How to Move Household Appliances Safely with Floor Protection
We are often asked for tips regarding how to safely move refrigerators, dishwashers, and other home appliances, and it is certainly understandable why this part of a domestic move can seem particularly challenging. Move household appliances is in some ways more complicated and requires more advance planning than does moving even fine furniture. Here is a list for you that that our New Haven experts put together to help ensure that your move will be safe and as effortless as is possible.
STEP 1 – PREPARE YOUR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES TO BE MOVED
First, empty out all the contents of your appliances and thoroughly clean inside.
Moving a refrigerator without Damaging Floor is Possible,
While moving a refrigerator on wood floor, it’s important to secure any interior components that are removable or breakable, packing them somewhere safe. In addition, it is advisable to unplug the refrigerator anywhere between six hours and two days in advance (depending upon your refrigerator) so that it can defrost and dry completely before the move. You may want to obtain an alternate means of keeping your perishable food cold (such as an ice-chest) for the time period in between moves. If your refrigerator has a water line in the back connecting a water source to an ice-maker or water-dispenser, this will have to be be disconnected—with any remaining water drained.
Regarding Dishwashers and Washing Machines, it’s important, as with refrigerators, to disconnect and turn off the water supplies leading to the appliances, as well as to remove and/or secure breakable or removable interior components.
Once each appliance is emptied, fully secure the doors so that they stay absolutely closed during the move by taping them shut with shrink wrap or packing tape. Then, carefully wrap the cord at the back of each appliance—taping it to the back of the appliance so that it doesn’t drag on the floor during the move.
Side Note: Make Sure That The Appliances You Plan To Move Can Fit Through The Doorways In The Old And New Home. It Is Possible That Door Will Have To Be Taken Off During The Move. You May Want To Pre-Measure With A Measuring Tape.
STEP 2 – CLEAN THE KITCHEN FLOOR THOROUGHLY
People often do not realize until it’s too late the importance of cleaning the kitchen floor thoroughly before a move. Any sort of dirt or debris on the floor can act as an abrasive during the move. Not only could it end up permanently scratching the kitchen floor, the debris could get caught up under the appliance and scratch other floors it passes over during the move.
At the very least, dirt will act as an impediment to the move—making it difficult to slide the appliance over the surface.
STEP 3 – SELECT AND OBTAIN YOUR MOVING EQUIPMENT & FLOOR PROTECTORS
In our experience, the following pieces of moving equipment and floor protection devices work best:
1) DOLLY
The best appliance dolly to use when moving heavy appliances is the SRTM66 Escort Truck, distributed by New Haven, with a 1,200 lb. capacity. This particular hand truck provides the strength and well-engineered precise movement crucial when moving a heavy appliance.
2) SCUFF SHIELD
The Scuff Shield, manufactured by New Haven, is one of our most popular products and used by many professional movers. The Scuff Shield or appliance mat refrigerator is placed directly underneath the appliance and acts as a shield to protect the hardwood, tile, stone or vinyl flooring against scratches, indentations, gouges and/or roller marks that might otherwise occur during the moving of an appliance. Many movers like to drag the appliance over the floor while the appliance sits on top of the scuff shield—and two scuff shields can be used in conjunction with one another to facilitate the easy moving of the appliance. The process can be done precisely after removal of refrigerator floor tray. Watch our video on How to Use Scuff Shield to Protect Floor
3) MOVER’S RUBBER BANDS
Mover’s Rubber Bands provide the most reliable means for holding moving pads securely onto appliances. New Haven offers four sizes of Mover’s Rubber Bands, color coded for easy recognition, and with just the right stretch and strength to help secure the moving pads to the appliances.
4) MOVING PADS
Optimally, appliances should be wrapped with furniture moving pads to help prevent denting, scratching, and/or breakage. New Haven offers a variety of moving pads for every need and budget to move household appliances safely. New Haven provides products for easy sliders appliance movers providing national and international shipping of moving products worldwide.
5) STAIR-CLIMBER
If you need to move household appliances up or down stairs, New Haven’s Stair-Climber can help ensure the safety of your move. New Haven’s Stair-Climber is an electronic machine designed to move large, heavy items—such as an appliance— automatically and safely up or down stairs. Watch our video on How to Use the New Haven Stair Climber.
STEP 4 – PROTECT APPLIANCES, WALLS & DOORWAYS BEFORE BEGINNING THE MOVING PROCESS
Just before your move, wrap your appliances in strong, protective Furniture Moving Pads. Use the Mover’s Rubber Bands to secure the moving pads onto the appliances. This will help protect not only your appliances but also your walls and doorways from nicks, chipping, and dents—as well as damage to the appliance.
For more information on wrapping appliances and furniture with moving pads, read more here.
STEP 5 – USING THE SCUFF SHIELD & UTILITY DOLLY TO MOVE HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
Slightly lift up your refrigerator or appliance while simultaneously inserting New Haven’s Scuff Shield underneath. Moving refrigerator on laminate floor could be a difficult task. The Scuff Shield’s handle can then be used, if the floor is clean, to move the refrigerator across the floor The refrigerator or appliance can then be loaded onto a Utility Dolly, such as the SRTM66, and strapped to the dolly using a Mover’s Rubber Band. Watch as Scott White and Henry Gage demonstrate the use of the Scuff Shield and Utility Dolly.
It is important while transporting your refrigerator and appliances that they remain as upright as possible during the move or severe damage can occur.
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Or see our entire line of moving products, visit our website at www.newhaven-usa.com