Moving kitchen appliances requires careful preparation, proper techniques, and sometimes professional help to ensure safe transport


Moving can be a demanding task, and transporting kitchen appliances requires extra care. These items need to be disconnected properly and set up correctly in your new home to avoid any damage.

Certain appliances require specific storage conditions and should not be used immediately after being moved. Planning for this downtime is important when organising your move. If you don’t plan to use certain appliances again, consider selling or recycling them responsibly. If you arrange for collection, ensure the service is legitimate and follows correct disposal procedures.

There are many services available that specialise in helping with transporting appliances. You can often find your appliance’s user manual online with instructions on how to prepare them for moving. Professionals experienced in handling these items will understand the correct procedures, including safe disconnection and reconnection. Some may also offer assistance with carrying and transportation.

In some cases, it may be necessary to hire qualified professionals such as gas engineers or plumbers for safely disconnecting and reconnecting certain appliances. It's important to factor in this possibility when planning your move.

Here are some guidelines for moving common kitchen appliances safely from one home to another.

Moving An Oven

Ovens can be tricky to move and may require extra care to avoid damaging floors or the appliance itself. If your oven is built-in or connected to gas, it’s advisable to get a professional to handle the disconnection, particularly for the gas supply.

Electrical ovens should be turned off and unplugged from the wall socket. Remove any detachable parts such as shelves or hob rings, wrapping these securely for transportation. Use a dolly to move the oven carefully, keeping it stable throughout.

Moving A Washing Machine

If you still have the original packaging, it’s helpful for protecting your washing machine during the move. If not, protective materials can be used instead.

First, unplug the machine by switching off the wall socket. Coil the power cord neatly and secure it to prevent tangling. Turn off the water supply valves and disconnect the hoses, draining any remaining water to avoid leaks. Tape or pack any loose parts securely.

When moving, keep the washing machine upright and use a dolly to slide it out carefully without damaging floors.

Moving A Dishwasher

Ensure all dishes and cutlery are removed and run a cleaning cycle to empty the dishwasher. Remove baskets and shelves, allowing them to dry before packing them safely.

If your dishwasher is built-in, switch it off and unplug it before removing any screws or fixings holding it in place. Carefully slide it out, disconnect the water hose, and tape any loose wires. Wrap the dishwasher in protective packaging and secure it well during transport.

Moving A Fridge Or Fridge Freezer

Empty the fridge of all contents and defrost the freezer section, which can take several hours. Use towels or cloths to soak up residual water. Remove shelves and pack them securely.

Switch off and unplug the appliance, coiling the cord and taping it to the unit. Secure the doors to keep them closed during the move using rope or careful taping, noting that tape may affect the finish.

Fridges are bulky, so it’s right to have assistance when moving. Keep the appliance upright and avoid placing it on its back, as this could cause damage.

If you need help with moving your kitchen appliances as part of your relocation, Find My Man and Van can connect you with professionals who know how to handle these items carefully and effectively.