cut corners when it comes to packing materials or moving equipment, and make sure to plan ahead. Read your appliance manuals for handy tips on packing and moving them safely, and pack everything else up before you get started on the big stuff.