Packing and Moving Part 2 – Stove and Dishwasher
Even if you are hiring a professional to do your packing and moving, many of the following tips for preparing your household appliances will still be relevant. Your particular moving company will inform you of your specific responsibilities regarding your appliances. If you are doing your packing and moving yourself, there are some important things to bear in mind when it comes to readying your household appliances for a move. It is important to consult your owner’s manual/manufacturer as they serve as the ultimate authority. My tips below are meant to serve only as guidelines to help you.
Many moving companies do not disconnect or service household appliances; it is the home owner’s responsibility to be sure this is done. However, most moving companies will contract someone for you, if you request it, but it is a third-party service that will be charged to your bill of lading (typically with a mark up). Of course you can always contact Gord’s Appliance directly to prepare all of your household appliances as we do provide this service.
Oven/Stove/Range
A week or two in advance of your moving day, clean your traditional oven or run your self-cleaning oven through a cleaning cycle. (Then take special care not to spill anything in there between cleaning day and moving day!) Pre-cleaning is especially important if your kitchen appliances will be in storage for any length of time at all. Food debris in a dark, enclosed space promotes mold growth. It is never a pleasant experience to move into a clean new place and unpack a stinky, moldy range. As close to moving day as you can, clean the exterior of your range. (If the top pops up be sure to do in there too.) If you have a gas oven, you will need to call ahead and schedule your gas company to come and disconnect your gas and cap off the pipes. I suggest packing oven racks separately, but if you want to keep them with the range, be sure they are well secured inside it. Finally, be sure cords are taped to the range so that they don’t get damaged or trip someone. The door and oven drawer need to be taped shut for transit. (You can use the inside of the oven to transport pillows or something else very light weight that won’t shift around inside the oven.)
Dishwasher
I recommend cleaning your dishwasher a week or so prior to your move, particularly if you are going any distance. (I talk about cleaning your dishwasher in my blog entitled “Calgary, Hard Water & Dishwashers”.) The day before your move, shut off the electricity and water supply to your dishwasher. Disconnect the hoses and drain them. Once they are dry, wrap them in towels and set them aside. Disconnect and drain the water inlet line and the water valve. Soak up any water on the bottom of the dishwasher (remove the pump cover if applicable). Set the dry hoses wrapped in towels inside the dishwasher and tape the door shut. Be sure any cords or knobs are taped down.
Avoid Unnecessary Service Calls
It is true that an ounce of prevention is often worth a pound of cure. The little bit of time required to properly prepare your appliances for a move could forestall the need for a service technician later. Follow the instructions of your moving company/owner’s manual or manufacturer as applicable.
If you have some unique moving tips to share here, your input is always welcome.