Appliance Dolly Instructions

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Things You'll Need

  • Packing tape

  • Safety strap

  • Lifting assistants and spotters

  • Loading ramps

A dolly can be used to move all different kinds of appliances.

An appliance dolly is used to move heavy appliances. The weight of awkward and bulky appliances is distributed to the wheels of the dolly, making it easier to move the appliance from one location to the next. Dollies are used by professional moving companies to load appliances and furniture onto moving trailers and vans. Straps attached to the dolly are also used to secure the appliance in place. The wheels on the dolly make moving the appliances up and down stairs or ramps easier.

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Step 1

Pull the appliance away from the wall and unplug it.

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Step 2

Turn the appliance so that the heaviest side is facing the dolly.

Step 3

Measure the width of the appliance to find the center point. Position the dolly so that its center aligns with the appliance's center; ensure that the lift plate of the dolly is facing the appliance.

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Step 4

Unwrap the safety strap from around the dolly and hold it in your left hand.

Step 5

Ask someone to tilt the appliance up off the floor 1 to 3 inches away from the dolly. Slide the dolly lift plate beneath the appliance until the upright face of the dolly is flush with the back face or side of the appliance.

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Step 6

Lift the electric cord of the appliance and tape it to the appliance by wrapping a piece of packing tape all the way around the appliance with the cord inside the tape.

Step 7

Wrap the safety strap around the appliance and bring it back to itself. Thread the loose end of the strap through both rings, then loop it back under the first ring and pull the strap tight so the appliance is bound tightly to the dolly.

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Step 8

Turn the strap handle on the dolly to the right or counterclockwise to lock the strap in place.

Step 9

Stand behind the dolly and put your right foot on the wheel axle. Step back a foot or two with your left foot.

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Step 10

Ask the helper to push back on the appliance while you pull back on the dolly handle to cradle the weight of the appliance on the lift plate of the dolly.

Step 11

Travel backward with the dolly to go up stairs or ramps. Have a helper push and lift while you pull and steer the wheels of the dolly in the right direction.

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Step 12

Move the appliance to where you want it and then slowly tilt the dolly forward until the appliance rests squarely on the floor. Undo the strap. Tilt the appliance up to remove its weight from the lift plate and slide the dolly out from beneath it. Rewrap the strap around the dolly.

Tip

Many hands make light work. The more help you can get from neighbors and friends to move the big stuff, the better your back is going to feel at the end of the day.

Warning

Have more than one person help move appliances down stairwells to keep the dolly from getting away from you.

Heavy appliances can cause injury or damage if mishandled on the dolly.

Always follow the dolly manufacturer's instructions.

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