How to Move Big and Heavy Kitchen Appliances

Moving large kitchen appliances can be a challenge, whether you're relocating to a new home or upgrading your kitchen layout. These heavy and often bulky items require careful planning, the right equipment, and safe handling techniques to prevent damage to your appliances, floors, and walls. Professional appliance movers can make this process easier using specialized tools and industry expertise.

At Affordable Moving & Storage, we specialize in appliance moving services for residential and commercial clients. Whether you need a refrigerator moving service, assistance with your oven, dishwasher, or washing machine, or even storage solutions for your appliances, our trained team ensures a smooth and damage-free moving experience.

This guide covers everything you need to know about moving heavy appliances, including the best equipment to use, essential safe appliance moving techniques, and heavy appliance Moving Tips to protect your home and appliances during the move.

Preparation — Getting Your Kitchen Appliances Ready for Moving

Before moving large kitchen appliances, proper preparation is essential. Taking the time to clean, disconnect, and secure each appliance can help avoid damage and ensure a seamless transition to your new location.

1. Clean and Defrost Your Appliances

Refrigerator & Freezer — At least 24 hours before moving, unplug your refrigerator and freezer to allow them to defrost. Wipe away any excess moisture to prevent mold growth during transport.

Oven & Stove — If your oven or stove has food residue, grease, or spills, clean it thoroughly before moving. Gas stoves should be disconnected by a professional to prevent leaks.

Dishwasher — Drain all water and leave the door open for a few hours to dry out completely. Secure the racks inside to prevent movement.

Washing Machine & Dryer — Disconnect water supply lines and drain any remaining water. Secure the drum inside your washing machine to avoid internal damage during transport.

2. Disconnect Appliances Safely

Unplug all appliances and secure cords using tape or zip ties to prevent tripping hazards.

Shut off gas lines when moving stoves and dryers that run on gas. If you're unsure, contact a professional appliance moving company to safely handle this step.

Detach water supply lines from refrigerators with ice makers and washing machines to avoid leaks.

Essential Equipment for Moving Heavy Appliances

Using the right kitchen appliance moving equipment helps prevent injuries and damage to your floors, walls, and appliances. Appliance movers rely on these tools to handle heavy loads safely.

1. Appliance Dolly

A sturdy appliance dolly is the best way to move heavy appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines. It features straps to secure the appliance in place and wheels designed for smooth movement.

2. Moving Straps & Lifting Harnesses

Professional appliance moving services use lifting straps and harnesses to distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on the movers and preventing accidents. These straps allow for better control when lifting or maneuvering appliances.

3. Furniture Sliders

Protecting floors while moving appliances is crucial, especially if you have hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring. Place furniture sliders or moving pads under the appliance to prevent scratches and damage while shifting it.

4. Floor Protection Mats

Using rubber mats or cardboard sheets can further protect floors while moving appliances. This is especially useful when sliding an appliance out of place before loading it onto a dolly.

5. Moving Blankets & Shrink Wrap

Moving large kitchen appliances without protection can result in dents, scratches, or broken parts. Moving blankets and shrink wrap provide a protective layer around your appliances, ensuring they arrive safely at their new destination.

Safe Appliance Moving Techniques

When it comes to moving heavy appliances, proper lifting and maneuvering techniques prevent injuries and accidents. Here are some safe appliance moving techniques to follow —

1. Use Teamwork for Heavy Lifting

Never attempt to lift a large appliance alone. Small movers may require extra hands when dealing with bulky appliances. If you're handling the move without professional help, recruit at least one or two people to assist.

2. Secure the Appliance Properly

When using a dolly, fasten the appliance securely with straps to prevent it from tipping over. If transporting a refrigerator, keep it upright to avoid damage to the compressor.

3. Tilt and Move with Care

When using an appliance dolly, tilt the appliance slightly backward and push forward slowly. Avoid sharp turns and sudden movements that could cause instability.

4. Load Appliances Into the Moving Truck Correctly

Position refrigerators and stoves against the truck's interior wall to minimize movement.

Use moving straps to secure them in place.

Stack lightweight appliances on top of sturdy items rather than directly on the truck floor.

How to Move Specific Kitchen Appliances

Moving Refrigerator Safely

A refrigerator is one of the heaviest kitchen appliances to move, requiring special care. A refrigerator moving service can simplify the process, but if you're moving it yourself, follow these steps —

Empty the fridge and remove all shelves.

Secure the doors using stretch wrap or tape.

Tilt the fridge slightly and slide a dolly underneath.

Always keep the refrigerator upright when transporting it to avoid internal damage.

Moving an Oven or Stove

Gas-powered ovens and stoves should be disconnected by a professional. If you're handling an electric stove —

Remove racks and secure knobs.

Use a moving blanket to protect glass surfaces.

Keep the appliance upright on the dolly while moving.

Moving a Dishwasher

Disconnect the water supply and let it drain.

Tape the door shut and secure loose parts.

Use a dolly to transport it carefully.

Why Hire an Appliance Moving Company?

