Preparing Large Appliances For A Move

If you own large appliances and will be moving them to your new home, its important that come moving day, they’re ready to be loaded onto the moving truck. Being ready means, empty, clean and disconnected.  

How do you pack large appliances for moving? 

Large appliances such as a fridge, stove, dishwasher, washing machine or dryer must be handled with care during transit. If you have the product manual, refer to these to understand how to pack and protect the appliance during a move. Many moving companies will not disconnect or install appliances. For any items with high voltage connections and gas supplies, a specialist will be required to disconnect these appliances.  

How do you prepare a refrigerator for moving?  

The refrigerator must be emptied and defrosted before it can be moved.  How long does a fridge have to be turned off before moving? At least 24 hours prior to being moved unplug the fridge. Allow additional time to ensure that both the interior and exterior of the refrigerator are completely dry and wiped down to prevent any mold occurring while in transit.   

How do you move heavy appliances down stairs? 

If you’re doing a DIY move, you’ll need at least two people to move a large appliance. Having a dolly will make it easier. If you’re using a moving company, their crew will come prepared to move your large appliances.  

How far in advance should you book movers? 

Once you’ve decided which moving company to use for your relocation, book your move! This also applies to booking a rental truck if you have decided to do a DIY move. Scheduling a date to have your belongings picked up is essential, and the sooner it can be done, the better. In addition to the benefits of advanced booking, such as the ability to secure a preferred pick up date, and lock in rates, you’ll also have a clear time frame in which to get everything completed.  

a kid sits in a moving boxes next to his dad

The moving industry has high and low seasons. During the busy peak season, many moving and truck rental companies get booked very quickly, making it harder to schedule a move with a reputable company. So, what is the peak moving season? and what is the most popular month to move? The peak season is during summer, May – September. If you plan to move during these months, make sure to book your move as early as possible, especially if the move will take place in June, July or August which are the most popular months of the year for moving.  

If you need to move at short notice, work fast researching, contacting and receiving estimates from reputable moving companies. This way, you could still have a chance of securing a pick up from a moving company of your choice. Moving companies will always do what they can to assist a last minute move.  

What is a small load?

A small load is when the total weight of items being moved is below the minimum weight established by commercial van lines. A move that is below 1000 pounds is considered a small load. If you’re planning to hire a professional moving company to transport your belongings, but fall below the minimum weight, how do you move small loads across country? There are professional moving companies that specialize in moving small loads, with no minimum weight requirement. You pay for what is being moved. If you require any additional services, you will be charged extra.

Will a moving company move one piece of furniture?

Yes, small load moving companies can move one piece of furniture. This is one of the many advantages of hiring a small load mover. In addition to moving individual pieces, some small load movers also offer a range of other services including: partial loads, moving bulky items, packing/crating, and storage. When it comes to choosing a mover to transport your belongings, whether its locally, across the country, or internationally, you want to make sure you do your research and receive at least three estimates from reputable small load movers. Remember to check reviews on multiple sites; the Better Business Bureau is a great site to see if any complaints have been made. Check that any company you are considering is licensed and has a USDOT number.

Need to move in a hurry? Knowing that it can be accomplished in a short time frame will give you the power to be ready for the movers on time.

How Can I Quickly Prepare Large Appliances for a Move?

When preparing large appliances efficiently for moving, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that all appliances are cleaned thoroughly, removing any dust or residue. Next, disconnect and unplug each appliance, properly securing any loose cords. Finally, protect them by covering with bubble wrap or blankets and securely fastening them. Taking these steps will help ensure a smooth and successful move for your large appliances.

How do I move the last minute?

The key to any successful move is organization! This is especially important if you need to move at a moment’s notice. You might be asking how can I move in one week? How do I pack and move in two days? Or even how do you move in one day? These are all valid questions when faced with the reality that you need to sort and pack your stuff quickly. First of all, make a checklist with completion dates of everything that needs to be done. Include tasks such as: sorting, downsizing and donating belongings, do this room by room, ordering supplies, changing your address, transferring utilities, servicing the car, and most importantly, securing a moving company at short notice.

Packing

Before everything gets packed, set aside some essential items for you and your family for the first few days that you’ll be in your new home. These same items can also be used in the days leading up to moving day, especially as packing is happening at such a rapid speed. While packing, take inventory of what’s going into each box, this is especially important if you might be combining items from more than one room into a single box. If you have helpers around, get everyone involved. You’ll be able to get more done in less time.

If you’re planning on doing a DIY move using a rental truck, its important that prior to moving day you know how to load a moving truck.

How long does it take for moving trucks to load?

This depends on how many people will be loading, and how much stuff needs to be loaded onto the truck. If you’re hiring professionals, than loading time could be between 1 to 4 hours, maybe longer, depending on the size of the truck. If you have friends helping you, add a little extra time.

What is the best way to load a moving truck?

If you have more than two people available on moving day, have two load the truck, and the other helpers carrying the furniture and additional items to the truck. To safely and efficiently load a moving truck, knowing what should I load first when moving is vital. It’s important that the weight in the truck is distributed. This means placing heavier items such as appliances and large pieces of furniture at the front of the truck against the walls, so the back of the truck isn’t to heavy, which could be dangerous once the truck is in motion. Long items, such as sofas or mattresses should be loaded against the longest walls of the truck, in an upright position. You can then load upwards in weight increments, with the lightest items being placed on top. For extra protection, some items can be placed strategically between or against other pieces of furniture.

David Barroso
David Barroso
Jan 10, 2025

CA NY Express Movers and Eric Rummel, the account executive, provided exceptional assistance during my move. They ensured that I received the best price and that the entire process Read more testimonials

Katelyn R.
Katelyn R.
Jan 16, 2025

We used CA-NY Express last month to move from NYC to LA and had a great experience. We had never made a cross-country move before and didn't know what to expect, Read more testimonials

Daniel Zaltsman
Daniel Zaltsman
Mar 17, 2025

Second time using them for a cross-country move, and would use them the third time too. Solid, communicative, fairly priced. Thanks to the whole team! Read more testimonials

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