It’s May, dear renters, which means moving month is upon us. If you’re in the midst of packing up all your worldly possessions and relocating to a new apartment, you may be wondering what to do with your appliances. Unless your new apartment comes already equipped with a washer, dryer, refrigerator, or other appliances, you’re looking at some serious heavy lifting. After consulting your apartment moving checklist, follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to a happier move with all your appliances intact.
Is Your Refrigerator Running?
First, empty your fridge of any food and clean the interior so it’s sparkly and smell-free. (You’ll want to do this regardless of whether the fridge is coming with you or staying behind—your security deposit could hang in the balance.) Next, unplug and defrost your refrigerator to prepare it for the move. Keep the door open so no funny smells crop up.
Mr. Freeze(r)
If your freezer is separate from your fridge, follow the same steps to get it ready for the big day. In addition to cleaning and defrosting, you’ll need to disconnect and drain the icemaker.
Lean, Mean, Washing Machine
To prepare your washer, you’ll need to disconnect it from the water line and drain it completely. Next, secure the electrical cord and washer drum for an easy move. Let the machine air out a bit with the washer door open before transporting it.
Dryer Dryer on the Wall
If you are uncomfortable disconnecting appliances from utility lines, you may want to leave the disconnection of your dryer to the professionals, especially if it is a gas connection. Once that’s done, remove the vent hose, and secure the dryer door.
Some Good Oven
Your oven could probably use a good cleaning before you move, too, so give it a thorough scrub inside and out. You will have to disconnect this as well, and like the dryer, you may want to get a third-party service to do it, especially if the oven is gas-powered. Next, disconnect all removable parts and store them in a clearly-marked bag for transportation to your new apartment.
Dishwasher Duty
If your dishwasher is making the trek with you to your new apartment, disconnect it from the water line (again, hire a pro if you’re not sure). Make sure it’s unplugged, completely dry, and (though this should go without saying) has no dishes left in it.
