Moving Appliances
When planning the many important details of a move, be sure to properly prepare for the transportation of major appliances and other home furnishings. Depending upon the item, special precautions may be required. It’s your responsibility to take care of these preparations yourself, to hire an appropriate technician, or to request that the moving company make the arrangements for you at an additional charge.
SERVICING
“Servicing” means preparing appliances so they will safely withstand handling during transit or while in storage. This process can include bracing a washer tub, disconnecting an icemaker and capping off a gas line.
Moving companies do not:
- Disconnect appliances or reconnect them in the new residence (unless special arrangements have been made)
- Disconnect utilities
- Repair appliances
- Remove or install window air conditioners or television and radio antennas
- Perform wiring, plumbing, electrical or carpentry services
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SERVICING
The Appliance Service Company Representative
- Prepares the appliance for safe handling prior to transit and/or storage.
The Gas Company Service Representative
- Disconnects gas lines and caps the pipes.
The Moving Company
- Provides personnel for careful, efficient handling of appliances during a move. Every effort is made to ensure that appliances reach destination safely.
- Will, as requested and authorized by the owner, arrange for any servicing required. However, the moving company does not automatically assume this responsibility.
The Owner
- Assumes responsibility for having appliances properly serviced, both at origin and destination. It is best to have a reputable service representative prepare appliances for moving at least one day before they are to be loaded on the van.
- May authorize the moving company to arrange for appliance servicing. This is an accessorial or third-party service which will be added to the Bill of Lading as an additional cost or advanced charge.
Things-To-Do Checklist
- Begin to use up frozen foods or discuss transfer of frozen foods with your agent.
- Clean and thoroughly dry appliances in preparation for servicing and moving.
- Arrange for appliance servicing at origin and destination, or arrange for the moving company to take care of appliance servicing.
- Arrange for disconnection of gas lines and capping of pipes.
- Disconnect, coil and tie electrical cords where possible; fasten them securely to appliances and electronic equipment.
- Dismantle radio and/or television antennas if they are to be moved.
- Remove air conditioners from windows.