Preparing your appliances
Appliances must be unplugged, emptied and ready to move when the crew arrives. Our movers aren't plumbers or electricians: water and gas connections must be disconnected beforehand.
1Fridge and freezer
- Empty completely and unplug 24 hours before (48 hours for a chest freezer) so the ice melts. Put towels at the bottom and leave the doors open.
- Remove glass shelves and drawers, or tape them in place. Pack shelves separately: they break easily.
- Clean the inside and put in a box of baking soda to prevent odours. Strap or tape the doors shut for transport — we do it on arrival if it isn't done.
- At the new address, wait 2 to 4 hours before plugging in if the fridge was moved lying down (compressor oil must settle). We move it upright whenever possible.
- Fridge with water dispenser: close the supply valve and disconnect the line the day before. Keep a towel handy, there's always a little water left.
2Washer and dryer
- Close the hot and cold water taps, disconnect the hoses and drain them into a bucket. Put the hoses in a bag inside the tub.
- Front-load washers have transport bolts that lock the drum: reinstall them if you have them (otherwise we immobilize the drum with blankets, but the manufacturer recommends the bolts).
- Disconnect the dryer vent and clean the lint filter. Gas dryer: have the supply shut off and capped by a qualified technician — that's not our role.
- Measure the door and stairs at the new address: stacked sets (washer-dryer on top of each other) must be separated for transport and reassembled on site.
3Dishwasher, stove and small appliances
- Dishwasher: have it disconnected from the water supply and drain before we arrive. We pull it out of its spot, but the hook-up is a plumber's job.
- Electric stove: unplug the 240 V outlet (it's behind the appliance and often hard to reach). Gas stove: shut-off must be done by a certified technician.
- Remove oven racks, trays and drawers and pack them with the kitchen. Tape the oven door shut.
- Microwave, food processor, coffee maker: empty them, coil the cords and pack them in a medium box with paper. Their original box is ideal if you kept it.
- Window air conditioner: remove it from the window yourself (or ask for it in your quote), drain the condensation water and transport it upright.
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