Refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges, and dishwashers are heavy, awkward, and — unlike furniture — full of components that break if you move them wrong. A fridge laid flat can have its compressor ruined; a washer moved without securing the drum can destroy itself on the first spin. This guide covers the machine-by-machine preparation and technique that gets appliances moved without damaging the appliance, your floors, or your back.
The Universal Rules
- Disconnect and prep 24 hours ahead where draining or defrosting is involved — appliances aren't last-minute items.
- Move them upright, never flat (especially the fridge — more below).
- Secure doors and cords: tape doors shut, coil and tape cords so nothing drags or trips.
- Use an appliance hand truck with a strap — the tall, narrow dolly built for this, not a furniture dolly.
- Protect the floors: appliances gouge hardwood and tear vinyl; lay protection on the path.
Refrigerators
The most delicate of the bunch. Empty it, then unplug 24 hours before to defrost the freezer and let the compressor oil settle — drain the defrost water and dry the interior. Tape the doors. Move it upright; if it absolutely must tilt to fit through a space, keep the tilt minimal and brief. Critically: after the move, let it stand upright for the same number of hours it was tilted (at least a few) before plugging in so the compressor oil returns to place — powering up too soon is how moved fridges die. Ice makers and water lines get disconnected and drained.
Washers (the Drum Is the Catch)
Washing machines need their drum secured for transport or it swings and damages the internals — front-loaders especially require shipping bolts (the ones you removed at installation; if you kept them, reinstall them — if not, the manufacturer sells replacements). Disconnect and drain the hoses, leave the door open afterward to dry. Move upright on the appliance dolly. This is the appliance most often ruined by a careless move.
Dryers, Ranges, and Dishwashers
- Dryers: lighter and simpler — disconnect (electric: unplug; gas: a gas line needs a professional or careful shutoff and capping), clean the lint trap, tape the door, move upright.
- Gas ranges: the gas line should be disconnected and capped by someone qualified — gas is not a DIY guess. Secure grates and knobs, tape the oven door.
- Electric ranges: unplug (they're on a heavy 240V plug), secure the parts, tape the door.
- Dishwashers: disconnect water and drain lines, drain residual water, secure the door and any loose racks.
Technique and Stairs
Appliances ride strapped to an appliance dolly, tilted at a controlled angle, with a spotter. On stairs, the high-low method applies (the principle is in getting heavy furniture upstairs) — one person controlling weight from below, slow and on the call. A stair-climbing hand truck makes a real difference. This is heavy, awkward work where injuries and dented machines happen fast; if the appliance meets stairs, strongly consider letting the crew handle it.
When to Let Pros Handle It
Appliances are a classic case for professional help — the combination of weight, gas/water connections, and damage-if-wrong technique. Our crews move appliances as part of any move on the standard hourly rate with no stair fees and no "heavy item" surcharge, and we'll move just the appliances if that's all you need. We handle the physical move and connections-handling within reason; licensed gas line work stays with the qualified pro who caps and reconnects it.
Appliance Moving FAQ
Can I lay a refrigerator down to move it?
Avoid it — move upright. If it must tilt briefly to fit, let it stand upright at least as long before plugging in, so the compressor oil resettles. Powering up a just-moved fridge too soon can wreck it.
Do I need the shipping bolts for my washer?
For front-loaders, yes — they secure the drum for transport. Reinstall the originals or buy replacements; moving without them risks internal damage.
Who disconnects the gas line on my range or dryer?
A qualified professional — gas isn't a DIY task. Have it disconnected and capped before move day, and reconnected by a pro at the new place.
Will movers move my appliances?
Yes — upright, strapped, floors protected, on the hourly rate with no surcharge. We handle the heavy lifting; licensed gas work stays with the gas pro.
Heavy appliances on your move? We've got the dollies and the technique — get a free quote. 817+ Google reviews, 33,000+ moves since 2002.
Boston Best Rate Movers
The Boston Best Rate Movers team shares moving tips, Boston neighborhood guides, and cost-saving strategies drawn from 24+ years and 33,158+ completed moves across Greater Boston.
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