Moving appliances from one home to another requires a great deal of preparation.
Movers' responsibility
Movers are supposed to do the heavy work - the actual transporting of the appliances from client's home into the truck and then safely out of the truck into the new residence. Our movers will do anything possible to ensure that appliance gets to its destination safely.
However, the preparation of major appliances and other home furnishings is an important activity for you to schedule. Some of it needs to begin days before the actual move day.
Owners' Responsibility
These preparations must be done by the customer, a professional technician, or moving company can set up their partner (Reputable Appliance Tech.) who will do it, in any case let your mover know which of these options you prefer ahead of time.
Preparing appliances to withstand handling during transit or while in storage.
This process can include bracing a washer tub, disconnecting an ice maker, capping off a gas line, and special handling of satellite dish components.
Most Movers do not:
REFRIGERATOR
Cleaning
• Use mild detergent to wipe off the exterior finish.
• Before cleaning the interior, dispose of perishables and unplug the power cord.
• Wash removable parts such as shelves and drawers with a mild detergent or in a solution of warm water and baking soda (about one tablespoon. of baking soda to one quart of water). Ice trays and ice storage bins should be washed in lukewarm water only.
• Wash the interior walls and any non-removable parts with a mild detergent or baking soda solution.
• Leave the door open for at least 24 hours. Allowing all moisture to evaporate. If your refrigerator is not a frost-free model, allow extra time to complete defrosting and drying.
• Secure all loose plastic parts.
• Glass shelves should be removed, cleaned and carefully packed in a carton for protection during transit.
• Be sure the appliance is totally empty and clean. A refrigerator which is not cleaned before transit can develop an unpleasant, permanent odor, making the appliance unusable at destination.
• After cleaning, place an odor and mildew preventative in your refrigerator.
• At the bottom of the refrigerator, remove the base covering and vacuum the condenser or compressor.
• Empty and clean the evaporator pan; allow time for it to dry.
Servicing
• Turn off the water and disconnect the water line if you have a cold water dispenser or automatic ice maker. You should also empty the water reservoir.
• If your refrigerator is an older model, you may need to have the motor or compressor bolted down. The majority of refrigerators now are sealed units that do not require this service.
• At destination, do not operate the refrigerator for at least 24 hours after delivery. This allows the oil time to settle, preventing possible damage to the compressor.
• Ice makers and water dispensers must be connected to a water line. Installation service or parts can be obtained from an authorized dealer. Copper tubing, a shut-off valve and fittings may be required. Once the ice maker is in service, dispose of the first few batches of ice because of possible impurities from opening a water line.
WASHER
Cleaning
• Use appliance cleaner to wipe off the exterior.
• On the inside, clean lint filter and tub.
• Leave the lid open so that any moisture will evaporate.
Servicing
• Turn off water faucets, disconnect and drain hoses.
• Wrap the metal connector ends of hoses in a towel and place inside the washer.
• To ensure the safe transport of the washer, it should be serviced to prevent swaying of the tub.
• All water should be drained from the tub because shipments can travel through a variety of climates and terrain.
• Ask our specialist about third-party appliance servicing. There are more than 20 different washer moving kits available from various appliance manufacturers. The cost for third-party servicing is nominal, especially for the protection it provides to your washer.
• After your move, be sure to have the washer connected by a qualified installer.
DRYER
Cleaning
• Unplug the dryer or turn off the electrical power to the appliance.
• Remove any debris from the lint screen with your fingers or a dry paper towel. Do not use water on the screen.
• Wipe off the exterior with an appliance cleaner and soft damp cloth.
• You can remove dust from the interior with a damp sponge.
• If the dryer drum is discolored, try a mild liquid household cleaner or a paste of laundry detergent and warm water. Rub the area until the discoloration is removed. Wipe thoroughly. Then reconnect to electricity and operate the dryer with a load of old rags to remove any soap residue and to thoroughly dry the drum. Remove the rags when finished.
Servicing
• Disconnect the electrical supply to the appliance.
• For a gas dryer, the appliance should be disconnected and the gas line capped off before moving day by a qualified service technician.
• At destination, use a qualified installer who is familiar with requirements for gas and or electricity, as well as the exhaust system.