Awkward shapes and heavy weights make getting appliances out of your home and to their destination a difficult task. Washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more -- each comes with its own set of challenges. We’ll take you through general directions for preparing and shipping the most common home appliances, so you can avoid any costly mistakes that could end in buying a new appliance.
6 Tips for Shipping Home Appliances
Empty and clean the appliances. First things first, remove any items from the appliances. That includes food, shelves, drawers, racks, knobs, and any other contents that could be damaged during preparation or shipping. These items should be properly packed in durable boxes or containers using foam or bubble wrap. Once the appliance is clear, thoroughly wash it to avoid contamination from mold or mildew.
Disconnect water lines. Refrigerators, dishwashers, and any other appliance connected to a water source should be disconnected. If you’re uncomfortable disconnecting the appliance, plumbers are available, but at a cost.
Defrost refrigerators and freezers. Before shipping, refrigerators and freezers must be defrosted for at least 24 hours. Handling refrigerators and freezers requires delicate handling to prevent damage to the coils and coolant inside the appliances.
Tape all appliance doors shut. To make boxing and crating easiest, it’s important to tape the door shut on all appliances. This will make packing easier and prevent damage or potential injury. Do not pack any items inside the appliances. Use proper shipping boxes or crates. The weight and awkward shape of appliances makes boxing or crating them difficult. If you don’t have the proper equipment, or if you’re feeling uneasy about moving an appliance, do not proceed with the packing and shipping process without professional help.
If you are able to safely and effectively move an appliance, be sure that you’re using the right box, crate, or pallet to ship them. The box should be heavy-duty and a size that will prevent shifting during shipping. When packing, the exterior of some appliances, especially stainless steel, will need to be protected with propylene foam.
Find a reliable shipping partner. The best solution for shipping appliances is hiring a shipping company that’s capable of handling the process from beginning to end. The experts at Pak Mail have experience prepping, packing, crating, and shipping any of the heaviest and most awkward items, including all of your large home appliances.
Pak Mail can help you at any stage of the shipping process while offering the supplies, equipment, and reliable freight network that gets your appliances quickly and safely to their destination. If you have any questions about how to ship your appliances, or need the professionals at Pak Mail to ensure peace of mind, contact the Pak Mail location in your area.