How to Move a Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, or Stove: What Appliance Moving Actually Costs in 2026
Moving large appliances — refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and stoves — is the fastest way to gouge a hardwood floor, strip a doorframe, or throw out your back on moving day. Every appliance needs to be properly disconnected, drained, secured, and moved upright or at a specific angle, and the prep work starts days before the truck arrives. We've moved tens of thousands of appliances over 35 years, and the mistakes almost always happen in the 24 hours before the move — not during the move itself.
Why large appliances are a special problem on moving day
Appliances are heavy, awkward, and often tucked into tight spaces with water lines, gas lines, or 240-volt electrical connections still attached. A 600-pound side-by-side refrigerator moved without proper prep can scratch floors, crush toes, and damage the compressor if laid flat. A washer with water still in the drum can arrive at your new home smelling like a swamp — or leak on the truck and ruin everything else.
These aren't things you improvise. They require the right equipment (appliance dollies, furniture sliders, moving blankets, and straps) and a clear plan for each unit.
What does it cost to have movers handle large appliances?
Most full-service moving companies include standard appliance moving in their base rate — but disconnection, installation, and specialty handling usually cost extra. Here's what to expect:
| Appliance | Typical add-on cost (professional disconnect/reconnect) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $0–$75 to move; $50–$150 to disconnect/reconnect water line | Ice maker lines must be shut off and drained |
| Washer | $50–$100 to disconnect/reconnect | Drum must be secured with transit bolts |
| Dryer (electric) | $25–$75 to disconnect | Requires 240V outlet at destination |
| Dryer (gas) | $75–$150 to disconnect/reconnect | Gas lines need a licensed plumber in most states |
| Stove/range (gas) | $75–$200 to disconnect/reconnect | Gas shutoff required; often needs a licensed plumber |
| Stove/range (electric) | $25–$75 | 240V connection; often included in base move |
| Dishwasher | $75–$200 to disconnect/reinstall | Requires water line and drain line work |
These ranges vary by city. Appliance moves in Boston, San Francisco, or Chicago typically run 20–40% higher than national averages due to labor costs and elevator/stair complexity. If you're comparing quotes, our guide on how to read a moving quote and spot the red flags walks you through what's typically bundled vs. billed separately.
Refrigerator: The hardest appliance to move
How far in advance do you need to prep a refrigerator?
Start 24–48 hours before move day. A refrigerator that hasn't been emptied, defrosted, and dried will grow mold within days in a warm truck.
Steps:
- Empty and consume or donate all food 48 hours out.
- Shut off the ice maker and disconnect the water supply line at the wall valve.
- Let the ice maker drain fully and dry — leave it open overnight.
- Defrost the freezer completely. Place towels on the floor to catch water.
- Wipe all interior surfaces dry. Leave doors open overnight.
- Coil and tape the water line to the back of the unit.
- On move day: remove shelves and drawers, wrap them separately, and tape or rubber-band the doors shut.
Moving it safely
A refrigerator should be moved upright whenever possible. If it must be laid on its side — for a tight staircase or low-ceiling elevator — lay it on the compressor side (typically the right side when facing the fridge) and let it stand upright for at least 2–4 hours before plugging it in. The compressor oil needs time to settle back into the compressor.
Use an appliance dolly with straps. Protect your floors with moving blankets or furniture sliders under the feet before sliding it out.
Washer and dryer: The water and vibration problem
Washer prep (start 48 hours out)
- Run an empty rinse cycle to flush the drum and hoses.
- Shut off the hot and cold water supply valves behind the machine.
- Disconnect the supply hoses and let them drain into a bucket.
- Run a short spin cycle to remove remaining water from the drum.
- Pull out the drain hose from the standpipe and let it drain.
- Install transit bolts in the back of the washer drum. These shipping bolts lock the drum in place during transport and prevent the suspension from being destroyed. Most washers come with transit bolts — if you've lost yours, the manufacturer often sells replacements for $10–$30.
- Leave the door open overnight to dry the drum.
If transit bolts are missing and you move the washer anyway, the drum can slam against the cabinet walls during transport and destroy the suspension system — a $300–$600 repair. This is the single most common appliance-move mistake we see.
Dryer prep
- Electric dryer: Unplug from the 240V outlet. Disconnect the duct/vent hose and cap it. Wipe the drum dry.
- Gas dryer: Turn off the gas supply valve. Have a licensed plumber or gas fitter disconnect the gas line — in most states, this is legally required. Don't skip this step. Budget $75–$150 for the service call. Our post on moving hidden fees and surcharges covers why these trade-specific disconnects often show up as surprise charges.
Moving washers and dryers
Both units move upright on an appliance dolly. Strap them securely. Keep them separated in the truck — they can scratch each other. Tape the power cord and hoses to the back of each unit so they don't drag or snag.
Stove and range: Gas vs. electric
Electric range
- Unplug from the 240V outlet (or have the breaker shut off if hardwired).
- Remove all burner grates, drip pans, and oven racks — pack them separately.
