How to Store Appliances in a Storage Unit?

Your appliances deserve special attention when they’re placed in storage. Why? Here are the quick facts:

• Appliances are expensive to repair (and replace).
• Store appliances instead of selling them, and you don’t have to buy new ones later.
• Store appliances the right way, and you won’t have to repair them later, either.
• Appliances get gross with use, so they need deep cleaning before storage.
• And before storage, they may also need minor disassembly.
• Importantly, you’ll need help from others for the loading, unloading, and transport.

Don’t be fooled by sturdy construction and manufacturer guarantees. Your appliances need special attention before they’re loaded into storage, and in some cases, they’ll need more prep than your other items.

• They’re more fragile than you think: Your fridge and stove are designed to be used every day, but a long period of just… sitting around… can cause problems. No matter how sturdy they look, they’re complicated machines.

• They could damage your other items: You’ll be keeping other stuff in your storage unit, including furniture and boxes. What happens if you don’t prep your appliances? Mold, mildew, and even pests - all of which can wreak havoc on your other belongings.

• They can be dangerous without proper prep: Hygiene aside, some appliances can be downright dangerous if you don’t properly store them. There could be residual gas in the lines, which is a serious fire hazard.

• They’re an investment: Your appliances should last for years. They’re expensive, hard to move, and pretty damn hard to live without. Protect your appliances like any other long-term investment, and you won’t have to pay for a replacement.
• Insurance claims may be denied: Every insurance claim is subject to scrutiny. If you willingly tossed a dangerously unprepared appliance into your storage unit, it could sabotage your claim and leave you empty-handed in the event of damage.

When you load your appliances into storage, make sure you’re avoiding these mistakes: 

• Don’t give mold a chance. Minimize moisture, and give moisture airflow so it can dry out. Leave an air gap between your items, and put silica packs in boxes, drawers, and anything else that holds dead air. If possible, out down some shipping pallets, first.

• Don’t lose your hardware. When you disassemble your items, make sure you’re not losing your nuts and bolts. Disconnect and disassemble appliances one-by-one. Put the hardware in a ziplock bag, and tape it to the appliance in question (ideally on the inside).

• Don’t try to move it solo. You’ll need help moving your appliances. We recommend booking professional movers - or at the very least, calling up trustworthy moving labor. Family and friends have a funny way of flaking out at the last minute.

• Don’t forget to clean. Clean everything thoroughly. You don’t want to invite pests into your storage unit, and you also don’t want to discover anything gross when you open the fridge for the first time in who knows how long.
• Don’t be rough with your stuff. Appliances are more fragile than you think. Try to wrap them carefully. And don’t try to lean appliances awkwardly or store them on their sides. Bubble wrap and furniture pads are your friends.

In a rush? Here’s our last-minute checklist for storing appliances.

• Clean everything. Inside and out. Disinfect and dry. Don’t give critters anything to snack on.
• Disconnect and dump. Disconnect hoses, clear the lines, dump out any water or gunk. Make sure the freezer is completely ice-free and dry.
• Secure hardware and accessories. Put hardware in plastic bags, and tape them to the appliances.
• Dehumidify. Dry thoroughly, and place a silica packet or two in your appliances. (Make sure you remove them before using your appliances again.
• Wrap. Use bubble wrap, furniture pads, and packing paper to protect your appliances.
• Transport. Get assistance for the loading and unloading. Don’t try to lift appliances by yourself.
• Store with an air gap. Keep an inch or two of space between your items, and keep a similar gap between your stuff and the walls of the storage unit.

Storing appliances comes with its own set of rules and best practices. But when it comes to finding your secure storage in the first place, it’s a lot simpler. At iMoving, our online marketplace has over 1000 vetted and verified moving pros - and direct access to some of the best storage in the business.

Whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term storage, we’ve got you covered. Tell us more about what you’re looking for, and book a secure storage unit today.