To move large appliances safely, disconnect and clean them at least 24 hours before moving day, secure all loose parts and doors, use the manufacturer's transit instructions where available, transport refrigerators and washing machines upright, and let them sit upright for several hours before plugging in at the destination. The biggest mistakes that cause appliance damage during a move are skipping the disconnection prep, laying refrigerators on their side during transit, and plugging things in immediately after arrival. At Wadjet Logistics we've moved tens of thousands of appliances across South Florida over 30 years, and almost every damage incident traces back to one of those three errors.
Large appliances, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ranges, ovens, microwaves, are some of the most expensive and damage-prone items in a typical home. They're also some of the most awkward to handle: heavy, top-heavy, full of liquids and gases, with sensitive internal components. Done right, moving them is straightforward. Done wrong, you can ruin a $2,000 fridge in a single afternoon.
Refrigerators and freezers
Refrigerators are the trickiest appliance to move because of the sealed refrigeration system, compressor oil, and the risk of damaging the cooling coils.
Preparation, 24 to 48 hours ahead
- Empty all food, transfer to coolers with ice for the move
- Unplug the unit and let it warm to room temperature
- Defrost the freezer completely, this can take several hours
- Clean the interior with mild soap and dry thoroughly
- Remove all shelves, drawers, and door bins, pack separately wrapped in moving blankets or bubble wrap
- Tape the doors closed or use moving straps (do not use tape directly on a finished surface for long periods, it can leave residue)
- Disconnect the water line if it's an ice-maker model, drain the water reservoir, and tape the line to the back of the fridge
Loading and transport
A refrigerator must be transported upright. Tipping it on its side or back causes compressor oil to flow into the cooling coils, where it can cause serious damage when the unit is later restarted. If you absolutely must lay it down briefly (extremely tight doorways), keep it on its side, not on its back, and let it stand upright for at least 24 hours before plugging in.
Use a heavy-duty appliance dolly with straps. Two people minimum, three for larger units. Wrap the entire fridge in moving blankets and secure with stretch wrap.
At the new home
Place the fridge in position, level it (most have adjustable feet), and leave it standing for at least 4 hours (24 hours is safer) before plugging in. This allows compressor oil to settle back where it belongs. After plugging in, give the fridge several hours to reach proper cooling temperature before reloading food.
Washing machines
Washing machines have a tub that can shift violently during transit, potentially damaging the suspension or even punching through the cabinet.
Preparation
- Turn off both hot and cold water supply valves
- Disconnect the water inlet hoses, drain into a bucket
- Run a short empty cycle to drain remaining water from the pump and tub
- Disconnect the drain hose
- Unplug the power cord
- Install shipping bolts or transit braces if you still have them (these lock the tub in place). If not, packing the inside with blankets or towels can help
- Coil and tape hoses to the back of the unit
Transport
Washing machines should be moved upright. Use an appliance dolly with straps. Two-person minimum. Front-load washers are heavier and more delicate than top-loaders, especially the drum suspension; never lay them on their front.
At the new home
Level the machine carefully, an unlevel washer will vibrate and walk during spin cycles, eventually damaging itself or the floor. Reconnect water supply hoses, ideally with new hoses if yours are over 5 years old (a burst hose is one of the most common home flood causes). Reconnect the drain hose, plug in, and run a short empty cycle to verify operation.
Dryers
Dryers are simpler than washers but still require care.
Preparation
- Unplug from the wall
- Disconnect the vent hose, clean it thoroughly (this is also a fire safety must)
- If gas, shut off the gas valve and disconnect the gas line, this should be done by a qualified technician if you're not comfortable
- Tape the door closed
- Wrap in moving blankets
At the new home
Reconnect the vent hose to a clean, unobstructed vent. Verify the vent terminates safely outdoors, never into an attic or crawlspace. For gas dryers, have a technician confirm the gas line connection is secure and leak-free before use.
Dishwashers
Built-in dishwashers are often the most overlooked appliance because they're harder to remove than freestanding units.
Preparation
- Run an empty cycle to flush out detergent and food debris
- Turn off the water supply and electrical supply
- Disconnect the water inlet line, drain hose, and electrical (if hardwired, may require an electrician)
- Unscrew mounting brackets from the cabinet
- Carefully slide out, watch for the drain hose still attached at the back
Transport
Dishwashers can be transported upright or laid on their back (never on their side or front, which can damage the door). Wrap in blankets and secure straps.
Ranges, ovens, and microwaves
Gas ranges
Gas line disconnection should be done by a qualified professional. Turn off the gas valve, disconnect the line, cap the line until reconnection. The same applies on the receiving end. Many South Florida movers will not disconnect or reconnect gas lines for liability reasons, plan accordingly.
