In this blog entry, the professional Charleston residential moving service team here at NoFLex Moving will detail a guide to the best ways to pack appliances before your move.
What should I do with my appliances?
Keeping, Selling, Leaving, or Donation
- Decide if you will:
- Move appliances to your new home
- Sell them online or at a yard sale
- Leave them behind as part of your home sale
- Appliances commonly left in homes include dishwashers, ovens, gas ranges, and HVAC systems
What are the main benefits of selling appliances before my move?
- Saving valuable space in in your moving truck or storage container
- Reducing overall weight, saving on transport costs
- Earning money to invest in upgraded appliances
- Avoiding the hassle of moving large or outdated items
Clean & Dry All Appliances Before Packing
Why It Matters
- Prevent mold, mildew, and bad odors
- Protect your belongings in storage
- Make unpacking easier and more hygienic
What to Do
- Wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth
- Remove all food, grime, and debris
- Allow everything to dry fully before sealing or storing
Know What Not to Pack
Hazardous & Restricted Items
Never pack these in a moving container:
- Aerosol cans (e.g., bug spray, air freshener)
- Fertilizer or pesticides
- Charcoal, propane tanks, or firewood
- Pool chemicals or paint thinner
- Ammunition or fireworks
- Car batteries or gas cans
- Disinfectants or bleach
General Rules
- If it’s flammable or combustible, don’t pack it
- If unsure, ask your moving provider or storage company
How to Pack Major Home Appliances
Refrigerators & Freezers
Steps to Prepare
- Empty all contents—eat, donate, or dispose
- Unplug and disconnect waterline 24–48 hours in advance
- Prop doors open while defrosting
- Remove and secure shelves and drawers
- Wipe completely dry to prevent mold or water damage
Moving Tips
- Use an appliance dolly for heavy lifting
- Secure doors with bungee cords or tape
- Wrap in moving blankets or padded covers
- Get help moving large items to avoid injury or wall damage
- Measure doorways before attempting to move
Washing Machine & Dryer
Washer Prep
- Run a rinse or cleaning cycle to remove detergent
- Drain all water from hoses and drum
- Disconnect from wall—turn off water valves
- Place hoses and cords in a labeled bag or store inside drum
Dryer Prep
- Clean out the lint trap thoroughly
- Unplug from electrical outlet
- If gas-powered, have a professional disconnect gas line
Oven & Range (Gas or Electric)
Cleaning & Prep
- Run a self-clean cycle a few days before the move
- Wipe interior and exterior thoroughly
- Remove oven racks and pack separately
Disconnecting Safely
- Gas stoves: Call your gas provider to shut off supply
- Electric stoves: Unplug from the wall
Moving Tips
- Tape knobs in place
- Wrap glass doors or control panels with bubble wrap
- Secure with moving straps if needed
Microwave & Toaster Oven
Microwave Prep
- Remove and wrap glass turntable separately
- Clean interior and exterior
- Pack in original box if available
- If not, use a well-padded box slightly larger than the unit
Toaster Oven Prep
- Shake out crumbs and clean grease
- Wrap with padding or towels
- Remove any loose trays or accessories
Grills
Safety First
- Remove charcoal or wood chips
- Disconnect and safely store propane tanks (do not move in storage container)
- Clean grease and residue from grates and surfaces
Packing Tips
- Wrap and box grill accessories separately
- Detach grill plates or racks and pack securely
Lawn Equipment
Must-Do Before Packing
- Drain all oil and gas from tanks
- Clean off grass, dirt, and mud
- Remove blades, cords, or accessories
Tools That Apply
- Lawnmowers
- Weed eaters
- Leaf blowers
- Chainsaws
Hand & Power Tools
Safe Packing Tips
- Use small, sturdy boxes to hold weight
- Wrap sharp tools in rags or towels
- Group small parts or accessories into labeled bags
- Use zip ties or Velcro straps to secure loose cords
How to Pack Kitchen Appliances for Moving
Prep and Protection
- Clean and dry every appliance thoroughly
- Use original packaging if available
- Wrap items in bubble wrap or towels for protection
- Tape cords securely to prevent tangling
- Label boxes with:
- Room name
- Contents
- “Fragile” if necessary
Recommended Packing Supplies
- Heavy-duty cardboard boxes
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper or foam sheets
- Air pillows or foam peanuts
- Labels or permanent markers
How to Load Your Portable Storage Container
Smart Loading Strategy
- Place heaviest items on the bottom
- Distribute weight evenly across the floor
- Avoid stacking all heavy items on one side
Use All Available Space
- Stack items vertically, from floor to ceiling
- Create solid walls using boxes
- Fill gaps with:
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Smaller household items
Fragile Items
- Place in the middle of the container
- Cushion with soft materials
- Avoid placing heavy boxes on top
Final Moving Tips
- Take time to pack carefully—rushed packing leads to damage
- Keep a list of what’s inside each box
- Use stretch wrap or furniture blankets for added protection
- Contact your mover for questions about specialty items
