Appliances are the heaviest and bulkiest items and, paradoxically, the ones that get the least attention when preparing for a move. Everyone thinks about the boxes of books, the pictures and the crockery. The fridge and the washing machine get left until the last minute, undefrosted, unsecured, unprepared. And then come the surprises.
Preparing appliances for a move isn’t complicated, but it does need to be done with time to spare. Each unit has its own disconnection and packing instructions, and skipping one can lead to costly breakdowns or delays on moving day. Here are the most important steps.
Fridge: empty and defrost in advance
A fridge needs at least 24 hours’ notice to defrost completely. Empty out the food, remove the interior shelves and drawers —packing them separately prevents breakages— and make sure no defrost water is left before closing up and protecting the unit.
Once defrosted, secure the door seal with painter’s tape so it doesn’t bend during transport. If you have the manufacturer’s manual, check whether it says to lock any internal mechanism before the move. Transporting a fridge that hasn’t fully defrosted can damage the compressor permanently.
Washing machine: the transit bolts are essential
This is the step most often forgotten and the one that can cause the most damage. A washing machine has transit bolts —usually at the back— that lock the drum in place during the move. Without them, the drum swings freely with every jolt of the lorry and can damage the unit’s suspension system.
Before fitting them, make sure the drum is empty and that the lower rubber flap is properly closed. Also disconnect the drain hose and the water inlet hose, and let them drain well before storing them. A sealable bag is perfect for keeping the bolts with the unit so they don’t go missing.
Dishwasher: empty, secure and disconnect
Empty the dishwasher completely, including the lower filter, and make sure there’s no residual water inside. The spray arm is usually the most vulnerable part: secure it with tape or remove it and pack it separately. Disconnect the water hose and the drain, just as with the washing machine.
If the dishwasher is built in under the worktop, it’s important to uninstall it carefully so you don’t damage the sides or the front panel. On moves where the dishwasher is integrated, the crew usually handles this part.
TV and electronics: the original packaging is your best ally
If you’ve kept the original box for the TV or any other electronic device, use it without hesitation. It’s designed to protect that exact model. If you don’t have it, wrap the screen in bubble wrap —never newspaper, which can scratch— and protect the corners with foam or cardboard.
Group the cables and remotes into bags labelled by device. Losing the TV remote or discovering that a cable doesn’t match the right unit are small annoyances you avoid with two minutes of organisation.
A well-prepared move starts before moving day
Following these steps in advance makes a real difference on moving day. Well-prepared appliances load faster, travel more safely and arrive in better condition. Mudanzas Trallero has the materials and experience needed to handle appliances of every size, from small kitchen gadgets to large American-style fridge-freezers.
If you have doubts about how to prepare a particular unit, the Mudanzas Trallero team can guide you before the move. Preparation is part of the service, not an add-on. Prepare for your move better with practical advice and request your quote.
