Moving Large Appliances: Safety Tips and Precautions

Stress-Free Local & Long-Distance Moving Services in Fairfield, CT

Do you need to handle and transport bulky appliances as part of your move? Moving becomes more overwhelming with large appliances, like refrigerators, washers, and dryers. If you are moving to Fairfield, CT, and have heavy items to move, safety is vital to avoid damage or injury. Professional moving services in Fairfield, CT, can help and leave you worry-free.

Whether you go solo or get help, here are the tips and precautions to move your large appliances smoothly and safely.

Plan Ahead

Make a strategy for relocating your bigger appliances before the big day.

• Measure: Measure your appliances and doorways to ensure they fit through without issues. Knowing this will save you from delays or headaches on moving days.
• Gather Supplies: You need blankets, packing tape, bubble wrap, and maybe dolly or moving straps. These will facilitate relocation and shield your appliances.
• Schedule Your Utility Disconnection: Disconnect appliances, like refrigerators or gas ovens, from the power or gas supply well in advance. You may need a licensed professional to disconnect gas-powered appliances.

Prepare Your Appliances for Moving

Prepare your appliances before moving them. Start this process at least 24 hours before moving day to avoid rush.

• Defrost Your Refrigerator/Freezer: Refrigerators and freezers must be defrosted 24 to 48 hours before moving to prevent leaks and water damage. Once defrosted, clean and dry them to prevent mold or mildew buildup.
• Secure Loose Parts: Remove or secure any loose parts inside your appliances. For example, refrigerator shelves or oven racks should be removed and packed separately or taped down.
• Drain Water Appliances: Drain the appliances like washing machines and dishwashers and fully dry them before moving. Any remaining water can cause leaks and make the moving process messy and harder.

Use the Right Tools

Moving heavy appliances is complex and dangerous if not done right.

• Dollies and Hand Trucks: A dolly or hand truck is vital when transferring large appliances like refrigerators or washing machines. It allows you to move appliances without lifting them manually, saving your back and arms.
• Moving Straps: These straps will distribute the appliance’s weight evenly. They also reduce the risk of dropping or damaging the appliance.
• Furniture Sliders: If you need to move the appliance across the room before loading it onto the dolly, use furniture sliders. These will protect your floors and reduce the risk of injury.

Mind Your Body Mechanics

Proper Lifting techniques can help avoid injury. Whenever lifting or moving heavy appliances, always remember the following:

• Keep the Load Close: The closer the appliance or dolly to your body, the more control you have over its balance. Keeping the weight closer puts less stress on one’s muscles.
• Do Not Twist: Remember to use your feet to shift your entire body rather than twisting your torso when repositioning heavy items. Twisting of the body with weights increases your risk of injury to your back and shoulders.

Seek Assistance

Enlist friends, family, or professionals. It makes it much easier and much safer.

• Professional Mover: In case any doubts linger over moving huge appliances or one does not have the proper equipment for relocation, professional movers will be the way to go. They will have the experience and tools needed to ensure that appliances are well-transferred with no damage to one’s home or the appliance in question.
• Team Work: If you decide to do it yourself, ensure an expert team is there to help you lift and guide the appliance. Clear communications are vital for moving together to ensure no accidents or mishaps occur.

Protect Your Floors and Walls

As large appliances move, it’s easy to damage the floors and walls without proper precautions. Protect your house by:

• Laying Down Cardboard or Plywood: Placing cardboard or plywood sheets on your floors will protect them from the scratches and dings of the appliance or moving equipment.
• With Corner Guards: Corner protectors or padding protects the edges of your wall.

Securing Appliances for Transport

Once you have loaded appliances onto the moving truck, there are additional steps to secure them for transport. While large appliances may settle during transit, they may cause damage and even an accident.

• Strap Down Appliances: This includes getting strong straps and securing the appliances to the truck’s wall. In this manner, they will not shift or fall while moving.
• Cushion with Blankets: Allow your appliances to stay snug in moving blankets, which protect them from scratches, dings, and other kinds of damage while on transport.

Conclusion

Moving big appliances does not have to be one of those overwhelming and hazardous tasks.

If one needs help, professional moving services in Fairfield, CT, can offer peace of mind by handling everything.

Real Moving & Storage can handle even the most daunting heavy appliances for all your moving service needs in Fairfield, CT. We know how to handle them with care and consideration of your current space and the move.

Whether you are moving across town or need to store appliances for a little while, Real Moving & Storage has a comprehensive moving solution to make your transition smooth and hassle-free. Reach us at (203) 300-3530 or (866) 296-4009 to learn more about our local and long distance moving services in Fairfield, CT!