Appliances

Appliances - Small (Blenders, Toasters, Etc)
What you will need:
Tape, Packing paper or your own towels and linens, Medium moving boxes.
Do not use packing peanuts or shredded packing paper, which could get into the machines and cause damage unless you wrap your appliances in a plastic bag first.
How to pack:
Group kitchen appliances, like blenders and toasters, or other small household appliances, like hand-held vacuums and telephones, two or three to a box. (Make sure they are clean.)
Make certain the bottom of the box is securely taped, then pad the bottom of the box with wadded packing paper (not shredded) or your towels and sheets. Put the appliances in and pad them well all around with packing material. Then put another layer of packing materials on top, seal the box, and mark it "Kitchen Appliances”.

Appliances - Medium (Microwave and Convection Ovens)
What you will need:
Tape, Packing paper, Medium to large sturdy moving box.
How to pack:
Clean well. Remove any trays, racks or pots, pack and label separately. Coil the cords and fasten to each appliance. Securely tape the bottom of the box then pad the bottom of the box inside with wadded packing paper. Place the appliance into the middle of the box and fill in all of the empty space around and on top of it with wadded packing paper. Securely seal the top of the box.
Mark all sides of the box with bold arrows pointing upward and label it “Fragile – Microwave”.

Appliances - Big (Washers, Dryers, Dishwashers, Air conditioners and Refrigerators)
Before you pack any of these appliances read your users manual for each appliance to make certain there are not more special moving preparations you will need to make. Also consider servicing all your appliances a week or two before you move especially if this has not been done in a while.
What you will need:
Tape, Large pads, Rope, Your towels and linens, clothes and stuffed animals for washing machines.
Washing Machine
Do all your wash a couple of days before you are ready to move. Drain all the water out of the washer. If possible, tip it sideways to empty out any remaining water from the water hose. Dry the interior completely with a towel. Take out all accessories and fittings and put them in a plastic bag. Stuff towels between the washing machine sides and the tub to keep the tub from rotating. Fill the basket with clothes, linens, and stuffed animals. Tape the lid and electrical cord down, then tie a large pad around the outside.
Dryer
Disconnect the exhaust hose from the back of the dryer and from the exhaust duct in the wall. Loosely roll the hose and place it in the dryer basket. Tape the lint screen, electrical cord, and dryer door down. Tie a large pad around the outside of the dryer.
Refrigerator
One day before moving, empty out the contents and defrost. Never transport perishable food. Empty the drainage pan underneath and disconnect and drain out your automatic ice maker. Clean the walls, drawers, and shelves. Some refrigerators have leveling rollers, which are wheels that raise and lower each corner of the refrigerator so it is even. Check your manual to see whether you should raise or lower them for the move. Wrap shelves (especially if they are glass) and tape them together. Tape down all other loose parts, including the drawers on the inside and the electrical cord and doors on the outside. Tie a large pad around the outside of the refrigerator.
Stove
Clean the oven and stovetop. Place all oven racks on the bottom rung and tape down. Tape down the burners and the protective pans under each burner. Tape the electrical cord and door to the stove (lock the door, if you can). Tie a large pad around the outside of the stove.
Dishwasher
Remove all dishes and tape down the racks and silverware basket. See your manual for removing and draining the water hook-up. Close, lock and tape the door shut. Tape the hose and cord to the dishwasher. Tie a large pad around the outside of the dishwasher.
Air Conditioner
If your air conditioner is in use, shut if off the day before so the coils can dry and cool off. Remove and clean or replace the filter. Tape the cord to the side of the air conditioner (not the back, where the coils are). Use the original packing box, if you have it, or another large appliance box well padded with wadded packing paper. Do not use packing peanuts because they could get inside the air conditioner and cause problems later. If you do have a box securely tie two large pads around the air conditioner to protect the coils.