Electric ranges
Unplug from the outlet (or disconnect at the breaker if hardwired). Remove racks, drip pans, and the broiler tray, wrap separately. Tape the oven door closed. Wrap the unit in blankets.
Built-in microwaves
Over-the-range and built-in microwaves require unscrewing mounting hardware and disconnecting electrical. Two people, one to hold the unit while the other unscrews. Countertop microwaves just need to be unplugged, taped shut, and boxed.
What professional movers will and won't do
Most South Florida moving companies will move large appliances if they're already disconnected and prepared. Disconnecting and reconnecting appliances, especially gas, water, and hardwired electrical, is often outside their scope, partly because of liability, partly because of the specialized skills involved. Ask your mover upfront what's included and arrange a plumber, electrician, or appliance technician for the connections if needed.
Specialty third-party services exist for high-end built-in appliances, Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, and integrated commercial-grade units, and are worth the cost for a $10,000 refrigerator.
One last warning
Don't try to move a refrigerator or washing machine alone, ever. They're top-heavy, awkward, and capable of causing serious back injuries or property damage. Use an appliance dolly, two or three people, and proper straps. The cost of a small dolly rental or professional crew is negligible compared to a herniated disc or a destroyed appliance.
At Wadjet Logistics our crews are trained on appliance handling for South Florida homes. Call +1 (305) 970-6538 or email info@wadjetlogistics.com for a free estimate.
Tools and equipment for safe appliance moves
If you're moving appliances yourself (not recommended for refrigerators or washing machines, but possible for smaller units), you need proper equipment:
- Appliance dolly: Heavy-duty hand truck with straps, rated for 600+ pounds
- Stair-climbing dolly: Specialty dolly with three-wheel rotation for navigating stairs safely
- Moving blankets: Thick padded blankets to protect finishes
- Stretch wrap: Heavy industrial-grade for securing blankets and doors
- Furniture sliders: For navigating across hard floors without scratching
- Adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, drill: For disconnections
- Buckets and towels: For draining water lines
- Work gloves with grip: Appliances slip without proper handling
When to call a specialist instead
Some appliance moves are better handled by specialists, not general movers:
- Built-in commercial-grade refrigerators (Sub-Zero, Wolf): These cost $8,000 to $25,000+ and have specific handling requirements that general movers often don't have the equipment for.
- Gas appliance disconnection and reconnection: Always a licensed plumber or gas-certified technician.
- Hardwired electrical appliances: Electrician for disconnect and reconnect.
- Stacked washer and dryer units: Specialized equipment for separating and moving.
- Wine refrigerators with built-in cooling systems: Specialist handling preserves the cooling system.
Post-move appliance verification
After reconnecting appliances at the new home, verify each works properly.
Refrigerator
After 24 hours plugged in, check temperatures in fridge (35-40 degrees F) and freezer (0 degrees F or lower). Listen for the compressor running normally. Test the ice maker if applicable.
Washing machine
Run an empty cycle with hot water. Check for leaks at hose connections. Confirm no unusual vibration or noise. Inspect drain hose connection.
Dryer
Run an empty cycle on high heat. Check that the vent termination outside is unobstructed and exhausting hot air. Listen for unusual sounds. Confirm gas dryers have no gas smell.
Dishwasher
Run a full cycle empty. Check for leaks under the dishwasher and at supply connections. Confirm proper drainage.
Range / oven
Test each burner (gas: clean blue flame, no yellow tips; electric: even heating). Test the oven at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Confirm temperature accuracy with a separate oven thermometer.
Common post-move appliance issues
Even careful moves can result in minor issues. Most common:
- Refrigerator takes longer than expected to cool fully (give it 24 hours before troubleshooting)
- Washing machine vibrates excessively (check leveling)
- Dryer takes longer to dry (check vent for kinks or obstructions)
- Dishwasher leaks slightly (check connections and tighten)
- Ice maker doesn't produce ice for 24+ hours (normal, wait)
If issues persist beyond a few days, call an appliance repair technician. Most issues are minor and easily resolved.
Special South Florida appliance considerations
South Florida humidity and salt air affect appliances differently than drier climates. After any move:
- Check washing machine and dishwasher hoses for any corrosion (replace any older than 5 years)
- Inspect dryer vent termination outside for any corrosion or pest damage
- Verify refrigerator coils are clean (humidity makes dust buildup faster)
- Confirm range hood ventilates properly
Hurricane season also affects appliance planning. If you're moving in June through November, have a plan to secure appliances if a storm threatens before you've settled in. Refrigerators and freezers in particular benefit from preparation: keeping them full helps maintain temperature during power outages, and securing doors with bungee cords or rope prevents door swings during storms.