How to Prepare your Appliances and Garage Items For storage.

• Appliances should be clean and dry with all moveable parts secured.
• Smaller appliances may be cleaned and then packed together in clearly marked boxes. Cushion with sufficient padding to keep movement to a minimum within the box.
• Tape electrical cords to the appliances to keep them from getting lost or tangled.
• Remove all knobs from appliances and put them in a zip lock bag, label the bag and tape it to the appliance.

Dishwashers These must have the water drained from the hoses and interior. Thoroughly clean and dry and wrap all moveable parts that could scratch the interior or be damaged themselves during moving.

Stove Make sure the stove is properly disconnected by a service man from the electrical or gas company. Clean thoroughly and pack away all the loose pieces found in the lower drawer. Remove broiler pan and racks. Secure burners, elements and trays with tape to prevent shifting.

Refrigerators and Freezers Defrost and clean at least 36 hours before moving and allow time to thoroughly dry. Secure door during move but keep door open slightly during storage to help prevent mildew. The inside may be used to store bulky lightweight items such as pillows and stuffed toys. Check with your manufacturer if you have a refrigerator with automatic ice and water capabilities in the door. You may need special instructions for storage and hooking up this type of refrigerator in your new home.

Electronic Equipment Computers, TVs stereos and VCR’s should be repacked in their original shipping containers with foam inserts. If these are no longer available, pack tightly with plenty of foam padding or bubble wrap. Remove all detachable cables and wiring. Label carefully for quick reinstallation. Carefully secure all moveable parts.

Lawn and Garage Items Drain all gasoline and oil from lawn mowers, weed eaters and other equipment. All batteries should be disconnected. Tie loose items like rakes and hoes together.

Sports Equipment Small sports items like balls, racquets and shoes can be easily packed in large boxes. Remember to protect racquets with covers or padding. Ski boots can go in one box and skis and poles should be tapped together and protected with large plastic bags. Affordable’s single size mattress bags work well for protection. Snow boards should also be wrapped to avoid scratches.

Bikes Clean and lubricate your bike before you pack it up. Then remove the pedals and seat and turn the handle bars in. Ideally bikes should be further dismantled and boxed to protect them during a move. If you do not box the bike make sure to drape plastic wrap on top of it while it is in storage. The plastic will keep the bike clean while in storage and help you avoid problems resulting from dust buildup.