How To Prepare Appliances for Self Storage
Whether you’ve purchased a new appliance, downsized, or moved, you may need somewhere to keep your appliances until you figure out what to do with them or where they will fit in your new space. However, transporting appliances to self storage can be difficult, as they are at an increased risk of getting damaged.
This article will explain how you can best prepare your appliances to be stored in self storage. And, if you require appliance storage of any size, Stor All has you covered.
Understand Your Appliances
The first step in preparing your appliance for self storage is to fully understand how your appliance works and the best ways to move it. Most appliances will come with manuals that advise on the best practices for moving your device and how the appliance functions. If you can’t find the manual for your appliance, many major companies allow you to look them up through their website.
Getting to know your appliance also alerts you to areas that could be damaged or destroyed. This will be useful when you move the machine to a storage unit.
Consider Inspection or Maintenance
Before you put your device in storage for an unspecified amount of time, it’s a good idea to have your appliance inspected by a professional. If there is something wrong with your appliance that goes untreated for even a short time, it could lead to long-term issues. You want to ensure your appliance is ready to use when you take it out of storage. Comprehensive appliance maintenance is the best way to ensure that.
Record the Items You Own
A detailed list of the appliances you plan on putting into storage is an important piece of information to have. Not only will this allow you to better visualize and map out where your items will go in storage, but it also comes in handy when you need to know what you have at home and what you have in storage.
Appliance-Specific Advice
Now that you know some general tips to prepare your devices for storage, we will dive into appliance-specific tips to make sure all your machines stay running smoothly. We will also discuss some kitchen storage ideas that will keep your devices in the best condition.
Freezer and Fridge Storage
- Defrost your freezer and fridge several days before moving them.
- Drain all liquid from your freezer and fridge (including ice trays).
- Detach all water hoses or lines and allow them to dry fully.
- Thoroughly wash and dry the inside and outside of your fridge or freezer.
- Remove all trays, drawers, and defrost pans (under the fridge) and clean them.
- Scrub the rubber door cushion, as mold likes to develop there.
- Dust or vacuum the coils.
- Seal the doors for transport.
- Cover your fridge or freezer with a breathable material to reduce damage and dust.
- Keep your fridge or freezer upright as much as possible during transportation.
Oven and Stove Storage
- Clean the interior and exterior thoroughly with mild soap.
- Remove all food debris, especially from drip pans on stovetops.
- Turn off the gas for gas stoves and detach the piping.
- Seek professional help if you’re unsure of how to do this.
- Unplug the electric stove.
- Tape the knobs for transport to reduce the risk of loosening them.
- Cover the appliance in a blanket to protect it from damage in transport.
Microwave Storage
- Remove the glass turntable, then clean the microwave inside and out.
- Be sure to scrub off stubborn food splatter.
- Place the microwave in its original packaging or a sturdy cardboard box once it’s dry.
- Pack in filler material like bubble wrap—to secure the microwave.
- Alternatively, tape the door shut and the cord to the side, then wrap it in a tarp or blanket for transport.
Dishwasher Storage
- Clean with mild soap or run a cycle with bleach or white vinegar instead of detergent.
- Allow enough time for your dishwasher to fully dry.
- Unplug your dishwasher to disconnect the hoses and clean them.
- Wrap the hoses in towels or newsprint to protect them once they’ve dried completely.
- A pro tip is to place the hoses inside the dishwasher for safekeeping.
- Tape the cords to the sides of the dishwasher.
- Cover your dishwasher with a towel or tarp for transit.
Kitchen Appliance Storage Ideas
- Securing items with tape during transit is essential to prevent your appliances from opening, but keeping doors propped or removing them altogether helps prevent moisture and mildew buildup. You can also put a fresh package of baking soda in your appliance to deter unwanted odors.
- Though it does come at a cost, climate-controlled storage is important for your devices’ mechanical and electrical units if you live somewhere that gets very hot or cold.
- Placing these devices in your moving truck last means they will be the first removed to be safely delivered to your storage unit.
- Be sure the power is off on all your appliances when storing them to keep them working properly.
- Store your devices along the walls and on top of pallets to keep them safe and secure at all times.
Store Your Appliances Conveniently With Stor All
Cleaning appliances thoroughly and bracing them securely for travel to and from your storage unit are two of the best tips to prepare your machines for storage. Keeping them in a climate-controlled storage unit can do wonders for improving the longevity of your household appliances, as well. Follow these tips to have the best chance of keeping your appliance in working condition while in storage, and check out Stor All for all your storage needs!