Do Movers Move Appliances? Refrigerators, Washers, Dryers & More

If you're preparing for a move, you may be wondering whether professional movers will handle large appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and freezers.

In most cases, yes, movers can move household appliances. However, the appliances usually need to be properly disconnected and prepared before the moving crew arrives.

At On Demand Moving, we help customers throughout Southeast Michigan move appliances as part of full household moves, apartment moves, labor-only jobs, and individual-item moves.

Here is what you should know before moving your appliances.

Do Movers Move Refrigerators?

Yes. Refrigerators are one of the most common large appliances movers handle.

Before moving day, the refrigerator should normally be:

• Emptied of food

• Unplugged

• Defrosted if necessary

• Cleared of loose shelves and drawers

• Disconnected from any water line

• Dry inside

  
  

Water lines are especially important for refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers.

Having everything disconnected before the movers arrive helps prevent delays and allows the crew to focus on safely protecting and moving the refrigerator.

How Do Movers Protect a Refrigerator?

A refrigerator should be protected before being loaded onto the moving truck.

Depending on the appliance and situation, movers may use:

• Moving blankets

• Stretch wrap

• Appliance dollies

• Straps

• Floor protection

  
  

The appliance should be kept under control when going through doorways, over thresholds, and up or down ramps.

Large refrigerators can also be surprisingly heavy, especially newer French-door models.

If your refrigerator is unusually large or heavy, let your moving company know before moving day so the crew can arrive prepared.

Can Movers Move Washing Machines?

Yes, but washing machines should be disconnected before the movers arrive.

You should make sure:

• Water supply lines are disconnected

• Drain hoses are emptied

• The washer is unplugged

• Standing water has been drained

• The area around the washer is accessible

  
  

Some washing machines may also require shipping bolts or other manufacturer-recommended preparation before transportation.

Check your owner's manual if you're unsure.

Do Movers Move Dryers?

Dryers can also be moved, but they should be disconnected first.

Electric dryers are generally straightforward once unplugged.

Gas dryers require more caution. The gas supply should be properly disconnected before the moving crew handles the appliance.

If you're unsure how to safely disconnect a gas appliance, it is best to contact a qualified professional before moving day.

Will Movers Disconnect Appliances for You?

This depends on the moving company and the type of connection.

Many movers prefer appliances to already be disconnected because plumbing, gas, and electrical connections can create additional liability.

When requesting your quote, ask what needs to be completed before the crew arrives.

Preparing appliances ahead of time is one of several things you can do to make moving day run more efficiently.

For more tips, read our How to Prepare for Moving Day in Southeast Michigan guide.

Can Movers Move Appliances Up or Down Stairs?

Yes, depending on the appliance, staircase, and overall weight.

Appliances are often moved using an appliance dolly and straps.

However, stairs can significantly increase the difficulty of moving:

• Refrigerators

• Washers

• Dryers

• Freezers

• Large ranges

  
  

Tight turns, narrow staircases, railings, and low ceilings can also make appliance moves more complicated.

This is why it is important to mention stairs when requesting a moving estimate.

What About Chest Freezers and Upright Freezers?

Movers can usually handle both chest and upright freezers.

Like refrigerators, freezers should be emptied and defrosted beforehand.

Any remaining ice can melt during transportation, creating water inside the moving truck or at the customer's new home.

Ideally, prepare the freezer far enough in advance that it has time to completely defrost and dry.

Can Movers Handle Extra-Heavy Appliances?

Sometimes appliances are much heavier than they appear.

Commercial refrigerators, oversized refrigerators, professional ranges, and specialty equipment can weigh several hundred pounds.

These items may require:

• Additional movers

• Specialty dollies

• Extra straps

• A loading ramp

• Additional preparation

  
  

Always tell your moving company about unusually heavy items before the day of your move.

Providing accurate information helps the mover determine the appropriate crew size and equipment.

Should You Empty Your Refrigerator Before Moving?

Yes.

Food should generally be removed before movers transport a refrigerator or freezer.

Leaving food inside adds weight and allows items to move around while the appliance is being carried.

You should also remove or secure loose shelves, trays, and drawers.

Glass shelves deserve extra attention because they can break if they shift during transportation.

Moving Appliances During a Labor-Only Move

You can still hire movers to move appliances even if you are providing your own truck.

For example, if you rent a U-Haul or have a PODS container, professional movers can help:

• Remove appliances from your home

• Protect them

• Load them

• Secure them inside the truck or container

• Unload them at your destination

  
  

Learn more about labor-only moving if you already have transportation and only need help with the physical moving.

Does Moving Appliances Increase Moving Time?

It can.

A standard washer or dryer may not add much time to a typical move.

A large refrigerator located in a basement or upstairs, however, may take considerably longer than a small appliance located next to the front door.

Factors affecting appliance-moving time include:

• Weight

• Size

• Stairs

• Doorway width

• Distance to the moving truck

• Required protection

• Whether doors need to be removed

• Tight turns

  
  

This is why providing an accurate inventory when requesting a moving quote is important.

If you're trying to estimate the overall cost of your move, check out our Southeast Michigan moving cost guide.

Moving Appliances in Southeast Michigan

On Demand Moving helps customers move refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers, furniture, boxes, and other household belongings throughout Southeast Michigan.

We serve customers in communities including Clinton, Manchester, Milan, Dundee, Tecumseh, Adrian, Ann Arbor, and surrounding areas.

Whether you are moving an entire household or simply need help moving a few heavy items, having an experienced moving crew can make appliance moving much easier.

Contact On Demand Moving today to request a quote for your upcoming move.