Whitegoods are often the most expensive—and sensitive—items in your home. While a solid oak table can take a bump, a washing machine with a loose drum or a fridge with an unsettled compressor can be ruined by a single pothole.

Many Australians assume that removalists will handle everything from unplugging the dishwasher to installing the new dryer. The reality is that for legal and safety reasons, much of the preparation falls on you.

Here is the definitive guide to preparing your whitegoods for the big move, so your expensive appliances arrive in working order.

1. The Washing Machine: Don’t Skip the Bolts

The washing machine is the most commonly damaged appliance during moves, and insurance claims are frequently denied because of one missing component: Transit Bolts.

What are Transit Bolts?

When you bought your front-loader, it came with 3 or 4 long metal bolts inserted in the back. These lock the drum in place so it doesn’t swing around during transport.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Find them: Check your laundry cupboards or the "junk drawer."
  • Install them: Insert them into the rear holes to lock the drum.
  • Lost them? You can buy universal transit bolts from appliance spares shops online, or ask your manufacturer. In a worst-case scenario, stuff the gap between the drum and the casing with towels or foam—but be warned, this is high-risk.

Drain the Hoses:

Disconnect the water inlet hoses and the drainage hose. Tilt the machine slightly to drain the remaining water into a bucket. If you skip this, that dirty water will leak all over the truck (and your mattress).

2. The Fridge & Freezer: Preparation is Key

Moving a fridge isn't just about heavy lifting; it's about chemistry. The cooling gas inside the compressor needs to be stable.

Before the Move (The 24-Hour Rule)

  • Empty it: Eat the perishables or give them to neighbours.
  • Defrost: Turn the unit off 24 hours prior. Place towels on the floor to catch the melting ice.
  • Dry it: Wipe the inside completely dry. If you leave moisture inside and shut the door for a 2-day interstate trip, you will open it to a wall of mould.
  • Secure shelves: Remove glass shelves or tape them down so they don't shatter.

After the Move (The Waiting Game)

When the fridge arrives at your new home, do not turn it on immediately.

  • The oil and gas in the compressor need time to settle back into place.
  • Wait time: Allow at least 4 hours for an upright move, or 12-24 hours if the fridge had to be laid on its side. Turning it on too early can burn out the motor.

3. Gas and Hard-Wired Appliances

This is where many movers get caught out.

Gas Ovens & BBQs:

Most removalists are not licensed gas fitters. They cannot legally disconnect a gas oven from the mains. You must hire a licensed plumber to cap the gas line before the removalists arrive.

  • Note: Gas bottles for BBQs cannot go on the truck at all (Dangerous Goods). You must transport these yourself.

Hard-Wired Appliances:

If your dishwasher or dryer is "hard-wired" into the wall (meaning there is no standard plug point), an electrician must disconnect it. A removalist will not touch exposed wires.

4. Televisions and Screens

While not technically "whitegoods," huge OLED/QLED screens are treated similarly due to their fragility.

  • Original Box is Best: Nothing protects a TV like the Styrofoam packing it came in.
  • No Box? You will need a heavy-duty "TV Carton" with foam inserts.
  • Upright Only: Never lay a large flat-screen TV flat. The vibrations can crack the internal glass panel. It must travel upright, strapped to the truck wall.

5. What Removalists Will and Won't Do

When you are comparing quotes, check the service inclusions carefully.

| Task | Standard Removalist | Full-Service Mover | | --- | --- | --- | | Move the appliance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Disconnect water hoses | ⚠️ Maybe (Ask first) | ✅ Yes | | Install transit bolts | ❌ No (Owner's job) | ⚠️ Sometimes | | Disconnect Gas/Electrical | ❌ No | ❌ No | | Reconnect at new house | ⚠️ Basic (Screw on hoses) | ✅ Yes (If simple) |

Pro Tip: If you need disconnection services, look for removalists who advertise "handyman services" or "valet unpacking," as they can often arrange tradespeople for you.