Moving or storing appliances requires proper preparation, especially major appliances. In this section, you will find helpful information about the servicing, preparation and moving of your appliances. Your Moving Consultant will be happy to discuss with you the necessary arrangements for servicing appliances.

Servicing Appliances

Check the following appliances for specific servicing needed before your move. Be sure to note the manufacturer's name and the model number for each appliance:

• Fridge
• Freezer
• Stove (electric or gas)
• Washer
• Dryer (electric or gas)
• Portable dishwasher
• Window air conditioner

Third-Party Servicing

A reputable appliance servicing firm can provide any plumbing, electrical or carpentry services necessary to disconnect or remove appliances that are attached to the premises.

Who is Responsible for Servicing?

We will:

•  Provide capable and well-trained personnel to ensure safe and efficient handling of your appliances.
• Arrange for any appliance servicing that cannot be done by us.

• Repair appliances.
• Remove or install air conditioners or television and radio antennas.
• Provide wiring, plumbing, electrical or carpentry services.

Preparation of Appliances - Storage and Transit

Thoroughly clean and dry appliances, and pay special attention to the refrigerator, freezer and range. Cleaning is essential, especially if appliances are to remain in storage for any length of time.

The slightest bit of moisture in a warms, enclosed space is enough to cause the growth of mold and mildew, resulting in musty odors and stains that are difficult, if not impossible, to eliminate. Grease left on a range will turn rancid and gummy, catch dust and dirt, and leave spots on any items that touch it.

General Cleaning Instructions

Your owner's use-and-care manual that generally accompanies new appliances should provide cleaning instructions. If a manual is not available, use a mild detergent solution or a good commercial freshener, following the manufacturer's instructions. Another alternative is to use a solution of three tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in a quart of warm water, to which one tablespoon of vinegar has been added. Be careful not to use harsh abrasives that will scratch or mar porcelain finishes. Soft brushes or a vacuum cleaner can be used to remove excess dust. Soft rags make excellent drying and polishing cloths.

Stoves/Ranges

Cleaning: Remove the grids, grates, burner knobs, reflector pans, broiler pans, oven racks and other removable parts, and clean them thoroughly. Grease removal can be handled easily by using a degreaser (according to the manufacturer's instructions) and a stiff brush.. Steel wool and a wire brush can help remove grease from oven and broiler racks. Oven cleaners or a half cup of ammonia placed in a sauce dish in a closed oven overnight will clean an excessively greasy oven. A mild detergent or the baking soda, vinegar-water solution is recommended to clean the porcelain finish. Wipe out and dry the drawers and storage compartments, and replace the clean, dry parts.

Servicing: Normally, there is no servicing of electric ranges. Gas stoves require the gas to be turned off. Removal of grates and burners should be left to the mover's discretion. On older ranges you may need an electrician to disconnect the wiring.

Fridges and Freezer

Cleaning: Empty, disconnect and defrost it. Remove and wash all movable parts, including crispers, baskets, shields, guardrails, posts, special containers, and ice-maker trays. Wash the interior, paying special attention to cracks, crevices, drawer and shelf slides, and door gaskets. Drain tubes and all possible places in which food particles or spilled foods might be trapped.

Rinse the evaporator pan with warm water and dry. Also wash and dry the outside, and dust the compressor unit.

Some refrigerators have a cold-water dispenser or an automatic ice-maker. Make sure the water reservoir is empty.

After cleaning, dry thoroughly. In order to make sure all parts are dry, leave the door wide open for at least 24 hours. The invisible insulation holds moisture, and dampness collects under the rubber gaskets on the doors; open doors allow moisture to evaporate so the appliance will dry completely. Replace the clean, dry parts, making sure to secure shelves.

About two pounds of charcoal placed in a pillowcase and put in the refrigerator or freezer will help prevent mildew.

Washers and Dishwashers

Have them professionally serviced. In cold weather make sure the pump is empty of water.
Do not start your dishwasher until you have put  water in the pump.  

Servicing and Preparation of Other Appliances

• Television sets, radios, and VCRs ordinarily require no servicing, but antennas, if they are to be moved, should be dismantled by the owner. Televisions should be turned off several hours before the move so the set will be thoroughly cool. This will prevent breakage of the picture tube due to sudden changes in temperature.
• Stereos, and record players should be secured so the pickup arm and turntable will not move. Make a note as to where the different wires connect. DO NOT TURN ON UNTIL YOUR SPEAKERS ARE CONNECTED.
• CD Players should be emptied of all disks to prevent them from slipping out of the caddy and jamming the player.
• Air Conditioners should be removed from the window if they are to be moved with household goods. Some have floating compressors that must be bolted down.
• Small appliances should be emptied, cleaned and free of food particles and grease before packing. Water should be emptied from steam irons, kettles and etc..

Preparation of Special Items

• Electronic musical instruments might require special handling. Check with your dealer.
• Pianos, because of their extreme weight and delicate nature, should be prepared for transportation by a piano technician and/or mover. Grand pianos require the most preparation with the legs, lid and lyre being removed and packed. Some securing of the action (hammers, etc.) might be necessary.
• Waterbeds must be drained before the mover arrives. If it is a complicated frame, it should be disassembled and reassembled by reputable waterbed companies.
• Upholstered items (chesterfields, Sofa, etc.) can be put in the heavy duty bags that the manufacturers use or in lieu..plactic wrap.