Moving major appliances requires care and preparation. You'll want to be sure to follow certain safety measures in order to protect people and the appliances. If you're renting a truck from a company like Upland Stor King Property, you will need the proper equipment for moving and loading your appliances.

Here are some tips for moving major household appliances.

Refrigerator and Freezer

Start in advance when preparing your refrigerator for a move.

• Unplug your refrigerator early, 48 hours in advance of your move if possible.
• Defrost the freezer if necessary.
• Remove shelves and drawers and pack them separately. If you don't plan to remove them, be sure to secure them.
• Clean the refrigerator and freezer.
• Leave the doors open to air out the refrigerator. Tie the doors or secure them, never leave them loose so that a child could get locked inside.
• Wrap the cord and secure it with tape.
• When it's time to move, close the doors and tape or secure them shut. You may want to wrap some furniture pads around the refrigerator and tape them.

Stove and Oven

If you have a gas stove, call your gas company for instructions on how to disconnect the gas lines.

• Clean the stove and oven.
• Unplug or unhook them.
• Remove or secure oven racks.
• Remove and pack any stove parts that are loose.
• Tape the control knobs so they don't get knocked off during the move.
• Tape oven doors shut for the move.

Washing Machine

• Turn off water connections.
• Remove all hoses from the water source and the washing machine. Pack these in a separate box.
• Unplug the machine. Wrap and secure the cord with tape.
• Consult your washing machine manufacturer's instructions on how to secure the drum for transporting. If you don't have instructions, contact the manufacturer or a reliable source.
• Secure the lid or door the day of the move.

Clothes Dryer

• Unplug the dryer. Wrap and secure the cord.
• Remove hoses and carefully pack in a separate box.
• Tape the door shut.

Equipment You Will Need

If you don't have the moving equipment necessary for moving appliances, your truck rental company will probably have it available for sale or rent. Here are some of the items you will want to have your move:

Furniture Pads – These pads can be wrapped around or placed in-between appliances to help protect them from dents and scratches.

Appliance Dolly – An appliance dolly can handle the extra weight of appliance better than a standard utility dolly. These dollies are made to provide the proper leverage for moving appliances; they have a heavy duty strap to secure the item and roll easily, even up and down stairs.

One thing you will want to consider when renting your truck is whether you want one with a wide ramp or gate lift. If you have a ramp, the lower to the ground the opening of the back of your truck, the easier it will be to roll appliances up.

One last helpful hint: clean your appliances before moving them. That way when you get to your destination, you will only have to do a simple cleaning.