How to Prepare a Washing Machine, Fridge and Other Appliances for Moving?

Water leaks, loose drums and mouldy fridges are some of the most common moving-day appliance headaches. Nearly all of them are avoidable. A little preparation the day before can save a lot of stress on moving day.

To prepare appliances for moving, empty and clean them, disconnect power, water and gas, drain all water, defrost the fridge at least 24 hours ahead, lock moving parts, secure doors and cords, and keep everything upright. Use licensed tradespeople for gas, hardwired and air-conditioning work.

Appliance Prep Checklist at a Glance

Before You Start: Manual, Weight and Access

• Check the manual. If you’ve lost it, search your model number online for transport instructions.
• Measure doorways and stairs. Fridges and washing machines are heavy and bulky. Plan the route before moving day.
• Tell your removalists early. Large appliances may need extra crew or equipment.

How to Prepare a Fridge for Moving

1. Empty it two to three days ahead. Use up perishables. Plan an esky with ice for essentials on moving day.
2. Unplug and defrost. Do this 24 hours ahead. Large freezers can take up to 48 hours. Put towels on the floor to catch water.
3. Remove shelves and drawers. Wrap them in padding or pack them in a box.
4. Clean the inside. Wipe it down and leave the doors ajar to dry. This helps prevent mould and odours.
5. Drain the ice maker and water line. Turn off the water tap and disconnect the line.
6. Secure the doors and cord. Use straps or rope. Tape can leave residue on the finish.
7. Keep it upright. Tilting or laying a fridge down can move compressor oil into the wrong place.

How Long Should You Wait Before Switching On a Fridge?

Check your manual first. If the fridge stayed upright, many manufacturers suggest waiting a few hours. If it was tilted or laid down, they often advise waiting longer so the compressor oil can settle. When unsure, wait longer.

How to Prepare a Washing Machine for Moving

1. Unplug and turn off the taps.
2. Disconnect the hoses. Drain the remaining water from the hoses and the pump filter. Keep towels and a shallow tray handy.
3. Clean and dry. Wipe the detergent drawer and door seal. Leave the door ajar until moving day.
4. Fit the transit bolts. Most front loaders have them. They lock the drum so it can’t swing and damage the machine. If you’ve lost them, ask the manufacturer for replacements.
5. Secure the cord and hoses. Tape or strap them to the machine.
6. Keep it upright. Never lay it on its side.

After Arrival

Level the feet, reconnect the hoses, remove the transit bolts, then run a short empty cycle to check for leaks.

Want your appliances moved safely?

Ask our furniture removalists about appliance handling when you request a quote.

How to Prepare Other Common Appliances

Dishwasher

Run a final cycle, then drain it fully. Secure the hoses and door. A licensed plumber should disconnect a plumbed-in unit.

Dryer

Clean the lint filter. Empty the water tank on heat-pump and condenser models. Secure the vent hose and cord.

Microwave

Remove the turntable and wrap it separately. Wipe the inside and secure the door. Pack it in a box with padding.

TV

Photograph the cable connections before unplugging. Remove the stand. Wrap the screen in a blanket and move it upright. Never lay it flat.

Oven and Cooktop

Let it cool. Remove racks and trays. Freestanding electric ovens can be unplugged. Gas and hardwired units need a licensed tradesperson.

Small Appliances

Clean and descale kettles and coffee machines. Wrap cords and pack with padding. Our packing services can supply boxes and padding for fragile items.

Which Appliances Need a Licensed Tradesperson?

In NSW, gas, hardwired electrical and refrigerant work must be done by licensed tradespeople. Removalists don’t usually do this work.

• Gas cooktops and ovens: A licensed gas fitter.
• Plumbed dishwashers: A licensed plumber.
• Hardwired ovens, cooktops and range hoods: A licensed electrician.
• Split-system air conditioners: A licensed technician with refrigerant handling authorisation.

Book these services early. Good tradespeople can be booked out during busy periods.

Appliance Moving Timeline

1. One week before: Confirm what your removalists will and won’t disconnect. Book tradespeople.
2. Two to three days before: Empty the fridge and start using up food.
3. 24 to 48 hours before: Unplug and defrost the fridge and freezer.
4. The day before: Disconnect and drain the washing machine and dishwasher. Fit transit bolts.
5. Moving day: Pack food in eskies. Photograph appliances. Keep manuals and small parts together.
6. After arrival: Place appliances upright, level them and wait before switching on the fridge.

Are Appliances Covered by Insurance During a Move?

Removal insurance generally covers physical damage during the move. Internal mechanical or electrical faults can be treated differently. Ask what your cover includes and what is excluded. Photograph each appliance before the move, and test it soon after delivery so any issue is documented.

Sydney-Specific Tips for Moving Appliances

• Strata buildings: Many apartment schemes need a lift booking and proof of insurance. Book early.
• Stairs and tight access: Tell your crew about stairs, narrow halls and steep driveways.
• Summer heat: Don’t leave fridges or frozen food sitting in a hot vehicle. Plan the unload early.
• Moving long distance? Appliances need extra care during interstate moves because they travel for longer.
• Delayed keys? Short-term storage keeps appliances safe and clean.

Why Choose AAA City Removalist for Appliance Moves

Searching for a removalist in Sydney residents can trust? Ask each company how they handle appliances. At AAA City Removalist, we explain what our crews will disconnect and what needs a licensed trade before you book. Reliable removalists across Sydney plan for appliances as part of house removals, not as an afterthought. If you’re also moving beds and wardrobes, read our guide on whether removalists dismantle and reassemble furniture.

FAQs

How far in advance should I defrost my fridge before moving?

Defrost at least 24 hours ahead. Large freezers can take up to 48 hours. Put towels down to catch the water.

Can you move a fridge on its side?

It’s best not to. Keep it upright. If it must be tilted, check your manual and wait longer before switching it on, so the compressor oil can settle.

How long should I wait to plug in a fridge after moving?

Follow your manual. If it stayed upright, a few hours is often enough. If it was laid down or tilted, many manufacturers advise a longer wait. When unsure, wait longer.

Do I need to secure a washing machine drum for moving?

Yes, for most front loaders. Fit the transit bolts to lock the drum. Without them, the drum can swing and damage the machine. Check your manual for top loaders.

Do removalists disconnect washing machines and fridges?

Many unplug and move them, but plumbing, gas and hardwired work needs a licensed trade. Confirm in your quote what your removalist will disconnect.

Can I leave food in the fridge when moving?

No. Empty it and defrost it. Pack essentials in an esky with ice for moving day.

Should I keep the original boxes?

If you still have them, yes. Original boxes and padding fit appliances best, especially TVs and small appliances.

Prepare early, keep appliances upright, drain all water and use licensed trades where required. A clear plan makes moving day smoother and protects your appliances.

Ready for a stress-free move?

Call (02) 9737 1111 or request a quote from AAA City Removalist.