- Clean the oven interior to prevent grease fires during transport.
- Tape the oven door shut with stretch wrap or painter's tape.
Gas range
Always have a licensed professional disconnect a gas range. This is not a DIY task. A missed shutoff or improper disconnect can cause a gas leak. In most states, plumbers or licensed gas fitters are required for any gas-line work. Budget $100–$200 for the disconnection; reconnection at your new home is a separate charge.
Before the movers arrive, make sure the shutoff valve behind or near the range is fully closed and that someone with credentials has confirmed the line is safe.
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Dishwasher: The most underestimated appliance
Most people forget to tell their movers they're taking the dishwasher — and then it becomes a frantic last-minute problem. If you're planning to take it, tell your moving company when you book.
A dishwasher is plumbed into a water supply line, a drain line, and an electrical connection (either a plug or hardwired). Disconnecting and reinstalling requires shutting off the water under the sink, removing the unit from its cabinet enclosure, and capping the lines. This is typically a plumber's job — plan for $75–$200 to disconnect and another $75–$200 to reinstall at the new place.
What to do the night before the move
- Confirm with your moving company which appliances are on the truck manifest and whether disconnect fees apply.
- Have all transit bolts installed, all doors taped, and all power cords coiled and secured.
- Clear a path from each appliance to the front door — measure doorway widths in advance. Standard refrigerators are 29–36 inches wide; standard interior doors are 32–36 inches. If it's close, your movers need to know now, not at 8 a.m. on move day.
- Protect floors with cardboard or moving blankets along the path.
Should you take large appliances at all?
This is worth a real conversation before you pack. In most cases:
- Older appliances (8+ years): The cost to disconnect, transport, and reinstall may exceed the appliance's value. A 12-year-old washer-dryer set might be worth $200–$400 on the used market; moving it can cost $150–$300 when you add labor and trade fees.
- New appliances (under 3 years): Almost always worth taking.
- Gas range: Disconnection and reconnection costs add up quickly. If your new home has electric hookups only, budget for a conversion or a new appliance.
Our guide to decluttering before a move has a practical framework for deciding what's worth the truck space and what to sell or donate.
Finding movers who specialize in appliance moves
Not every moving crew is trained for appliance work. Before you book, ask specifically:
- Do you carry appliance dollies and furniture sliders?
- Do you do water-line disconnections, or do I need to hire a plumber separately?
- Are transit bolts my responsibility or yours?
- Is appliance handling included in the base rate or billed separately?
You can find movers in your area on our directory and filter for companies that handle specialty and heavy items. If you're in a major metro like Chicago, Boston, or Miami, look for crews that specifically list appliance experience — elevator-building moves require different equipment and coordination than standard suburban homes.
For a broader sense of what your full move should cost before appliance fees are added, our 2026 US moving cost breakdown gives you realistic ranges by home size and distance.
Frequently asked questions
Can movers legally disconnect a gas appliance?
In most US states, disconnecting a gas line requires a licensed plumber or gas fitter. Moving companies are generally not licensed for gas work, so they'll move the appliance once it's disconnected — but disconnection itself needs a qualified tradesperson. Confirm requirements with your local utility or state contractor licensing board before move day.
Do I need transit bolts to move a front-load washer?
Yes, and this applies to most front-load washers. Without transit bolts locking the drum in place, the suspension can be badly damaged during transport — even on a smooth highway. Check your owner's manual for bolt locations and the correct bolt size, or contact the manufacturer. Many sell replacement bolt kits for $10–$30.
How long should a refrigerator sit before plugging in after a move?
If the refrigerator was moved upright the entire time, you can plug it in immediately. If it was on its side at any point, let it stand upright for at least 2 hours — 4 hours is safer — so the compressor oil can settle. Plugging it in too soon risks compressor damage.
Will my movers reinstall my appliances at the new home?
Most full-service movers will position appliances where you want them, but reinstallation — reconnecting water lines, plugging in 240V connections, and especially gas lines — is often billed separately or requires a licensed trade. Clarify this in writing before signing your contract. See our post on binding vs. non-binding moving estimates to understand what's typically included.
What's the safest way to move a refrigerator with French doors?
Tape or rubber-band both doors shut before the move. Remove all interior shelves, drawers, and bins and wrap them separately — loose interior parts can crack doors or damage hinges. Use an appliance dolly rated for the weight (most refrigerators run 200–400 lbs; side-by-sides can reach 500–600 lbs). A two-person crew is the minimum; three is safer for anything over 400 lbs or if stairs are involved.
How do I find a mover experienced with large appliances in my state?
Start by browsing movers by state on our directory to filter for companies in your area. Check verified mover reviews specifically for mentions of appliance handling — customers who've had good or bad appliance experiences almost always mention it. Our AI agent Robert can also help you narrow down companies that list appliance moving as a specialty.
Have questions about your specific appliances or move setup? Visit majesticmovingcompanies.com and chat with Robert — our AI moving advisor — to get pointed toward the right crew for your situation.
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