Do Talk to the Movers

Professional movers have the experience and expertise to move your kitchen appliances correctly. But that doesn't mean they can come into your kitchen, pick the fridge up, and quickly transport it onto the truck. Some moving companies may have rules or restrictions when it comes to appliances (especially those containing freon).

The movers can provide you with the need-to-know information that will make your move easier. Ask how the movers expect you to prepare the appliances. This can help you to save time and headaches on moving day.

Don't Leave Food in the Appliances

A fridge filled with food won't stay cold during your move. Remove all food from your kitchen appliances before the movers arrive.

A fridge filled with food won't stay cold during your move. Remove all food from your kitchen appliances before the movers arrive.

How can you reduce waste and keep your appliances clean in the days leading up to your move? Use everything in your refrigerator and don't buy anything new. If you absolutely have to buy perishable staples, such as milk, shop for smaller sizes.

Just as with your refrigerator, remove all food products from your oven. While most homeowners don't regularly store food in the oven, a forgotten piece of pizza, part of a meatloaf, or other food item can cause a messy mid-move problem.

Do Clean Your Appliances
Now that your refrigerator and oven are free of food, you have plenty of room for a deep clean. Take the shelves out of the refrigerator and the racks out of the oven before you begin this process. Clean the interior of the fridge with a damp cloth or a vinegar-water solution. Dry the interior completely before the move.

Use warm water and dish soap to clean shelves and bins, and then dry these fridge accessories. Wrap them in moving quilts or a similar type of protection, and move them separately.

If you have a self-cleaning oven, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Never use a chemical or other type of cleaning product with the self-cleaning cycle. An almost-clean oven may not need the deep clean a self-cleaning cycle provides. If this is the case, remove stuck-on debris and spot clean as needed. Clean and move oven racks separately.

Don't Move a Cold Refrigerator
Give the fridge and freezer time to completely defrost before you move. Unplug the appliance the night before. Roll the cord and tie or tape it to the back of the appliance to reduce tripping hazards. If you're not sure how to disconnect or defrost the appliance, follow the directions in the manufacturer's manual.

Do Disconnect the Oven Safely
Do you have a gas range? You'll need to disconnect the gas line prior to the move. Failure to do so properly can pose a serious safety risk. Natural gas is highly explosive and should never leak into your home.

If you're not sure how to disconnect your range, contact an appliance service professional for help. Along with the gas line, you'll also need to unplug the appliance. This goes for both electric and gas use ranges/ovens.

Don't Forget to Measure
Are your doorways and hallways wide enough to accommodate your kitchen appliances? If not, you'll need to plan an easier exit for your refrigerator or oven. Large appliances coupled with narrow doors or hallways require special attention.

To solve the space problem, you may need to remove interior or entry doors, take the door off your fridge or freezer, or talk to the movers about which door (back, front, garage) you'll use to get the appliances out of the house.