Moving large appliances can be one of the most challenging and exhausting parts of moving. Items like refrigerators and washing machines are heavy, bulky, and can lead to personal or property damages if not transported with skill and care. Here are six strategies to safely and effectively move any large household appliances.

 

1. Packing Appropriately

Preparing your large appliance for moving can make the process less likely to injure you or damage any property. Large, bulky items like washing machines should be wrapped in a moving blanket. This prevents the corners from causing any harm and protects the appliance itself from damages while in transit.

 

2. Take Measurements

It is of absolute importance to measure before moving any appliance. Knowing the dimensions of the appliance, any and all doorways it will be taken through, and where it will be placed will make it safer and easier to move. Without proper measurements, you may arrive at your new home and find that the appliance can not fit through a doorway.

 

3. The Right Tools For the Job

Having the right tools for the task of moving any large appliance makes a considerable difference. Moving any large appliance can be helped by using any of the following:

• Tape, Straps, and Rope: Use these to secure appliance doors closed or to attach parts to the appliance that had to be removed to be moved effectively. Rope or straps can be used to assist in securing items to carts.
• Moving Blankets: Wrap these around large appliances, especially ones with hard corners, to protect both the appliance and your new home from damages.
• Appliance Dolly: Moving heavy items with a dolly takes the weight off of you considerably. The wheels make it faster and smoother to move bulky items, just make sure to secure the appliance to the dolly.
• Stair Climbing Cart: These wonderful tools are able to smoothly and safely move even the heaviest appliance up or down stairs with less risk of injury — secure items with strong straps when using these.
• Floor Protection: Protecting the floors in both the home you are leaving and your new home is wise and practical. Some large items are best moved by sliding, and slipping carpet or sliding disks under the points of the appliance that makes contact with the floor can allow you to slide and glide the appliance along without damaging your floor.

 

4. Know Proper Form

Safely moving heavy items require proper lifting and carrying technique. Good form can mean the difference between a back injury and a smooth, painless move. Do not bend at the waist and lift with your arms or back muscles. Instead, bend at the hips and knees into a squatting position, keep your feet stable, keep your back straight and lift with your legs. Take it slow, know your limits, and do not lift anything above your shoulders to maintain your safety.

 

5. Teamwork

Moving anything large is best done with assistance. Asking a family member or friend to help you with the heavy lifting can make even the heaviest items safer to move. Large items are best moved by two or more people. Make sure the people who are helping you are aware of proper lifting form to prevent accidental injury.

6. Professional Help

If circumstances do not allow for moving large appliances on your own or with a friend, hiring professional movers is a good idea. Professionals know all the tricks and have all the tools at their disposal to make moving safe and efficient. Research and read reviews to choose a good company to work with.