Now that you're moving to your dream home, take the right steps to protect your investments. Appliances may be some of the most expensive items you own. In preparing large appliances for a move, it is important that they be clean and dry to avoid the build up of mildew and mold. Here's your guide to pack smart and simply.
Make sure on your international move you take appliances special for 220v or take a convertor with you, otherwise your 110v appliances will not work on your destination county other then the US. Make sure also to check the Custom Regulation on your destination county in order to avoid any unnecessary duties.
When you buy appliances make sure to check with your store that they have appliances which has international insurance coverage like the big companies as General Electric, Panasonic, Sony, etc. otherwise appliances with no bran name my not have coverage at your country of destination.
If you choose taking appliances from your home by the convertors and follow the steps bellow.
The Dishwasher
Clean and dry it thoroughly. Disconnect and drain the hoses. Leave the door open for a few days prior to the move. Wrap dry hoses in towels and packing paper and place inside the dishwasher.
The Washing Machine
Clean and dry it thoroughly. Disconnect and drain the hoses.
o Wrap metal connector ends of hoses in a towel and place inside the washer.
o Secure the tub following the manufacturer's guidelines to prevent swaying.
Note: If you don't have the manufacturer’s guidelines, you can purchase a washer kit with a manual that provides instructions on how to secure the tub by tightening down the tub using screws. Or you can check on line on the manufacture webpage.
o Upon arrival to your new home, have the washer installed by a qualified installer.
The Clothes Dryer
Before cleaning, unplug or turn off the dryer from electrical power.
o Clean the lint screen.
o Prior to plugging in your electric dryer at your new residence, have your power supply checked for the correct electrical requirements.
o If you are moving a gas dryer, the appliance should be disconnected and the gas line capped off by a qualified technician. The driver and the crew members are not qualified to perform this service. Your professional estimator can make the arrangements for you.
The Stove/Oven
Clean thoroughly. Grease left on a stovetop will catch dust and dirt, and unfortunately, leave spots on anything that it touches. Detach all removable parts and pack safely in a box, clearly marked with the contents.
o If you are moving a gas range, it must be disconnected prior to moving day by a qualified service technician. The gas line must be properly secured also.
o If you have an electric range, generally no servicing at your present residence is required.
· When arriving at your new residence with your gas range, you will need a qualified gas installer to check your gas supply, connect the gas line, seal any openings, light the pilot and handle any other hook-up requirements.
The Refrigerator/Freezer
Dry out refrigerators and freezers, especially those that contain an icemaker and are scheduled to be serviced. Dispose of all perishables.
o Unplug the power cord and wash and dry all removable parts thoroughly.
o Allow the parts, including the interior of the refrigerator and freezer, to dry thoroughly to allow all moisture to evaporate.
o Pack all loose parts including bins and shelves in a secured, approved container.
o Vacuum the condenser or compressor.
o Empty and clean the evaporator pan; allow time for it to dry.
o Before moving, turn off the water and disconnect the water line if you have a cold water dispenser or automatic icemaker.
o Empty the water reservoir.
o If your refrigerator or freezer is an older model, you may have to have the compressor or motor bolted down.
o Have the icemaker and water dispenser connected to waterline by a professional.
o Know that copper tubing, a shut-off valve and fittings may be required.
Pls. note on moving refrigerators the following can take place, on some destinations the size of doors does not match your house at the other side of the world. Pls. note that professional movers will require detaching the door/s of the refrigerator in order to fit it into your new home. Pls. make a note that this may add some additional charges.
Microwave Oven
Remove any glass trays, wrap and securely pack them in a carton.
o The microwave can either be placed in its original box, if available and still in good shape, or a well-cushioned carton.
o If your microwave is large, ask your moving professional if it can be pad-wrapped on moving day.
o Do not place cardboard in the door opening because it can spring the door during transit.
o Take care not to block the exhaust vent when installing it at your new home.
TV/ VCR/ DVD
Note: the output broadcast must be for PAL for exporting our of the USA
When you purchase you broadcasting TV or DVD it should have the multi system function when the primary is PAL and not NSTC. Otherwise the broadcast will not show any picture.
Lamps
Small electrics like lamps do not need any convertors or 220v electricity, these types of appliances only need to change the cable or the lamp base.
Computers
Since 2000 99% of the computers have a switch in the back that converts the power plugged into the computer from 110v ~ 220v.
Make sure that you switch the power supply on your CPU prior you plug it in at your final destination. If you don’t this action may destroy the cricket or damage your computer.