How to Pack Appliances for a Move

Moving to a new home? Appliances are one of the most difficult items to pack for a move. Unless you hire commercial movers to pack and deliver your appliances to their destination, you will need to prepare the items yourself for their oftentimes-rough journey. With these few simple packing tricks, you can improve the odds that your appliances will reach your new home unharmed and in good working condition.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy-duty packing tape
• Blue painter's tape
• Marking pens
• Cord or rope
• Recycled paper or newspaper
• Bubble wrap
• Boxes and cartons
• Foam peanuts
• Twist ties
• Moving pads or blankets

Instructions

1. Bring in a professional if necessary. If you're not knowledgeable about unplugging and uninstalling ovens, washer-dryers, dishwashers, home theaters, computer systems and other appliances, call a professional for help.

2. Unplug the refrigerator at least two days before the move. This will give you enough time to remove the contents, clean and dry the interior and defrost and dry the freezer if necessary.

3. Secure the electrical cord of each appliance. Roll or fold the cord into a small bundle and secure with a twist tie or adhesive tape, then tape the bundle onto the back of the appliance to prevent it from getting in the way of your packing. Use blue painter's tape, because it will be easy to remove when you unpack. Heavy-duty packing tape will provide a more secure hold, but may be more difficult to take off.

4. Tape or tie down movable parts. Tape down all appliance doors. If your microwave has a carousel, tape it down or wrap it in bubble wrap, then cushion it inside the microwave with dishtowels, tablecloths or bath towels. Secure the loose items of your rotisserie and grill. Pack them separately if necessary (but label them clearly to avoid getting misplaced).

5. Pack electronics securely, preferably in their original packaging. Remove CDs, DVDs and flash drives and shut down computers properly.

6. Wrap major appliances like TVs and washer-dryers with moving pads or blankets and secure with heavy-duty tape, cord or rope.

7. Wrap small appliances and electronics individually with bubble wrap and pack together in big heavy-duty boxes or cartons, cushion-filled with crumpled newspaper or foam peanuts.

8. Label all boxes with a list of the contents and the destination room in the new house. Attach a big and colorful "FRAGILE" label on each box or appliance.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're anticipating a move in the near future, consider storing the original packaging of newly purchased small appliances and electronics. Putting the items back in their original packaging ensures they are well-protected and safe for transport to your new home. They will also be easier to pack into big moving boxes.

• Kitchen appliances tend to be dirty or greasy. Be sure you have time to clean them before packing day.

• Avoid packing too many heavy items in one big box. Distribute light and heavy items to balance the load, putting heavy items at the bottom.

• Make sure big boxes are sturdy and securely taped at the bottom.

• Newspaper could leave ink stains on your items.

Resources

• How to Pack for a Move