How to Prepare Your Appliances for a Move
Quick answer: disconnect and drain major appliances 24 hours ahead, keep refrigerators and freezers upright during transport, secure loose parts, and let a fridge stabilize before plugging it back in — moving one on its side is the most common cause of post-move problems.
“Movers had to lay the fridge on its side to get it through a doorway and I panicked a bit. Called ahead of plugging it back in and the technician talked me through letting it sit upright for a few hours first — ran fine after that.”
Moving is exciting but also demanding, especially when it comes to packing and transporting your appliances. Taking the time to prepare them properly is the difference between arriving with everything working and arriving with a repair call on day one.
1. Plan Ahead
Start preparing appliances well before moving day. A simple checklist of which appliances need what steps keeps things organized and stops anything from getting overlooked in the last-minute rush.
2. Disconnect Power Sources
Unplug refrigerators, freezers, and washing machines at least 24 hours before the move so any residual water has time to drain and the compressor settles — this also removes the electrical hazard during the physical move itself.
3. Empty and Clean Appliances
Remove all contents — food, shelves, drawers — from fridges and freezers, and clean the interior to prevent spills or odors from setting in during transit. For dishwashers and washers, drain any remaining water and pull out filters that could trap moisture in a closed box for days.
4. Secure Loose Parts
Tape down or separately box shelves, racks, and hoses so they don’t shift, rattle loose, or go missing during the move — a labeled box for small parts saves real frustration when you’re setting the appliance back up.
5. Use Protective Materials
Moving blankets or bubble wrap protect against scratches and dents. Original boxes are ideal for smaller appliances if you kept them; otherwise sturdy boxes packed snugly to prevent shifting do the job.
6. Label Everything
Clear labels with handling instructions help both you and the movers know which items need careful, upright handling versus which can be stacked normally.
7. Transport Carefully
Keep appliances upright during transport whenever possible, avoid stacking heavy items on top, and use a dolly for anything large — tipping a refrigerator on its side for an extended period can send compressor oil into the cooling lines and cause problems later.
8. Set Up Appliances Upon Arrival
Unpack and set up as soon as reasonably possible. For refrigerators and freezers, let them sit upright and stabilize for a few hours before plugging in and loading with food — this matters more if the unit was transported on its side. Check for any transit damage right away rather than discovering it weeks later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a refrigerator sit before plugging it in after a move?
If it was kept upright the whole move, 30 minutes to an hour is usually enough. If it was ever tilted or laid on its side, give it several hours upright first to let any compressor oil settle back where it belongs before running it.
Do I need a professional to disconnect a washing machine or gas range before moving?
A washing machine’s water and drain lines are usually fine to disconnect yourself. A gas range’s gas line is safer left to a professional or your moving company’s specialists, since a poor gas connection is a real safety issue.
What’s the biggest cause of appliance damage during moves?
Improper positioning during transport, especially fridges and freezers laid on their side or moved while still full — the combination of weight shift and compressor oil migration causes more move-related appliance failures than almost anything else.
Should I test appliances before the movers leave in case something got damaged?
It’s worth it when possible, especially for anything you can quickly plug in and check — catching a problem while the movers (and their insurance) are still on-site is much easier than discovering it days later.
*Same-day service is offered whenever possible and depends on technician availability, parts, and your location within the GTA.