How to Prepare Your Appliances for Removals: Washing Machines Fridges and Freezers

Washing machines and washer dryers

A washing machine drum floats on springs and shock absorbers. Transported unbolted those parts take the whole weight of the drum over every bump. If the original transit bolts are lost a set for your model costs very little online and is worth ordering a fortnight ahead.

• Run an empty hot cycle a day or two before to clear the machine
• Turn off the water at the valve then disconnect the inlet hoses
• Drain the filter at the front into a shallow tray because there is always more water than expected
• Lift the waste hose above the machine to empty it then secure it
• Fit the transit bolts at the back
• Tape the door closed and the detergent drawer shut
• Coil hoses and the cable and tape them to the back of the machine

Dishwashers

Same principle without the bolts. Run a short empty cycle, turn the water off, disconnect the inlet and waste, sponge out the sump and the door seal and leave the door taped shut. Any residual water will find your hall carpet otherwise.

Fridges and freezers

Run the contents down over the final fortnight. Twenty four hours before the move switch the appliance off, empty it and let it defrost with towels underneath and the door open.

Then dry every surface and leave the door slightly ajar overnight so it does not smell. Tape the door closed for the journey only and remove the tape as soon as it arrives.

At the new house stand the appliance upright and leave it off. If it travelled upright two hours is plenty. If it lay on its side leave it standing for the same number of hours it was down and at least four so the compressor oil returns to where it belongs.

Cookers hobs and gas appliances

Anything connected to gas must be disconnected and reconnected by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This includes a gas cooker with a bayonet fitting. Removal crews cannot legally do it and neither can you.

Electric cookers hardwired to a cooker point need an electrician or a competent person to isolate and disconnect. Remove shelves and trays and tape the oven doors shut before the move.

Small appliances and electronics

Descale and empty the kettle and the coffee machine. Empty the water tank on a steam iron. Pack microwaves with the glass plate wrapped separately. Bag each appliance's cable with a label because unmatched leads are the single most annoying thing to sort out on week one.

Integrated and built in units

Integrated appliances are normally screwed into the cabinetry and the fascia panel belongs to the kitchen. Agree in writing with the buyer what is staying and have anything integrated removed before the crew arrive so moving day is not held up.