How to Prepare Your Appliances for Moving Day

Appliances are some of the heaviest and most valuable items in any Connecticut home, and they are also the ones that need the most preparation before the moving truck arrives. Movers can carry a washer, dryer, or refrigerator safely, but they cannot handle the water lines, power, or gas connections behind them. A little preparation in the days before your move protects your appliances, your floors, and your moving day schedule.

Here is exactly what to do with each major appliance before your Connecticut move, based on the same guidance our team gives customers over the phone every week.

Getting Your Washer and Dryer Ready to Move

The washer is the appliance that causes the most moving day surprises. Movers will not disconnect water lines, because a stuck or brittle valve can break and flood the room. Plan to shut off and disconnect the water yourself a day or two before the move, not the morning of.

The shutoff will be either a turning knob or a lever behind the machine. Turn it gently. If it feels stuck, do not force it. Spray it with a penetrating lubricant like WD40, let it sit, and try again. Once the water is off, disconnect the hoses, drain them into a bucket, and tape them to the back of the machine. Unplug the washer and, if it is a front loader, secure or remove the drum shipping bolts if you still have them.

For the dryer, unplug it and disconnect the vent hose. If you have a gas dryer, have a licensed plumber or gas technician cap the line before moving day.

Refrigerators and Freezers Need a Head Start

Refrigerators need the longest lead time of any appliance. Empty the fridge and freezer completely, then unplug the unit at least 24 hours before the move so the freezer can defrost and the interior can dry. Leave the doors open with towels on the floor to catch melting frost.

If your refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser, shut off and disconnect the water line the same way you would for a washer. Wipe the interior dry, tape the shelves in place or remove them, and leave the doors slightly open until the movers wrap the unit. A dry, empty refrigerator travels safely and arrives without odors.

Stoves, Ovens, and Dishwashers

Electric stoves simply need to be unplugged and cleaned. Gas stoves should always be disconnected and capped by a professional before the movers arrive. Remove grates, knobs, and racks and pack them separately so nothing rattles loose in the truck.

Dishwashers are usually hardwired and plumbed in, so most homeowners leave them behind. If yours is coming with you, have a plumber disconnect the water supply and drain lines in advance, then let the unit dry with the door open for a day before it is wrapped and loaded.

A Quick Checklist Before the Truck Arrives

Two days out: shut off and disconnect all water lines, defrost the refrigerator, and schedule any gas disconnections. One day out: drain hoses, dry interiors, and tape down cords, doors, and loose parts. Moving day: leave the heavy lifting to the crew. Your movers will wrap each appliance in moving blankets, use appliance dollies for stairs and tight turns, and load everything so it rides upright and secure.

Not sure whether an appliance needs special handling? Just tell your moving company what you have when you book. As we covered in 7 Key Things Your Movers Need to Know, a complete inventory ahead of time means the crew shows up with the right equipment. You can also review our list of moving supplies worth having on hand before the big day.

Moving Appliances in Connecticut? We Can Help

Colonial Moving & Storage has been moving washers, dryers, refrigerators, and everything else in Connecticut homes for over 50 years. We are family owned, fully licensed and insured, and happy to walk you through appliance prep when you schedule your move. Contact Colonial Moving & Storage today for a free estimate on your local or long distance move.