When getting ready to make a move, one of the biggest issues you’ll need to tackle is how to ship your appliances. Most times, appliances will stay with the house. However, in special situations you’ll want to take your appliances with you. So that means, you need to have an understanding of how to properly ship your appliances, to make sure that they get to their destination safe and sound. In this article we’ll give you a few tips on how to safely prepare your appliances for shipment, and how to choose the correct carrier for your appliances.
When it comes to appliances there are some general rules of thumb to follow when trying to prepare your items for shipment. For instance, you’ll want to make sure that all of your appliances are empty before doing any prep work to get ready for shipment. Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers, should be completely cleaned out. Also, make sure all hoses and water lines are disconnected. If you do not know how to do this, then call in a plumber or handyman that can help you get the job done.
Make sure your appliances are then thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom, inside and out. If your appliances are stainless steel or other delicate surfaces you’ll want to make sure they are protected from abrasion once the appliance has been disconnected and cleaned. A great way to do this is by using a foam product, such as propylene foam, to tape on to your appliance surface. Normally, you can obtain these packaging supplies at your local hardware store.
Other packaging supplies that you may want to use are boxes or crates. Even though this can get expensive, it may be worth the investment for your more expensive, high-end appliances. It’ll just ensure that they are further taken care of, and it will reduce the risk of damage during the move.
Also, make sure that you clearly label your appliances with the address they are being delivered too, before shipment. This can help guarantee that they will not get lost or misplaced during the move. It would do you well to apply a label protection tape over your labels, so that they will not get damaged or scuffed during the move.
The other thing you need to think about when shipping appliances is choosing the right carrier. Not all carriers are equal. You’ll want to make sure that you choose one who specializes in furniture and appliance transportation. After all, choosing a carrier that specializes in hazardous materials may not know how to handle your delicate glass top stove. Another aspect to keep in mind when choosing a carrier is by asking yourself the question, “Is the trucking company I chose familiar with the route my appliances will be taking?” If they are, this just means that your appliances are more likely to be delivered quickly and efficiently. Which equals a lower price and greater value.
Moving appliances doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. You just need to be aware of the different precautions you can take in order to ensure your appliances safety during transportation. By making sure your appliances are securely packaged and that you have a quality carrier, you can ensure your items are delivered safe and sound.
