Moving white goods seems like a daunting task. As a result, these items become heavy and bulky and generally difficult to maneuver when transporting. The most important thing you need to do so that white goods are not damaged while being transported is to protect them properly. It becomes much easier to move after the necessary actions for protection.
How Are White Goods Protected During Moving?
1- Get the Right Equipment and Materials
Moving transport parts and floor protection materials give the best results during transport. For this purpose, trolleys, rubber bands, moving pads and different transport devices can be used. You need to get the necessary equipment and quality packaging materials for transportation. Required transport materials usually include:
- A pair of scissors or a utility knife
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape
- Masking tape
- Wheeled furniture movers and platforms
- Conveyor belt
- Furniture blanket
- Furniture slider pads
2-Prepare Your Home Appliances to Be Transported
In order to properly protect white goods during transport, the devices need to be clean before packaging. A good cleaning provides:
- Unpleasant odors do not appear.
- Nothing that can damage white goods is left inside.
- When placing the product, clutter is avoided and time can be saved.
To make it even easier to protect your white goods, you should also:
- Remove any parts of the product that you can remove. Doing so will remove some of the weight. This will make loading and unloading easier.
- Especially do not put sharp parts (screws, etc.) into your white goods. These parts may scratch your white goods and damage the product.
Preparing the Washing Machine
- Empty all clothes in the washing machine.
- Clean the drum thoroughly.
- Then leave the door open and let the drum dry overnight.
Getting the Washing Machine Ready for Transport
- For safety reasons, disconnect the power supply from the mains before closing the water supply valve. The power supply is usually located at the back of the machine and is turned off by turning it clockwise.
- Disconnect the water hose (hoses depending on the model).
- Get an empty bucket and have it handy before you start, as you will need a bucket to hold the water that accumulates in the hose.
- Disconnect the supply hose from the valve, remembering to keep the hose upright to avoid spillage.
- Then pour the remaining water into the bucket to store the empty hose.
- Your machine should have transit bolts that hold the drum in place during transport. Consult the owner’s manual to determine exactly where it is and how to place it. Usually it is necessary to place these bolts on the back of the machine.
- Wrap your machine in furniture blankets to protect it in transit.
When installing your washing machine in your new home, be sure to adjust its feet as needed to make sure it’s stable and won’t move the next time you use it.
Preparing the Dishwasher
Preparing the dishwasher for transport requires some basic plumbing knowledge. In order to pack and protect the product, it is necessary to disconnect the plumbing. However, if you’re not sure how to do it, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Getting the Dishwasher Ready for Transport
Make sure there is no water left in the dishwasher. There is usually a relief valve inside or next to the machines. Afterwards:
- Remove everything from the machine, including the drawers.
- If possible, remove the cable and hose. Otherwise, use tape to secure them in place.
- Clean off any residue left on the product, then let it dry.
- Tape the doors with masking tape.
- Wrap the product in a blanket or bubble wrap.
Preparing the Refrigerator/Freezer
Preparing refrigerators and freezers for transport is not that difficult. Probably the biggest challenge you’ll run into here is defrosting and figuring out what to do with the food. Transporting food (even frozen) is never recommended, especially if you are moving long distances. It is necessary to pay attention to this in order not to encounter the smell of rotten food left in the refrigerator. The odor is often difficult to get rid of and damages the product. The refrigerator or freezer does not take long to defrost. Leaving the product to melt while in transit may damage other nearby items. Therefore, defrosting the refrigerator and getting rid of all food becomes mandatory before transport. Also, rotten food can attract all kinds of pests to the new home.
Getting the Refrigerator/Freezer Ready for Transport
After defrosting the fridge or freezer, the rest of the process is pretty simple:
- Make sure to completely empty and dry the device.
- Tape the appliance doors. Do not use duct tape for this. It may damage the device or leave a sticky residue that is a nightmare to clean. Use masking tape instead.
- If you can easily remove the cable, remove it. If it doesn’t come off, tape it so it doesn’t sway left or right.
- Wrap the device in 2 or 3 layers of bubble wrap or a blanket. You can use packing tape to fix it.
- Pack shelves and drawers separately. Use quality boxes, especially for glass shelves.
- Label the boxes for easier opening.
Preparing the Cooker and Oven and Getting it Ready for Transport
Cookers and ovens are difficult and dangerous to prepare. It is necessary to separate them from the gas network. If you don’t have experience with this, don’t risk it. Inhalation of the gas is harmful to health and can even lead to death. What you need to do after the products are disconnected from the mains:
- Thoroughly clean the product, including the pipes.
- Tape the covers and doors.
- Fix the cables and hoses.
- Wrap the product in bubble wrap or blankets.
3- Clean the Floor Completely
Most people don’t realize the importance of thoroughly cleaning their kitchen floor before they move in. Any dirt or debris on the floor can act as abrasive during movement. remains; not only does it permanently scratch the kitchen floor, it can get stuck under the appliance and scratch other floors it passes over during movement. Dirt becomes an obstacle to movement and makes it difficult to slide the device over the surface.
4- Protect Walls and Doors Before Moving
Just before moving, wrap your devices in strong, protective pads. Use rubber bands to wrap the pads around the devices. This protection; It helps protect not only your appliances but also your walls and doors from nicks, chips and dents.
When move white appliances, protecting is more than protecting. You also need to protect property and, more importantly, your health. Here are some general guidelines to help you do this:
- Be sure to protect the floors with moving blankets.
- Use the furniture sliders to easily move tools without damaging the floor.
5- Loading and Unloading
When move your white goods, it is important that they stand as upright as possible during transportation. Otherwise, serious damage may occur.
- Use wheeled platforms and movable belts to lift, transport, load and unload.
- When placing devices on a moving truck, place them in an upright position.
- Secure the devices with movable straps so that they do not bounce.