Prepare appliances and bulky furniture before the removal team arrives, and agree who is responsible for any disconnection, dismantling and specialist work. The right steps depend on the item: use the instructions for its exact make and model rather than a general shortcut.
This checklist covers what to organise, what to tell your movers and what should be ready for collection. If an appliance is staying behind, mark it clearly on your inventory.
Start with an appliance and furniture list
- List each item being moved, including integrated appliances, large cabinets and furniture that may need dismantling.
- Record make and model numbers and find the manufacturers’ transport instructions.
- Measure large items and the route out of your property, including doors, stairs and lifts.
- Tell the removal team about disconnected services, leaks, damage or parts that are already loose.
- Agree separately any packing, disconnection, dismantling and reassembly work you need included.
Washing machines and other water-connected appliances
Arrange safe disconnection and draining in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are unsure how to isolate the supply, access connections or deal with an integrated appliance, use a qualified appliance professional. Tell the moving team if there is residual water or a connection problem.
Follow the transport instructions for your washing machine’s exact make and model. Where the manufacturer specifies transit bolts or other transport restraints, use the correct parts as directed. If they are missing, ask the manufacturer or a qualified appliance professional before moving the machine.
Bosch’s washing-machine moving guidance, for example, recommends replacing transit bolts for a house move. Check your own machine’s manual for its requirements, including the steps needed before it can be used again.
Keep detached hoses and small fittings together, labelled for the appliance. Ask the person preparing the machine to confirm it is ready for transport rather than assuming that an unplugged machine is ready to load.
Fridges and freezers
Plan how you will use up or transport the contents. Allow enough time for the defrosting, draining and drying required by the manufacturer; the timing varies by appliance and condition.
Follow the manual’s defrosting method. Do not improvise with scraping tools or heat to rush the process. Clean and dry the interior, then secure removable shelves and drawers as directed. Tell the team about water connections or an integrated installation that needs attention.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for transport position and the waiting period before switching the appliance back on. Do not assume the same restart time applies to every fridge or freezer.
Cookers, ovens and built-in appliances
Arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer qualified for the appliance to advise on and carry out the gas disconnection and reconnection needed for your move. Agree this in advance; do not assume it is included in a standard removals booking. Gas Safe Register’s guidance explains why gas work should be handled by a suitably qualified engineer.
For a hardwired electrical appliance, arrange appropriate professional disconnection and reconnection. Check how a built-in appliance will be released from its housing before moving day. A removal booking should make clear which tasks are included and which need a separate tradesperson.
Heavy furniture and awkward access
Send photographs and dimensions of large wardrobes, sofas, tables and other awkward pieces. Measure the narrow points on the route, not only the final doorway. Explain any turns on stairs, lift restrictions or long carrying distances.
Agree which furniture needs dismantling and who will do it. Keep fittings in labelled bags and retain assembly instructions. Empty drawers or cupboards as agreed with the team, and identify fragile surfaces or existing damage. Let the movers assess the handling and equipment needed; do not attempt a lift that you cannot manage safely.
Before collection
- Confirm appliances are prepared in accordance with their manuals and any specialist work is complete.
- Keep instructions, fittings and transport parts labelled and accessible.
- Clear the agreed route without obstructing exits or shared access.
- Confirm parking, loading and lift arrangements at both addresses.
- Explain which items need attention first at the new property and who will reconnect them.
When you request a removals quote, include the appliance list, access photographs and any preparation help you need. See our London removals service for the wider move, or our moving-home checklist for the remaining preparations.