Moving home appliances requires more preparation than most people realise. Washing machines, fridges, ovens, and dishwashers all need specific steps before they can be safely loaded onto a removals vehicle. Getting this right protects your appliances, protects the removal team, and avoids delays on moving day.
Here is a room-by-room guide to preparing your appliances for your removals team.
1. Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions First
Before you do anything, check the manufacturer’s manual for each appliance. Many have specific guidance on transport preparation — particularly washing machines, which require transit bolts. If you no longer have the manual, search the model number online; most manufacturers publish them as PDFs.
2. Washing Machine
This is the most important one to get right. Washing machines have a drum suspended on springs, which can be damaged beyond repair if moved without support.
- Fit the transit bolts — these lock the drum in place during transport. If you no longer have them, your machine manufacturer or a local appliance shop should be able to supply them.
- Run a short empty cycle and leave the door open for at least an hour to dry out the drum.
- Disconnect the water inlet hose and drain the outlet hose fully.
- Tape the power cable and hoses to the back of the machine.
3. Fridge and Freezer
- Defrost at least 24 hours in advance. A fridge or freezer that hasn’t been fully defrosted will leak during transit and can cause water damage to other items.
- Remove all food, shelves, and drawers. Wrap glass shelves in bubble wrap and pack them flat.
- Leave doors slightly ajar after defrosting to prevent mould forming.
- After delivery, wait at least 4 hours before switching the fridge back on — this allows the compressor oil to settle after the unit has been tilted or moved.
4. Dishwasher
- Run a rinse cycle and leave the door open to dry out completely.
- Remove and pack the cutlery basket and any removable racks separately.
- Disconnect the inlet and outlet hoses and tape them to the back of the unit.
5. Oven and Hob
- Clean the oven thoroughly — grease and food residue can produce strong smells during transport if the oven is wrapped.
- Remove oven racks and pack them separately, wrapped in newspaper or bubble wrap.
- Gas appliances must be disconnected by a Gas Safe registered engineer before your moving day. Do not attempt to disconnect a gas cooker yourself.
- For electric hobs and ovens, ensure the appliance has been isolated from the mains before the removal team arrives.
6. Tumble Dryer
- Clean the lint filter and drum thoroughly.
- For condenser dryers, empty the water reservoir.
- Tape the door shut and secure the power cable.
7. Secure Loose Parts and Protect Fragile Components
For all appliances, tape or remove any loose parts — shelves, racks, drawers — and pack them separately in clearly labelled bags kept with the appliance. Use bubble wrap or moving blankets to protect glass panels, such as oven doors or glass-fronted washing machines. Wrap power cables neatly and secure with cable ties.
8. Clear the Pathways
Before your removal team arrives, measure doorways and hallways to confirm your appliances will fit through. Remove any rugs, furniture, or obstacles that could slow things down. Appliances are heavy and awkward to manoeuvre — a clear path makes the job safer and faster for everyone.
How F Smith & Son Can Help
If you are unsure about any of the above — or if you simply don’t have time — our packing and preparation service can take care of it for you. Our team is trained to handle all types of domestic appliances safely and efficiently. We carry the appropriate equipment on every move, including appliance trolleys, moving blankets, and securing straps.
For gas appliance disconnection, we can recommend a Gas Safe engineer if you need one.
Call us on 020 8688 7063 or get in touch online to discuss your move. For more moving guides, visit our Advice Hub.