Moving large and heavy kitchen appliances requires more than just strength —it demands specialized equipment, proper handling techniques, and experience to ensure a safe and damage-free relocation. Whether you're moving a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, or washing machine, hiring a professional appliance moving company can save time, reduce risks, and provide peace of mind.

Here's why hiring kitchen appliance movers is the best choice —

1. Professional Equipment & Expertise

Moving heavy appliances is not just about lifting and carrying them from one place to another. It requires specialized equipment designed to handle weight, size, and fragility while ensuring safety.

Specialized Equipment Used by Appliance Movers:

Appliance Dollies 

Furniture Sliders & Floor Protection Pads

Lifting Straps & Harnesses

Moving Blankets & Shrink Wrap

Trained Professionals for Safe Handling

Understanding Appliance Structure — Professionals know how to maneuver appliances without damaging sensitive components like compressors, coils, or glass doors.

Proper Lifting Techniques — Instead of brute force, movers use correct posture and lifting strategies to reduce strain and prevent injuries.

Experience with Tight Spaces — Whether navigating staircases, narrow hallways, or tight corners, trained movers know how to move appliances efficiently without damaging walls or doorways.

By hiring appliance movers, you ensure that your appliances are transported safely and securely, reducing the chances of damage during the move.

2. Avoid Injury & Property Damage

Many people assume they can handle appliance moving on their own, only to realize too late that lifting and transporting heavy kitchen appliances can be dangerous. Without the right equipment and technique, accidents can lead to serious bodily injuries and property damage.

Common Risks of DIY Appliance Moving —

Back & Muscle Injuries — Lifting heavy appliances incorrectly can lead to back strains, muscle tears, or even long-term spinal issues.

Finger & Foot Injuries — Appliances can slip unexpectedly, crushing fingers or feet if not handled properly.

Slips & Falls — Moving a refrigerator or washing machine over uneven surfaces can cause loss of balance, leading to serious falls.

Risks to Your Home & Appliances —

Scratched & Dented Floors — Sliding an appliance across your floor without proper protection can leave deep scratches on hardwood or tile.

Damaged Walls & Door Frames — Misjudging the size of an appliance can result in dents, paint chips, or even holes in walls and doorways.

Broken Appliances — Incorrect handling can damage internal parts of appliances, such as compressors in refrigerators or heating elements in ovens, leading to costly repairs.

How Professional Movers Prevent These Issues —

They use proper lifting techniques to prevent injuries.

They place protective coverings on floors, walls, and doorways to avoid damage.

They secure appliances properly with straps, blankets, and dollies for safe transport.

Instead of risking injury or damage, hiring an appliance moving service ensures that your appliances —and your home —are protected.

3. Insurance Coverage for Protection

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a professional appliance moving company is the insurance coverage they provide. Unlike a DIY move, where any damage is your responsibility, professional movers offer financial protection in case of accidental damage.

Types of Insurance Protection Provided by Movers —

Basic Liability Coverage — Most moving companies include basic liability coverage, which compensates for any damage that occurs during transit.

Full Value Protection — Some companies offer full replacement coverage, meaning they will repair, replace, or reimburse you for any damaged appliance.

Cargo Insurance — If you're moving long-distance, this coverage protects your appliances against damage during transport in the moving truck.

Why Insurance Matters for Appliance Moving —

Protects High-Value Items — Large kitchen appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are expensive. Insurance coverage ensures you don't suffer financial losses if something goes wrong.

Covers Unexpected Accidents — Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Whether it's a bump in transit or an accidental drop, insurance gives you peace of mind.

Professional Accountability — A reputable moving company takes responsibility for the safety of your belongings, ensuring proper handling and reducing the risk of damage.

When hiring an appliance moving service, always check their insurance policy to ensure your appliances are fully protected during the move.

Trust the Experts for Safe Appliance Moving

Moving large kitchen appliances requires careful planning, the right equipment, and safe handling techniques. Whether you're relocating a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, or washing machine, professional appliance movers ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.

At Affordable Moving & Storage, we specialize in appliance moving services for homes and businesses. Our experienced team uses advanced kitchen appliance moving equipment and follows safe appliance moving techniques to protect your home and appliances during transport.

For expert assistance with moving heavy appliances, contact Affordable Moving & Storage today!

FAQs

How do I prepare my refrigerator for moving?

Defrost it 24 hours before moving, remove all contents, secure the doors, and keep it upright during transport.

Why should I hire professionals to move my kitchen appliances?

Professional appliance moving services use specialized equipment and techniques to prevent injuries and damage to your home and appliances.

How much does it cost to hire kitchen appliance movers?

Costs depend on the number of appliances, distance, and additional services like packing or storage. Contact Affordable Moving & Storage for a quote.

How do movers protect my kitchen appliances during transport?

Movers use moving blankets, straps, and appliance dollies to secure and protect appliances from damage.

Do movers handle commercial kitchen appliances?

Yes! Many appliance moving companies offer services for both residential and commercial kitchen equipment. Contact us for specialized moving solutions.