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Moving is a big deal, and appliances are usually the last thing people think about, until moving day arrives and nothing is ready. Whether you’re working with St. Louis movers or handling the logistics yourself, getting your appliances prepped in advance saves serious time, prevents damage, and keeps your move running on schedule.
Here’s a practical, room-by-room guide to getting your appliances move-ready.
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Why Appliance Prep Actually Matters
Large appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers) are heavy, awkward, and full of components that can shift or leak during transport. Without proper prep, you risk water damage to other belongings, scratched floors, cracked interiors, or voided warranties.
Most moving companies in St Louis will tell you upfront: appliance preparation is the homeowner’s responsibility. Getting it done before the truck arrives means no delays and no surprises.
Refrigerator
24 to 48 Hours Before the Move
- Turn off the ice maker and stop the water supply
- Empty all food: donate, gift, or use up perishables
- Remove glass shelves and drawers, wrap in packing paper, and pack separately
The Night Before
- Unplug the refrigerator
- Leave doors open to allow defrosting and air drying
- Place old towels underneath to catch water
Morning of the Move
- Tape fridge and freezer doors shut with painter’s tape
- Coil and secure the power cord
Washing Machine
A washing machine that hasn’t been properly drained and stabilized can leak or suffer drum damage during transit.
- Run an empty spin cycle to drain any remaining water
- Disconnect hoses and let them drain fully to bring them with you
- Reinsert shipping bolts if you still have them (these stabilize the drum)
- If bolts are missing, tape the drum door shut and pack blankets around it
- Wipe dry and coil the power cord
Dryer
Dryers are simpler to prep, but still require a few steps:
- Disconnect from the wall: Unplug electric dryers; have a gas dryer disconnected by a licensed professional
- Clean the lint trap thoroughly
- Remove or secure the exhaust hose
- Coil and tape the cord to the back of the unit
Note: If you have a gas dryer, never attempt to disconnect it yourself. Call a qualified technician first.
Moving in St. Louis? McGuire Moving & Storage makes it easy. Call us or complete our online quote form and we’ll take it from there.
Dishwasher
- Run a rinse cycle, then turn off the water supply under the sink
- Disconnect the water line and drain hose (and have towels ready!)
- Remove the bottom rack and any loose items inside
- Leave the door slightly open overnight to dry out the interior
- On moving day, tape the door shut
Stove and Oven
Electric ranges are fairly straightforward. Gas ranges require a professional:
- Electric: Unplug and coil the cord
- Gas: Call your utility company or a licensed plumber to disconnect the gas line. This is not a DIY step
- Remove grates, burner covers, and oven racks; wrap and pack separately
- Clean thoroughly to avoid odors and residue during transport
- Secure the oven door with stretch wrap or painter’s tape
Other Appliances to Keep in Mind
Window AC Units
- Remove from the window and drain any water
- Pack in original box if available, or wrap well in moving blankets
Microwave
- Remove the glass tray and pack it separately
- Wrap the unit in packing paper or bubble wrap
Small Appliances (Coffee Makers, Toasters, Blenders)
- Empty completely and clean before packing
- Use original packaging when possible
- Wrap cords and tuck them inside or tape to the unit
A Few General Rules
These apply across the board when prepping any appliance for a move with residential movers St. Louis:
- Always defrost, drain, and dry before moving day
- Disconnect water and gas lines in advance. Don’t leave this for the morning of
- Remove all removable parts and pack them separately, labeled
- Keep all appliance manuals, as they can help with reinstallation
- Take photos before disconnecting anything so you remember how it was set up
Don’t go it alone on moving day. Contact McGuire Moving & Storage or fill out our quote form for a smooth, stress-free move across St. Louis.
Let McGuire Moving & Storage Handle the Heavy Lifting
Getting your appliances ready is just one piece of a successful move. At McGuire Moving & Storage, we’ve been helping homeowners across the St. Louis area move with confidence for years. From packing and loading to delivery and setup, our team handles each job with the care your home deserves. Reach out to us at 314-241-0600 to schedule your move or request a free quote online. We’ll make sure moving day goes exactly as planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start prepping appliances before a move?
Start at least 48 hours before your move for refrigerators and freezers, so they have time to fully defrost. For washers, dishwashers, and other appliances, the night before is usually enough — just make sure everything is drained, dried, and disconnected before the movers arrive.
Do movers disconnect appliances for you?
Most moving companies, including professional St. Louis movers, do not disconnect gas or water lines as part of a standard move. That’s typically the homeowner’s responsibility (or a licensed technician’s, in the case of gas appliances). Movers handle the transport, and you handle the prep.
Can I move a refrigerator lying on its side?
It’s best to keep a refrigerator upright during transport. If it must be tilted, let it stand upright for at least the same amount of time it was on its side before plugging it back in — this allows the compressor oil to settle. Check your manufacturer’s manual for specifics.
Who should disconnect a gas dryer or gas range?
Always have a licensed plumber or your local gas utility company disconnect gas appliances. Attempting to do it yourself is dangerous and may also void your appliance warranty. Schedule this at least a day before your move to avoid delays.
Should I pack appliance accessories separately or inside the appliance?
Pack accessories separately. Glass shelves, removable drawers, oven racks, and similar items are best wrapped individually in packing paper and packed in a labeled box. Leaving them inside the appliance during a move increases the risk of breakage and can shift the load unexpectedly.
