Moving Major Home Appliances Takes Special Care

(HIT) - If you’re a typical American, you’ll move about 14 times during your lifetime— and take most everything you own with you.

On average, more than 20 million Americans move each year, and, says Carolyn Verweyst, manager of Whirlpool Corporation’s Appliance Information Service, that means there are lots of people out there with questions about the best ways to pack and handle major home appliances for the move. "To protect your investment in home appliances," she suggests, "here are some basic steps you can take to prepare them for the move, protect them during transportation and reinstall them after delivery and unpacking:"

Planning To Move Home Appliances

Before you begin moving home appliances, begin by checking each appliance’s use and care guide for any special moving instructions or cautions:

Disconnect Appliances Carefully: Before disconnecting home appliances from incoming utilities (electricity, gas, water, etc.), be sure to turn the utilities off at the connection point before disconnecting. For water-using appliances, drain all hoses and any components that hold water. If you’re not comfortable with this step, contact the manufacturer for advice or call a relevant professional to do it for you.

Empty Appliances Before Moving Them: Empty appliances completely. Take out and wrap all removable parts (racks, pans, shelves, drawers, grates, etc.) and pack them carefully in sturdy boxes. Mark each box so you’ll know which box goes with which appliance when you reach your new location.

Clean And Dry Each Appliance: Clean appliance interiors and allow them to dry thoroughly. Leave lids or doors open for at least 24 hours to help prevent mildew or odor formation. Clean all appliance exterior areas and parts, including refrigerator coils, drain pans, filters or screens, etc. Follow any special cleaning or waxing instructions noted in use and care guides for each appliance.

Pack Appliances Carefully Before Moving: Pack each appliance carefully, following manufacturer’s instructions for special bracing or use of original shipping materials. Tape power cords to appliance cabinets and secure doors or lids with a non-damaging strapping tape recommended by movers. Wrap appliances with thickly padded moving blankets to protect them during the move.

Reinstalling Home Appliances After Moving

Once you reach your final destination, reinstall your home appliances following each manufacturer’s installation instructions. Or have a qualified installer or service technician do it. In either case, make sure that all special bracing and materials are removed. While you’re at it, take care of any recommended routine maintenance.

"Following these simple, basic techniques for moving home appliances can help ensure successful handling and continued good performance from the products," says Whirlpool’s Verweyst. For more information about moving, storing and winterizing home appliances, write Appliance Information Service, Whirlpool Corporation, Box 405, St. Joseph, MI 49085, or visit the company’s website at www.whirlpool.com.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center