Moving Safety Tips

Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition, etc.

Drain fuel from mowers and other machinery, and discard partly used cans of oil, paint, thinner, or other substances that might leak.

Carefully tape and place in individual waterproof bags any jars of liquid you plan to take with you.

Refillable tanks must be purged and sealed by a local propane gas dealer. Discard nonrefillable tanks. Some carriers and the military do not permit shipment of any propane tanks. Check with your moving company first.

Have rugs and draperies cleaned. Leave both wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.

Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify the value. Avoid waxing or oiling wooden antiques and fine wood furniture prior to moving because some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.

Think twice before dismantling your outside TV antennae; a new one may cost less than moving the present one.

Third-party servicing will likely be needed before moving such items as hot tubs, large-screen TV's, and some exercise equipment.

Talk to your moving company about PRE and POST move servicing of washer, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, grandfather clock, satellite dish, etc.

Moving Appliances

AIR CONDITIONERS: Consult your authorized dealer or service man on your particular model. Some sealed units should be bolted down.
DRYERS (ELECTRIC OR GAS): Check with your service man. Motors may need to be checked and secured.
FREEZERS: These appliances must be completely defrosted one or two days prior to moving. They should be dried and aired to avoid musty odor. Safety of contents cannot be guaranteed, so it is best to empty your freezer and plan meal that will use up perishable contents. Check with your service man to be sure the motor is bolted, if necessary.
REFRIGERATORS: Defrost and thoroughly dry your refrigerator before moving. This is very important. The doors should be left open several hours to air after defrosting. All pans, trays, crispers, shelves, or removable parts should be removed and wrapped individually. Have your refrigerator serviced. The motor may have to be bolted down before moving. Do not plug it in at the new home until it has been unbolted.
SEWING MACHINES: The do not need special servicing for local moving. For long distance, the driver should stuff paper in and around the machine and place paper between the lid and base to prevent rubbing.
STOVES: Stoves must be disconnected prior to pickup. Be sure gas lines are shut tightly and capped. For electric ranges, removable coils (and all other removable parts) must be packed separately.
TELEVISION SETS: Some set require that the be checked before moving. Some color TV's must be service both before and after moving. Television antennas should be removed from roof tops and disassembled (if necessary).
WASHERS: Washers must be serviced by an authorized service man. Motors should be checked and secured, tumbler action protected and fastened in place.

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American Moving and Storage Association
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