Whether you use a local mover, appliance mover, or do it yourself there are some tips when moving a range or stove that can help make the process easier.

Disconnection:

When deinstallating a stove or range, all the same rules apply for electric or gas ranges except disconnecting the gas line at the source.  First, to protect your floors, use a piece of masonite the width of the appliance and about 6’ long.  Place it in front of the 2 front feet, tip the appliance back and slide the masonite all the way in until it touches the back feet.  Tip the stove forward and slide it onto the masonite so the piece can be pulled forward to unplug.  Some stoves have an anti-tip bracket that would need to be disengaged first.  At this point, if the stove is gas turn the valve off and unscrew the flexible gas hose from the source.  Then unplug the range.  Pull the range out (still riding on the masonite) until you can get an appliance dolly behind it.  If the range has an anti-tip device deinstall it to take with you to your new location.  You can either tape your oven door closed or remove it from the hinges at the base of the door.  If any knobs are removable take them off place them in a box with any other removable parts like internal racks, burner covers, etc for shipping.  Pad the range with moving blankets and strap it to an appliance dolly for transporting.  Keep the masonite piece with you for reinstalling.  Never lift or move using the door handle (if door is still attached).

Reinstallation:

If your range has an anti-tip bracket it must be reinstalled at the base of the wall so the left rear leg of the appliance can be secured into it.  Put your masonite down leaving only a few inches to the wall.  Once the range is unwrapped, face it forward so it can be moved back into place.  Slide it (on the masonite) close enough to plug in.  Reattach the gas line (if necessary by screwing on the flexible hose to the source and opening up the valve, you can use soapy water on the connection to make sure there are no leaks.  Once attached, use a level and measure counter top height to adjust the screw in peg feet to insure the piece is level and the correct height.  At this point reattach the door (if necessary), place any knobs, racks, etc back in place.  Finally, slide (on the masonite) back into place.  The back feet should be just off the masonite at its final resting place.  Tip the stove back slightly so the masonite can be pulled out.   That should do it, the range should be ready to use.

These are some tips to assist in moving your stove/range.  As always check your manuals for specific instructions.

Whether you are using movers in your home, or renting a truck and moving yourself, there are certain steps you should take to insure that your refrigerator or freezer are moved properly and safely.

Deinstallation:

First it may sound silly, but empty the contents of the refrigerator or freezer before servicing or prepping.  To prep your appliance for moving, make sure to unplug the appliance and allow it to dry out for at least 24 hours with the door open.  If the refrigerator has a water line connected for an ice maker or water dispenser, turn off the valve at the source and disconnect it from the appliance.  Empty the water reservoir if applicable.  Remove and wipe down shelves, racks, and removable parts with a household cleaner and pack these in a box.  Wipe down the inside walls and non removable parts.  Once the unit is empty, a mildew odor preventer should be placed inside the appliance.  These can be purchased at appliance or hardware stores.  If door handles can be removed, take them off and pack with other internal removable parts.  This will prevent any potential damage during shipping.  When moving the piece, place a piece of masonite (floor protection) on the floor to protect flooring for scratches or tears in front of the appliance.  Wrap the appliance with moving pads and transport on an appliance dolly with a strap.  When shipping, do not tip appliance on its side, always handle as upright as possible. 

Reinstallation:

Place the same piece of masonite on the floor in front of where the appliance will be situated.  Unwrap and roll straight back into the location leaving enough room to reconnect water line (if applicable).  Copper or plastic tubing and shut off valve can be purchased from an appliance or hardware store to reconnect the water line.  All handles or removable parts should be reinstalled and the piece rolled into place.  Allow 24 hours before plugging back in the unit.

If your mover’s service does not include disconnecting and reconnecting appliances or you’re moving yourself here are some tips that can help.  Similar to the washer, we always recommend for any appliance, before you move to read the manual for any specific or individual instructions.  The following are general rules that apply to moving, disconnecting, and reconnecting your dryers.

DISCONNECTION:

DISCONNECT ELECTRIC DRYER:

Unplug the dryer from the wall and tape the cord to the back of the dryer.  If knobs are removable, take them off and place them in a bag and put it inside the drum of the dryer.  Tape the lint trap in place.  Disconnect the vent hose from the dryer, if you are taking hose with the dryer, disconnect vent hose from other end and place hose inside drum.  Always ship the item on its feet wrapped securely in a moving pad.  It’s advisable to use an appliance dolly with a strap to hold the dryer tightly.

DISCONNECT GAS DRYER:

Follow all the same steps as an electric dryer but add 1 step.  After the dryer is unplugged and vent hose disconnected, pull away the dryer from the wall enough to get behind it.  There will be a metal flexible gas line (usually ½) that attaches the dryer to the gas source line.  Make sure it isn’t pulled too tight or bent, kinked, etc.  At the wall, there should be a small shut off valve near the end of the gas line. If your dryer had been working turn it ¼ turn until its tight, this should shut off the gas.  Then unscrew the flex hose at the gas line coupling, leaving it attached to the dryer (you’ll need the hose at your new home).  At the hardware store, you can get a gas line cap and Teflon tape to properly complete the process.  Wrap the Teflon tape around the threads of the gas line connection and screw the cap on tight.  This should seal the line completely.

RECONNECTION:

RECONNECT ELECTRIC DRYER:

Unwrap pads from the dryer and take out knobs (to reinstall them), and vent hose from drum.  Place dryer where it will be permanently and adjust screw in feet so dryer sits flat and level.  Take tape from the lint trap and free electric cord from back of dryer.  At this point connect vent hose to back of dryer and to vent pipe.  Secure with hose clamps if necessary.  Plug in and the machine is ready for use.

RECONNECT GAS DRYER:

Follow same steps as electric dryer but add 1 step after vent hose is reinstalled.  Make sure flexible gas line is still attached to the dryer.  Uncap gas line at the wall.  Screw on flexible gas line to source gas line attaching dryer to gas source, no type of sealant is necessary.  Turn valve to open position.  Plug the dryer in and it’s ready for use.

These tips can help with moving your dryers.  As stated before, especially with newer machines, you should read the manual; it may give insight that may be specific to the unit, so keep the manual for any appliances purchased.

If your mover’s service does not include appliance disconnect and reconnect or you’re moving yourself, here are some tips that can help. 

Before prepping any appliance, read the manual for any specific or individual instructions.  The following are general rules that apply to washers.

Disconnect

First unplug the unit.  Turn the water off at the source.  Disconnect the hot and cold hoses from the machine marking each with masking tape on both ends.  Disconnect hoses from source and place inside the drum.  Tape the cord to the back of the washer to protect the plug.  If knobs are removable, take them off and place them in a bag and place the bag in the drum. 

For top load washers, a y shaped foam agitator stabilizer can be purchased at most moving supply locations or appliance stores to prevent the drum from shifting and being damaged in shipping.  For newer front load washers there are usually screws in the back of the appliance that can be tightened to secure the drum.  Always ship the item on its feet wrapped securely in a moving pad.  It’s advisable to use an appliance dolly with a strap to hold the washer tightly.

Reconnect

Unwrap pads from washer.  Take out hoses and knobs from drum.  Reinstall the knobs.  Place washer where it will be permanently and adjust screw in feet so washer sits flat and level.  Reattach hoses to the source at the wall making sure the H and C markings are followed.  Reattach hoses at washer, again, making sure hot goes to hot and cold to cold. Turn on water at source and check for leaks.  Then plug the unit in and the machine and is ready for use.

These tips can help with disconnection, moving, and reconnection of your washing machines.