You invest a lot of money when you buy appliances. Thus, when it is time to place the appliances in storage, you want to take every precaution available in order to make sure that the appliance still works when you take it out! Here are some tips to help make your storage experience a pleasant one!
When Preparing to Move
- Remove water from all of the hoses and internal components of the clothes washers/dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators. This will help to prevent freezing and mildew.
- Clean appliances thoroughly, including all air intake areas such as lint filters, grids or tubes.
- Spray appliances for bugs and allow them to dry before relocating them
- The following is recommended for refrigerators: Clean the interior and wipe it dry. Drain the water from the holding tank and plastic tubing. Clean the defrost pan (usually located in the back or underneath).
- Always keep refrigerators upright during transportation and during storage. This prevents damage to the refrigeration unit.
- Before transporting, use strong tape to keep the dishwasher, oven and refrigerator doors closed. Remove the tape once the appliance has been relocated. It is good to store the appliance with the door slightly ajar or removed in order to prevent mildew growth.
- Prior to moving the appliance, wrap it with moving blankets, bubble wrap or wrapping film in order to prevent broken pieces and or blemishes.
- When moving a household, load appliances on to the truck last so they can be unloaded first at the storage unit. This will put them at the back of the unit, giving you easier access to frequently used items.
Storing Appliances Safely
- Mark the glass panels in oven doors, microwave doors, etc. as fragile in order to avoid leaning heavy objects against them.
- Remember, appliances cannot be plugged in while in storage
- Storing items inside of appliances may not be recommended.
- Cover appliances with cotton sheets or canvas tarps in order to protect them from dust while allowing for air circulation.