How to Move Large Appliances Without Damage

The 5 most expensive items if they break in your move

Large appliances are the items that generate most claims in moves: refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, and stove. They are heavy (between 150 and 400 pounds each), have delicate internal components, water connections, gas or electricity, and any wrong handling can damage them or even worse, damage your floor or your new home.

After 30 years moving in South Florida, where 90% of homes have these 5 appliances, we have refined techniques to move them safely. Here is the complete guide so you can do it yourself or know what to demand from your moving company.

General preparation: 48 hours before

Most preparation errors happen because they start too late. Each appliance needs specific preparation that takes hours, not minutes.

• Read manual of each appliance for moving instructions specific from manufacturer
• Have basic tools: adjustable wrench, flat and Phillips screwdriver, level, towels
• Reserve 2-3 hours for preparation of all appliances
• Coordinate with your moving company who disconnects: you or them
• Have spare hoses available (washer hoses cost 15-25 USD)

How to move the refrigerator

The fridge is the most complex appliance because of its internal coolant.

Disconnection (24-48 hours before)

1. Empty entire contents (food, drinks)
2. Disconnect electricity and water line (ice maker)
3. Disconnect water hose, dry well
4. Defrost freezer 24-48 hours before (puddles will form, place towels)
5. Clean interior completely with baking soda + water
6. Leave doors open for 24 hours to ventilate

Transport

1. Use appliance dolly with belts (rental at Home Depot: 15-25 USD/day)
2. Tilt fridge maximum 45 degrees, never lay flat
3. If you must tilt more, do it on the side OPPOSITE the compressor (usually back)
4. Secure doors with stretch film or tape
5. In the truck, transport upright with belts

Reconnection (critical: 4-hour rule)

1. Once placed in new home, WAIT 4 hours before connecting
2. This allows the compressor oil to settle back in its position
3. If you connect immediately, the compressor can be damaged permanently (cost: 800-1,500 USD repair or buy new)
4. Reconnect water line, check leaks
5. Set initial temperature and wait 6 hours before introducing food

How to move the washer

The washer has rotating drum that can be damaged if not secured.

Disconnection

1. Turn off water valves (hot and cold)
2. Run short rinse cycle to remove water from hoses
3. Disconnect water hoses, drain in bucket
4. Disconnect drainage hose
5. Disconnect electricity

Drum securing (critical)

If you have the original transport bolts (came with the washer), reinstall them. These bolts immobilize the drum during transport. Without them, the drum can damage internal components.

If you no longer have the original bolts, search online by your washer model. Cost: 20-40 USD. Some moving companies have universal bolts available.

Alternative without bolts: fill the drum with towels or rolled blankets to immobilize. NEVER move a washer without securing the drum.

Transport

• Always upright, never on side
• Secure with belts on appliance dolly
• In truck, against side wall with cushioning between washer and other items

How to move the dryer

The dryer is simpler than the washer but has electric or gas connection.

Electric dryer

1. Disconnect from 220V outlet (4-prong cable)
2. Disconnect vent duct
3. Clean lint completely (fire risk if accumulated)
4. Transport upright

Gas dryer

1. CRITICAL: only certified technician should disconnect the gas line. Hire plumber (75-150 USD)
2. Verify there are no leaks before transporting
3. Same physical transport as electric
4. Reconnection also by certified technician at destination

How to move the dishwasher

The dishwasher is usually integrated in cabinetry, more complex to disconnect.

1. Cut electricity from breaker
2. Close water valve under sink
3. Disconnect water supply line (cushion bucket below for residual water)
4. Disconnect drainage line from garbage disposal or sink
5. Remove screws that hold dishwasher to countertop or cabinets
6. Pull carefully (it is heavy, 100-150 pounds)
7. Empty residual water tilting carefully
8. Transport upright wrapped in furniture blanket

Reconnection: better to hire plumber if you have no experience (100-200 USD). Leaks behind dishwasher can damage floor and cabinetry by thousands of dollars.

How to move the stove/oven

Electric stove

1. Disconnect from 220V outlet
2. Remove burners, grates, and movable trays
3. Pack burners and grates separately
4. Secure oven door with tape
5. Transport upright

Gas stove

1. CRITICAL: certified technician disconnects the gas line (100-200 USD)
2. Verify there is no smell of gas before continuing
3. Disassemble removable parts
4. Same transport as electric
5. Certified reconnection at destination

Special protection for transport

• Furniture blankets: cover each appliance (rental 5-10 USD each, or included with professional service)
• Belts: secure to appliance dolly and to truck wall
• Cardboard corners: protect corners that hit easily
• Stretch film: secure doors and movable parts

The transition floor in Florida

South Florida has many tile and porcelain floors. Sliding an appliance directly on these floors can scratch them or damage them. Use plywood or hard cardboard as path between origin and truck. Same on destination.

Real case: client in Aventura tried to move fridge alone, scratched the porcelain floor of his new home. Repair: 800 USD plus weeks of work. Renting professional appliance dolly costs 15 USD per day.

When you should hire professionals

If your appliances are recent (less than 5 years), valuable (over 1,500 USD each), or you have gas connections, hire professional service. The cost of moving the 5 appliances of a typical home is between 200 and 400 USD additional with a professional company, but includes:

• Specialized equipment (appliance dolly, professional belts, blankets)
• Trained team in proper handling
• Insurance that covers damage to appliances and floors
• Connection of basic services (water, electricity)
• Guarantee of safe transport

Common errors that cost thousands

1. Connecting fridge before 4 hours of resting (damages compressor)
2. Not securing washer drum (damages internal bearings)
3. Disconnecting gas without certified technician (legal and safety risk)
4. Sliding appliances directly on porcelain floor
5. Not cleaning lint from dryer before moving (fire risk in transport)
6. Not securing doors with tape (open in transport, damages or escape internal items)

Need help with your appliances?

At Wadjet Logistics our team is trained in safe disconnection and transport of all types of appliances. We have certified technicians for gas connections and our insurance covers damage to appliances and floors. Call us at +1 (305) 970-6538.