Moving a fridge or washing machine: how to prepare

Fridge and freezer

• Use up frozen food in the week before the move.
• The day before, empty it, switch it off and leave the doors open to defrost.
• Mop up the water, dry it out and clean it, including the drip tray.
• Take out or tape loose shelves and drawers.
• If it has a water or ice connection, turn off the tap and disconnect it.

Washing machine and dryer

• Run an empty cycle a day or two before, then leave the door open to dry.
• Turn off the taps, disconnect the hoses and drain the leftover water.
• Front loaders: fit the transit bolts if you still have them. They hold the drum still.
• Put the hoses and bolts in a labelled bag, inside the drum or taped to the machine.

Dishwasher, oven and BBQ

• Dishwashers: run empty, then disconnect and drain. Built-in ones usually stay with the house.
• Freestanding ovens: clean them and have them disconnected by a licensed electrician or gas fitter where needed.
• BBQs: clean the grill and disconnect the gas bottle. Gas bottles can’t go on a removal truck, so take them separately.

At the new home

• Keep the fridge upright. Many manufacturers recommend waiting a few hours before switching on, especially if it was tilted. Check your manual.
• Take out the washing machine transit bolts before you use it, or the drum can be damaged.
• Check the hoses for leaks the first time you run it.

Why it matters on moving day

Removalists move appliances, but they can’t disconnect plumbing, gas or hard-wired power, and they can’t load a machine full of water or a fridge full of ice. Our terms ask for appliances to be disconnected, emptied and clean before we arrive, so the crew can carry them straight to the truck.