Get your appliances and furniture move-in ready with these preparation tips. Learn how to properly disconnect, clean, transport, and reinstall household items.
Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about damaged belongings. Getting appliances and furniture move-in ready takes some prep work, but it helps ensure your household items arrive safely.
Whether you’re using moving services in Canada or doing it yourself, follow these tips to pack and transport appliances and furniture like a pro.
Major Appliance Preparation
Large appliances are essentials like:
- Refrigerators
- Stoves and ovens
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines and dryers
Prep them to avoid dings, dents, and other disasters:
1. Disconnect and Shut Off
A few days before moving:
- Unplug appliances
- Turn off water and gas connections
- Shut off automatic ice makers
Make sure items are bone dry before transport to prevent mold.
2. Remove Loose Parts and Clean
Take out any removable parts and clean surfaces thoroughly:
- Shelves
- Drawers
- Racks
- Filters
- Trays
Clean up minor spills or gunk immediately to avoid future stains or odors.
3. Secure Doors and Lids
Use painter’s tape to keep appliance doors firmly shut during transit so they don’t swing open. The same goes for any lids or openings.
4. Transport Properly
Use dollies and appliance carts specifically made for major appliances. Or have at least 2 people carry very carefully.
5. Protect Exteriors
Keep exteriors ding and scratch-free:
- Remove protruding handles and knobs
- Pad corners
- Consider renting an appliance dolly with exterior padding
Furniture Preparation
From mattresses to couches, here’s how to make furniture moving-ready:
1. Disassemble When Possible
Take apart furniture that comes apart to lighten the load:
- Headboards separate from bed frames
- Table legs detach from tops
- Shelving units come apart
Use all original hardware like screws and bolts so reassembly is a breeze.
2. Protect Surfaces from Scratches
Pad and wrap anything fragile:
- Glass tabletops
- Wooden surfaces
- Mirrored furniture
Use stretching plastic wrap and thick blankets.
3. Secure Drawers and Doors
Just like appliances, use painter’s tape to keep furniture drawers and doors closed during transport. Don’t let gravity take over!
4. Transport Properly
- Use dollies and specialty trolleys suited for sofas, mattresses, etc.
- Rent a moving truck with furniture padding and tie downs
- Enlist some brawn from friends
Getting help prevents strained muscles and busted furniture.
Top Tips for Safe Transport
Apply these universal tips when prepping appliances and furniture for moving:
- Label boxes by room so movers know where items belong
- Mark boxes clearly as “Fragile” if needed
- Pack a “moving day bag” with essential tools like tape, scissors, screwdriver, pens, and more
- Use strong moving blankets and stretch wrap to bundle items
- Secure appliances and furniture properly in the moving truck to avoid shifting
- Transport hazardous chemicals separately and safely
Proper prep prevents poor performance on moving day!
Setting Up Your New Space
You made it! Now to transform your new house into a home with these appliance and furniture installation tips:
Clean and Check Condition- Wipe surfaces and inspect for damage before positioning items.
Reattach Hardware- Reinstall doors, drawers, handles, and detachable parts.
Reconnect Appliances- Plug appliances back in and reconnect gas/water lines before switching power on.
Allow Appliances to Settle- Give fridge and freezer time to adjust before loading them up to prevent issues.
