Moving Appliances Without the Damage: A Storage Guide for Your Next Move

Appliances are some of the most awkward belongings to move. They're heavy, have components that need to be secured, and many contain water lines or spaces where moisture can remain after the appliance has been disconnected. They also tend to be expensive enough that careless storage isn't worth the risk. If your new home isn't ready for them immediately, temporary storage can keep appliances out of the moving-day traffic. You can compare storage options in your area and look for the unit size and access arrangement that works for the appliances you're moving.

Start preparing appliances before moving day

Don't leave appliance preparation until the truck is outside. Refrigerators and freezers need time to defrost, washers need to drain, and every appliance should be cleaned and thoroughly dried before it goes into storage. Keep manuals, hoses, cords, removable shelves, and hardware organized as you work. Take a few photos before disconnecting complicated hookups if they will help you remember how components were arranged. Our guide to storing appliances during a home remodel covers many of the same preparation principles when appliances need to leave their usual space temporarily.

Refrigerators and freezers

Remove all food and unplug the appliance far enough in advance for ice to melt completely. Clean the interior, including drawers and removable shelves, then dry every surface before moving it. Don't put a refrigerator into storage with moisture trapped inside. Once it is clean and dry, keep the doors slightly open during storage so the interior isn't sealed shut. Secure loose shelves and drawers separately if they could shift during transportation. Keep the power cord safely attached to the appliance so it doesn't drag under the unit during the move.

Washing machines

Disconnect the washer according to its instructions and make sure the machine and hoses have drained. Residual water is one reason washers need more preparation than a piece of ordinary furniture. Clean and dry the drum, detergent compartments, hoses, and exterior. If the manufacturer provides shipping bolts or other transportation hardware for the drum, follow the appliance instructions for installing them before moving the washer. Store hoses and small components in a labeled bag rather than tossing them into an unrelated moving box. Keep the bag with the machine so everything needed for reconnection stays together.

Dryers

Clean the lint filter and remove lint or debris from accessible areas before moving the dryer. Disconnect the vent and, where applicable, have gas connections handled appropriately rather than treating them like an ordinary plug. The power cord and vent components should be secured so they don't drag during transportation. Don't use the inside of the dryer as a general packing box, since loose objects can shift and damage the drum or interior.

Dishwashers

A dishwasher needs to be disconnected and drained before it leaves the kitchen. Once disconnected, clean the interior and allow it to dry completely. Secure racks and other movable components so they don't slide during transport. Keep hoses and installation hardware labeled and together, particularly if the same appliance will be installed again at the new home.

Smaller kitchen appliances

Microwaves, mixers, coffee makers, air fryers, and other countertop appliances should be emptied, cleaned, and completely dry before packing. Remove glass trays or other fragile components and wrap them separately. The original box is useful when you still have it because the packaging was designed around the appliance. Otherwise, use a sturdy box with enough cushioning to prevent the item from shifting.

Protect appliances during transportation

Appliance surfaces scratch easily when they rub against furniture, hand trucks, door frames, or other machines. Use moving blankets or suitable protective padding around the exterior. Avoid placing packing tape directly on finished surfaces. Secure blankets around the appliance instead, and protect corners that are likely to make contact with walls or other items. Use the correct moving equipment for heavy machines. An appliance dolly and adequate help are far safer than trying to muscle a refrigerator or washer through a doorway without the right equipment.

Keep appliances upright

Large appliances are generally designed to remain upright during normal use and storage. Don't use the top of a refrigerator, washer, or dryer as the foundation for a tall stack of heavy boxes. Keeping them upright also prevents unnecessary pressure on doors, hinges, controls, and exterior panels. Leave enough room around the appliances that you can reach them without dragging other heavy belongings across their surfaces.

Choose the right storage environment

A standard unit works for many household belongings, but appliances contain metal, electronics, wiring, seals, and other components that deserve consideration if they'll be stored for an extended period. Climate-controlled options are available at LocalStorage Group facilities for belongings that benefit from a more stable environment. Check availability at the property you're considering, since the specific mix of unit types varies. Drive-up access can also simplify an appliance move because it reduces the distance a heavy machine needs to travel between the moving vehicle and unit. Confirm that feature for the unit you're renting.

Don't forget boats and other large belongings during a move

Household moves sometimes involve more than furniture and appliances. If you're also relocating a boat or clearing a property before closing, prepare those larger belongings separately instead of treating them as part of the household packing process. Our guide on how to store a boat the right way covers preparation steps for boat storage when a move changes where you can keep it.

Give appliances enough preparation time

The safest appliance storage plan starts before moving day. Disconnect equipment properly, remove water and food, clean and dry every surface, secure movable components, and keep hoses and hardware with the appliance they belong to. If you need temporary space while moving between homes, you can explore storage options from LocalStorage Group and check unit availability before moving large appliances.