How to Move Heavy Appliances: Fridge, Washer & Dryer

Appliance Weights and Moving Challenges

Major home appliances are among the heaviest single items in a typical move. A standard top-freezer refrigerator weighs 200-250 lbs, while a French-door model with ice maker hits 300-350 lbs. Front-load washers weigh 150-250 lbs (significantly more than top-loaders due to the concrete counterweight). Dryers run 100-170 lbs. A gas or electric range weighs 130-220 lbs. A dishwasher comes in at 60-100 lbs. Combined, your kitchen and laundry appliances easily total 800-1,200 lbs.

The challenge isn't just weight — it's the combination of weight, bulk, and delicate internal components. Refrigerator compressors can be damaged by tilting. Washing machine drums need transit bolts to prevent internal damage. Glass stovetops crack from flex. Stainless steel surfaces dent and scratch easily. Each appliance has specific prep requirements that general movers sometimes overlook.

Preparing Each Appliance for the Move

Refrigerator: Unplug 24 hours before the move to allow the compressor to depressurize and ice to melt. Remove all food, shelves, and drawers (wrap shelves in bubble wrap). Tape the doors shut with painter's tape. Clean the drip tray. If moving a fridge with a water line (for ice makers), shut off the water supply, disconnect the line, and drain residual water into a towel.

Washer: Run an empty rinse cycle to drain residual water. Disconnect water supply hoses and drain the hoses into a bucket. Most importantly, install the transit bolts (they came with your washer — check the manual for location if lost). Transit bolts lock the drum in place and prevent the internal suspension from being damaged during transport. Replacement transit bolt kits cost $15-$30 from the manufacturer.

Dryer: Clean the lint trap and vent hose. For gas dryers, have the gas line disconnected by a licensed gas fitter ($75-$150). Tape the door shut. Electric dryers can be unplugged, but the 240V outlet plug should be secured to the dryer with tape to prevent it from dragging.

Transporting Appliances Safely

All appliances should be moved upright whenever possible. Refrigerators tilted more than 45 degrees can suffer compressor oil displacement — if you must tilt for doorways, keep it brief and let the fridge stand upright for 4-6 hours before plugging in at the new location. Washers with transit bolts installed can be tilted safely. Stoves and dishwashers travel best on an appliance dolly, strapped securely.

In the truck, appliances go against a wall and are secured with furniture straps (not ratchet straps, which can dent). Place moving blankets between appliances and other items. Never stack anything on top of a washer, dryer, or fridge. Our crews use appliance dollies with stair-climbing wheels for Montreal's notorious walk-ups — essential for navigating tight turns with a 300-lb fridge.

Reconnecting at Your New Home

At the new location, let the refrigerator stand upright for at least 4 hours (24 hours if it was on its side during transport) before plugging in. This allows compressor oil to settle back into the compressor. Connect water lines for ice makers and check for leaks. For washers, remove transit bolts before the first use (running the washer with transit bolts in will damage the drum bearings). Level the washer using the adjustable feet — an unlevel washer vibrates violently during spin cycles and walks across the floor.

For gas appliances (stoves, dryers), hire a licensed gas fitter for reconnection ($75-$150). Never attempt to connect gas lines yourself — improper connections cause carbon monoxide leaks and explosion risks. Our team at Up & Out can coordinate licensed gas and electrical professionals for same-day reconnection so your appliances are operational the day you move in.