You’ve done it. The boxes are packed, the tape gun is empty, and you're feeling pretty good. But then you see them, lurking in the corner. The two big, awkward lumps you've been ignoring: the fridge and the washing machine.
It’s so tempting to just unplug them and let the movers handle it. Trust me, that's a terrible idea.
A little bit of prep work is the secret sauce for a move without drama. It’s the difference between a fresh start and a swamp in the back of the moving truck. It’s also what the best removalists in Canberra are hoping you’ll do before they even ring the doorbell. Don't worry, I'll walk you through it. It's not so bad.
Seriously, Don't Skip This Part. Here's Why.
Thinking "what's the worst that could happen?" The answer: a whole lot. These things aren't just heavy, they're full of water, delicate parts, and a surprising capacity for chaos.
For your washer, the nightmare scenario is a slow leak from a hose you thought was empty. Or worse, the drum—that big metal basket—swinging around like a wrecking ball inside the machine on every bump. That’s a quick way to turn your washing machine into a very heavy, very sad metal box.
With the fridge, it's all about moisture. A freezer that isn't fully defrosted will weep water everywhere. And any dampness left inside when the doors are taped shut? You'll be greeted by a science experiment of mould and a truly epic bad smell at your new place. A few hours of work now saves you a world of pain later.
Let's Tame the Washing Machine First
Alright, let's wrestle this beast first. This is all about getting the water out and locking down that drum.
First, grab your gear. You don't need much: pliers, a bucket, some old towels (and trust me, there will be water), and those weird-looking bolts that came with the machine—the transit bolts.
Kill the power and water. Unplug it from the wall. Done. Now, pull the machine out and turn the water taps all the way off. Use your pliers to unscrew the hoses from the taps. Get your bucket ready, because they're still full of water.
Drain. Every. Last. Drop. This is the step everyone messes up. After you've drained the main hoses, find the little filter flap at the bottom-front of the machine. Put towels down, open it up, and slowly unscrew the cap. A surprising amount of gross, linty water will come out. Let it all drain before you put the cap back on.
The Transit Bolts. This is the game-changer. Remember those bolts? Their only job in life is to keep the drum from destroying itself during the move. Find the four holes on the back of the machine and screw them in tight. If you lost them, you can buy new ones online. Seriously. Don't skip this. It’s the most important thing you’ll do.
Once that’s done, give it a wipe, tape the cords to the back, and tape the door shut—but maybe leave a tiny crack for air. Job done.
Now, the Fridge. This One's a Slow Dance.
The fridge isn't hard, but it demands patience. The golden rule: start this 48 hours before moving day.
The Countdown Begins. Two days out, it's time for the great purge. Eat what you can, give away the rest. Once it's empty, unplug it and give the inside a good scrub with baking soda and water to kill any funky smells.
The Great Defrost. Prop the doors wide open. Put towels on the floor. And then… you wait. Let it melt and dry out naturally. Whatever you do, do not get impatient and attack the ice with a hairdryer or a screwdriver. I've seen the results. It's not pretty.
Lock it Down. After a day or two, it should be bone dry. The absolute best way to move it is to take all the glass shelves and drawers out and pack them separately. But if you can't, tape them down like you mean it. Use painter's tape so it doesn't leave gunk everywhere. Tape the cord to the back, tape the doors shut, and you're golden.
Going Interstate? Up Your Game.
Moving down the road is one thing. But a long haul, like with affordable interstate movers from Canberra to Melbourne, is a different beast entirely. The Hume Highway has more bumps than your suburban street.
For a long trip, give your fridge a full 72 hours to dry out if you can. And be extra liberal with that tape on the shelves and doors. A little extra prep is your best friend on a long journey.
Moving Day: Making the Pros' Job Easy
When the best removalists in Canberra show up and see you've done all this? You become their favourite client of the day. They can just wrap your appliances and get them on the truck, knowing there won't be any leaks or nasty surprises. It makes the whole day run smoother. And look, they're movers, not plumbers. They won't disconnect your water lines, so having it done is a must.
You've Arrived. Now What?
Okay, you're in the new place. Don't just plug everything in. Your fridge needs to chill out. Let it stand upright in its new spot for at least 4 hours. The oils in the compressor got sloshed around, and they need time to settle.
Plug it in too early and you could kill it. For good. And for the love of all that is holy: REMOVE THE TRANSIT BOLTS. Before you even look at the water hoses on your washing machine, take those bolts out. If you forget and run a cycle, the machine will shake itself to death. Once they're out, you're safe to hook it all up.
A Few Quick Questions...
1. How long does a fridge really need to be off?
Minimum 48 hours. No shortcuts. This is all about letting it defrost and completely dry out to prevent a mouldy, leaky mess.
2. I lost the transit bolts. Am I screwed?
Not at all! Just order a new set online from the manufacturer or an appliance parts shop. It's a cheap fix that prevents a very expensive problem.
3. Can I just lay my fridge down in the trailer?
Please don't. It's a great way to kill the compressor when the oil runs into the cooling lines. Keep it upright at all costs.
4. How long after moving until I can plug the fridge in?
Give it at least 4 hours standing upright in its final spot. Let the internal fluids settle. Be patient.
5. Will the movers disconnect my washer for me?
Nope. They're not plumbers, and their insurance doesn't cover it. That part's on you.
6. How do I get that weird smell out of the fridge before I move?
Baking soda and warm water. Wash it all down, then let it air out with the doors open for a couple of days while it defrosts.
7. Is it really that bad to move a washer without the bolts?
Yes. It's like playing Russian roulette with your machine's suspension. The drum will bounce around and likely break the whole system.
8. When can I do my first load of laundry?
As soon as you've taken the transit bolts out and hooked up the water. Just don't forget those bolts
