Moving Your Large Items & Appliances

Furniture is heavy and difficult to move without professional movers like The Shipping Shack. By preparing your furniture and large appliances properly, you can protect against damages and make carrying furniture easier.

• Basic tools for disassembling furniture
• Plastic trash bags
• Cardboard boxes
• Masking tape
• Newsprint

1. If you can disassemble furniture, do so.
2. Drawers should be removed. Your best bet is to clean out the contents and pack the empty drawers. If you want to keep the drawer’s contents in place, just put the entire drawer inside a plastic trash bag. Tie the bag tightly and label it properly.
3. Remove furniture legs, if possible. Wrap each leg individually in plain newsprint, then tape the legs to the bottom of the piece in a properly labeled bag or box.
4. Keep all hardware in plastic bags. Tape this bag to the piece with masking tape.
5. Protect furniture corners with bubble wrap and a cardboard corner cut from an extra box. Tape the corner to the piece with masking tape.
6. Use furniture pads to prevent scratches and rips.
7. Place any throw pillows in plastic bags or use them as padding.

How to Prepare Major Appliances for Your Move

Most professional moving companies will prepare your appliances as part of their professional moving services. If you choose to move yourself or do not want to hire professional packers, simply keep a few things in mind when preparing major appliances for a move.

Before moving, empty your fridge. Make sure to unplug and defrost your refrigerator at least 24 hours before your move. Clean the fridge and put an open box of baking soda inside to get rid of any food smells.

Remove shelving and drawers. Wrap any glass pieces in bubble wrap and pack all parts in a box labeled “FRIDGE PARTS.”

If you are moving the fridge yourself, consult your manual for instructions on removing the doors. This will make the fridge lighter and easier to handle. If you are hiring professional movers, let them decide how best to transport your fridge.

Thoroughly clean your stove before moving. Remove or secure all racks, knobs, and other removable pieces of your stove.

Before disconnecting a gas stove, make sure the gas is turned off. If you have any questions, contact your gas company for advice. Be very careful when disconnecting a gas line because these connections can be very fragile.

Clean your dishwasher by running it with detergent and hot water while empty. All dish racks should be removed and packed separately. Finally, tape the door shut to secure.

A washer and dryer can be somewhat complicated to prepare for a move. Your owner's manual should provide step-by-step instructions for disconnecting your washer and dyer. All hoses should be packed in a separate box. Secure the drum of the washer according to the manufacturer's instructions.