Whether you're preparing your home for a special occasion or relocating to a new residence, it's essential to exercise caution when moving large appliances. Mishandling them can lead to floor damage, appliance deterioration, and, most commonly, back injuries. Fortunately, the process of moving larger or bulkier appliances can become significantly more manageable and convenient when executed with expert planning.
Whether your designated areas feature natural wood flooring, laminate flooring, tile surfaces, or carpets, safeguarding them from potential dents, dings, and tears during the appliance-moving process is entirely achievable.
We've compiled a set of helpful tips and techniques for moving large home appliances safely, without causing any harm to your floors and ensuring easy surface cleaning:
I) Create a Plan
Before you begin assembling your tools and equipment, it's prudent to establish a well-thought-out plan.
Take measurements of both the appliances and the pathways
Start by measuring both your large appliances, such as the fridge and dishwasher, as well as the pathways through which you intend to move them. If you have narrow foyers, hallways, or doorways, it may not be the best idea to attempt moving these appliances through such tight spaces without professional assistance.
This is why it's essential, when purchasing a new home appliance like a washing machine or fridge, to ensure that the designated location has sufficient space to accommodate it and facilitate the removal of the existing appliance.
Empty the Contents Inside
Before relocating the large appliance, make sure to empty its interior. For example, take out any food items or beverages from the refrigerator before moving it temporarily or for the purpose of relocation. This reduces the added weight of the contents and allows for easier transportation of the appliances between spaces.
Additionally, verify that the appliance doors are securely fastened. During the moving process, the appliance's doors or shelves may unexpectedly open, so it's crucial to ensure they are properly secured.
Clean the Floor
Dirty surfaces can increase friction on the floors and become a significant obstacle when moving appliances from one location to another. Common debris like small rocks and large dirt clumps often accumulate beneath or behind large home appliances.
Cleaning the floor is essential to protect your valuable flooring from stains and scratches. The most effective way to clean the floor is by gently tilting or shifting the appliances to remove dirt and dust. Make sure you have assistance when tackling these cleaning tasks!
II) Keep Your Moving Equipment Accessible
When it comes to moving large appliances, having the right tools and equipment can make a significant difference. The following tools are invaluable for safely transporting heavy appliances and preventing floor damage.
Hand Carts and Dollies
Handcarts and dollies are specifically designed for moving large, heavy appliances. You can tilt the chosen appliances onto these tools and easily push them with the assistance of handles. Many home improvement stores offer these tools for rental when you need them for moving.
Hand Truck and Stair Climbing Cart
Utilize a hand truck or stair-climbing cart when moving heavy appliances up and down stairs. These tools make the challenging task of navigating appliances on stairs much more manageable and ensure their safety.
Plastic Floor Guides
Plastic floor guides are specifically engineered for moving heavy appliances and objects. To use them, simply lift the appliance slightly and slide the floor guide underneath, allowing you to shift the appliances without causing any damage to the floor.
Carpet and Plywood Squares
You can craft a simple DIY floor guide using leftover carpet or plywood pieces. Place this convenient floor guide beneath the appliance's leg, ensuring that the carpet side faces the floor to safeguard it from potential scratches.
Air Sled
An air sled is a handy device for effortlessly moving appliances. To use it, simply slide the device beneath the appliance, connect the power cord, and inflate it using the pump mechanism. This makes lifting the appliances with minimal effort and transporting them without causing any damage to floors or appliances.
III) Clean the floor beneath the appliances
After relocating the selected appliances from their original positions, it's a good idea to clean the floor underneath them.
Sweep and Mop
Sweep away any dust and grime, followed by mopping the area. Let it air dry or use a steam cleaner to expedite the cleaning process.
Vacuum
If the floor is carpeted, make sure to vacuum it thoroughly. Cleaning underneath appliances is typically done on an occasional basis, so ensure the space remains tidy and return the appliances to their original positions or rearrange them as desired.
Conclusion
Moving or relocating refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and other bulky appliances might appear challenging. The easiest approach involves measuring them, securing the doors or lids with tape, assembling the necessary tools, and moving them for floor cleaning or relocation. When necessary, don't hesitate to seek the assistance of a skilled professional who can handle these daunting tasks with ease and efficiency!
Also Read: 15 Must-Have Kitchen Appliances For The Modern Home