Moving is more than just cardboard boxes — sometimes you need to think about how you'll move your large appliances too. Refrigerators, ovens, washers and dryers can be some of the hardest belongings to move. Whether you're considering hiring professionals or moving the appliances yourself, it's good to think about cost, safety and how complicated the move may be. In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of both options, along with important tips on properly preparing your appliances for a smooth move to your new home.
Pros and cons of hiring professionals to move appliances
Hiring professional movers can save you time and ensure your large appliances are handled with care, especially during long-distance or complex moves .
Here are the advantages of hiring a moving company to transport your appliances:
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Experience: Professional movers have ample experience handling heavy, large and fragile appliances. They know how to pack properly, safely transport and set up these items. They also know how to strategically navigate tight hallways and elevators.
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Safety: When moving large appliances, you may be more prone to falls, strains and other injuries. Movers have the right tools , such as dollies and straps, to navigate stairs and hallways safely. They also know the correct form for holding and moving large appliances. Moving is hard enough without any serious injuries, so this is a potentially significant benefit of hiring the pros.
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Convenience: Most professional movers handle everything related to moving large appliances, from disconnection (depending on the type) to transportation, so you can focus on other aspects of your move.
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Insurance: Many professional moving companies offer insurance options to cover your appliances if damaged or lost during your move. Standard coverage might be limited, but moving companies often offer the option to purchase additional insurance if needed.
These are the disadvantages of hiring a professional mover for your large appliances:
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Price: Hiring professionals can be more expensive than moving appliances yourself, at least monetarily. The costs vary by company; some movers may charge extra for larger or heavier appliances. According to Angi.com , the cost for professionals to move your refrigerator is between $100 and $300, with the average being $220. Additional charges may apply for tasks like disconnecting water lines or gas connections. While each moving company's pricing structure differs, this pricing is typically in addition to the hourly rate. Confirming any extra fees upfront helps ensure the total price stays within your moving budget .
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Availability: The busy season for movers occurs during the summertime, weekends and the beginning and end of the month. If you’re moving during these periods, make sure to book your moving date with plenty of time so you get the date you want.
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Limited expertise: While professional movers are skilled in moving appliances, not all can disconnect or reinstall certain items, like gas dryers. You might need to hire a separate professional to connect the lines or do it yourself, depending on your comfort level.
Pros and cons of moving appliances yourself
One of the biggest reasons to move your appliances is the cost savings, especially if you already have the proper moving supplies. This gives you complete control over your move. Here are the pros of moving your appliances without professional help.
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Price:Moving appliances yourself can be cheaper than hiring professionals. (And you don't have to tip yourself, either.) However, remember that you will still need the necessary tools like a furniture dolly, which Angi.com says can be rented for $10 to $20 daily , and transportation, like a trailer or moving truck. These are extra costs to consider if you don't already have them.
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Flexibility:You're in charge of the timeline when you move your appliances. You don’t have to worry about fitting into a moving company's schedule, and you can take breaks or adjust the timetable as needed.
Moving appliances yourself can be a cost-saving option, but there are several disadvantages to consider:
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Transportation:You will need to rent the right size moving truck unless you know someone who can help you for free.
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Damage risk:If you don't have much experience handling heavy appliances, you may accidentally damage your appliances or home. There's also the possibility of injuring yourself or someone else, so the price you may pay to DIY could be more than you think.
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Lack of equipment:Moving large appliances requires the right tools, such as furniture dollies and moving straps or harnesses. Otherwise, you could face serious challenges moving these bulky, heavy items.
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Time and effort:The physical labor of moving appliances can be daunting. You’ll likely need help from others, which could take longer than expected. Also, you’ll need to figure out how to disconnect the appliance — shutting off water lines or unplugging gas connections — which can be tricky without prior experience.
How to prepare your appliances for a move
Whether you hire professionals or decide to handle the move yourself, properly preparing your appliances is essential to avoid damage. Here are several things you should do before moving with appliances.
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Disconnect the lines:Before doing anything else to prep your appliances for moving, disconnect any water, gas or electrical hookups. If you don't know how to do so, research the process or hire a pro.
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Clean it out:Always clean and empty your appliances before moving. If you're moving with a refrigerator or freezer, allow one to two days for defrosting. Wipe down the inside of the appliance so that it arrives at your new home fresh and ready to use. If you're not feeling up for the job, a professional may be able to disconnect everything for you.
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Secure doors and parts:For appliances with removable parts (like refrigerator shelves), remove and pack them separately. This prevents them from shifting and causing damage inside the appliance. You may also want to use tape to prevent doors from flying open during the process.
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Ensure proper protection:Use a quality moving blanket or furniture pad and plastic wrap to protect your appliances from dirt, scratches and other imperfections. For appliances with glass components, like refrigerators or ovens, be extra cautious when wrapping to prevent damage. (A professional moving company should come prepared with these supplies if moving your appliances.)
How to move appliances: Choosing between DIY and professional movers
Whether you hire professionals or take on the move yourself, handling appliances requires preparation. Moving large and heavy items like refrigerators and washing machines can be physically demanding, but you may be able to do it on your own with the right tools.
Professional movers are a great option because they have ample experience moving various large appliances. While this option will cost more than doing it yourself, a moving company also provides peace of mind with insurance coverage if your items are damaged or lost in transit.
However, if you’re on a budget and have help, moving appliances yourself (and with the help of a few friends) can save you money, so long as you plan ahead and focus on safety.
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