How long should I wait before plugging in a refrigerator after moving it?

If it stayed upright the whole time, a couple of hours is fine. But if it was laid on its side, even for a minute, wait 24 hours. No exceptions. This lets the compressor oil settle and can save you from a thousand-dollar repair.

Can I move my gas stove myself?

You can physically move it, but you should absolutely not disconnect or reconnect the gas line yourself. That's a job for a licensed plumber. A gas leak is incredibly dangerous. Don't take the risk.

What are shipping bolts for a washing machine and do I need them?

They're long bolts that lock the heavy drum in place. For any front-load washer, they are essential. Without them, the drum will slam around during the move and destroy the suspension. If you lost yours, buy new ones online; it's the best $30 you can spend.

How do I prevent water damage when disconnecting a washing machine?

Turn off the water valves completely. Get a bucket. Disconnect the hoses from the back of the washer first and drain them into the bucket. Then disconnect from the wall. Have a towel ready for the drips.

Moving Appliances Without Breaking Them (Or Your Back)

Quick Answer

Okay, so here's the quick and dirty on moving appliances. First, shut everything off. Power, water, gas—everything. Don't be a hero. For fridges and washers, drain 'em completely. Nobody wants a soggy moving truck. Secure everything that moves, inside and out; doors, drawers, the washing machine drum... use straps, tape, whatever it takes. For refrigerators, avoid laying them flat if possible; if necessary, consult the manufacturer's guidelines for proper orientation and allow adequate time for oil to settle before plugging in. Get a real appliance dolly. And for the love of god, if it's a gas stove, call a licensed plumber or gas technician. Seriously. Doing it yourself can save you a couple hundred bucks per appliance, but screw it up and you're buying a new one. Or worse, risking a serious safety hazard.

Moving Appliances Without Breaking Them (Or Your Back) visual diagram — Visual guide for diagnosing key fob issues

Common Symptoms

Appliance not functioning after move (e.g., refrigerator not cooling)

Visible damage to appliance exterior like dents and scratches

Loud, unusual noises from internal components (e.g., washing machine drum)

Water leaks from connection points after reconnection

Gas smell near a reconnected oven or stove

Appliance has no power, lights, or sound

Damage to home flooring or walls from the move

Personal injury during the moving process

Possible Causes

Improper disconnection of utilities, like water lines being ripped from walls or live electrical wires being exposed.

Failure to secure internal components, especially washing machine drums (without shipping bolts) and refrigerator compressors (by laying it down).

Incorrect moving and lifting techniques, such as not using an appliance dolly with straps, leading to drops and impacts.

Failure to properly drain water from washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerator water lines, causing leaks and messes.

Improper reconnection, like hand-tightening water hoses that later leak, or creating a dangerous gas leak at a stove connection.

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

Step 1

Stop and perform a visual inspection of the appliance exterior, power cord, and connection points for any obvious damage before plugging anything in.

Step 2

Check your home's breaker box to see if the appliance's circuit breaker has tripped. Verify the wall outlet has power by testing it with a working lamp.

Step 3

For refrigerators that were laid down, let them stand upright for at least 4-24 hours before plugging them in to allow compressor oil to settle.

Step 4

For washers and dishwashers, run a short, empty test cycle (e.g., 'Rinse & Spin') and watch all water connections for any signs of leaks.

Step 5

For gas stoves, perform a smell test first. If no gas is detected, apply soapy water to the gas connection and look for new bubbles forming, which indicates a leak.

Moving Appliances Without Breaking Them (Or Your Back) — Key fob troubleshooting and repair overview

DIY vs Professional Costs

Repair Type	DIY Cost	Professional Cost	Time Required
Disconnect & Prep (per appliance)	$20-50	$100 - $300	1-2 hours
Reconnect & Test (per appliance)	$10-60	$100 - $300	1-2 hours
Gas Stove Reconnection	Don't Do It	$150 - $500	1 hour
Full-Service Move (per appliance)	$100+	$250 - $700+	2-4 hours

Disconnect & Prep (per appliance)

DIY$20-50

Pro$100 - $300

Time1-2 hours

Reconnect & Test (per appliance)

DIY$10-60

Pro$100 - $300

Time1-2 hours

Gas Stove Reconnection

DIYDon't Do It

Pro$150 - $500

Time1 hour

Full-Service Move (per appliance)

DIY$100+

Pro$250 - $700+

Time2-4 hours

When to Call a Professional Appliance

If you are dealing with ANY gas appliance (stove, dryer). Disconnection and reconnection of gas lines must be done by a licensed professional.
When moving expensive built-in appliances like a Sub-Zero fridge or a wall oven, as they require special techniques to avoid damaging custom cabinetry.
If you are uncomfortable or unsure about any part of the process, especially anything involving plumbing or electrical connections.
If you don't own or want to rent the proper moving equipment, like an appliance dolly with straps and moving blankets.
If the appliance malfunctions, leaks, or makes strange noises after you have reconnected it and your basic troubleshooting hasn't worked.

Prevention Tips

Plan ahead: Start prepping the appliance 24-48 hours before the move, especially for defrosting refrigerators.
Drain all water from washers, dishwashers, and icemaker lines completely before moving.
Use shipping bolts to secure the drum on front-load washing machines to prevent suspension damage.
Tape all doors and drawers shut with painter's tape and remove loose internal items like glass shelves.
Use proper moving equipment, including a real appliance dolly with straps, and get a helper.
Protect your floors with cardboard, blankets, or furniture sliders to prevent scratches and gouges.
For refrigerators, keep them upright during transport. If you must lay it down, let it stand upright for 24 hours before plugging it in.

Moving Appliances Without Breaking Them (Or Your Back) professional repair detail — Professional key fob repair and programming

Frequently Asked Questions

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