Moving comes with a lot of decisions, both big and small, and figuring out what to do with your appliances can be one of the toughest. Whether it’s that trusty refrigerator, the washer and dryer you’ve had for years, or your range, the choice to move these big-ticket items can be a headache. The truth is, moving appliances isn’t as easy as just unplugging them and tossing them on the truck. It takes some planning, a little know-how, and sometimes professional help.

If you’re trying to decide whether to move your appliances or leave them behind, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for your move.

The Challenges of Moving Appliances

Moving appliances can be a big undertaking. Here are a few important challenges to consider before rolling up your sleeves.

Size and Weight

Appliances are heavy. They’re awkward to carry. And they often require tools, equipment, or a few extra hands to move safely. Even if you’re a seasoned DIY mover, wrangling your refrigerator or washing machine can quickly turn into a difficult (and potentially dangerous) task.

Prep Work Takes Time

You can’t just yank an appliance out of the wall and go. Before moving an appliance, there’s prep work involved. For example:

Refrigerators need to be emptied, cleaned, and defrosted at least 24 hours before moving.
Washing machines and dishwashers need to have hoses drained and secured.
If you’ve got gas appliances like stoves to disconnect, you might need a professional to make sure it’s done safely and correctly.

Potential for Damage

Without the right tools or techniques, it’s easy to damage appliances during a move. Dents, broken parts, or scratches can shorten their lifespan or hurt their resale value. Not to mention, your home might be at risk of water damage if you don’t disconnect and drain hoses or pipes correctly.

You Might Need Professional Assistance

Especially for things like gas stoves or oversized appliances, calling in a technician is often the wisest move. They can safely disconnect, secure, and prep everything to avoid any nasty surprises. Many moving companies (even full-service movers) can’t do this for you due to contract restrictions, so it's often up to you to handle this on your own or hire a technician.

Why Leaving Appliances Behind Can Make Sense

Now that you know the challenges, it’s fair to say that moving appliances isn’t always worth the hassle. Here’s why leaving them behind could actually be the better choice.

Cost Savings

Moving is already expensive, and heavy appliances can drive costs up even more if your movers charge by weight. Plus, you might need to hire technicians for prep work or moving equipment like dollies. Skipping all that is often easier on your wallet and your schedule.

Pro Tip: Go Mini's doesn’t charge by weight. You simply choose the right size container for your move, so if you’re moving a lot of heavy items, it can save you big-time compared to traditional movers.

Less Moving Stress

Moving is a lot to handle already. By leaving big appliances behind, you’re giving yourself one less thing to deal with on moving day. Trust us, it’s nice to have fewer headaches during an otherwise chaotic time.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Appliances don’t last forever, and older appliances can eat up a lot of energy, costing you more on utility bills. If your appliance is several years old or nearing the end of its lifespan, it might make sense to leave it behind and put the money toward an upgrade in your new home. Modern appliances can help you save on utility bills and come equipped with better features.

Pro Tip: As a general rule of thumb, refrigerators usually last 10-15 years, washing machines and dryers about 8-12 years, and dishwashers 9-10 years. Ovens or ranges can last 13-15 years, depending on the type. If your appliances are nearing the end of their ranges, it might be worth considering an upgrade rather than moving them.

It Can Help Sell Your Home

If you’re selling your home, leaving behind appliances like a refrigerator or washer/dryer can sweeten the deal for potential buyers. It’s one less thing they need to purchase, and it might even help you close a deal faster. Additionally, if you plan to take some appliances with you, talk to your REALTOR. In some states you’ll need to disclose that these items do not convey with the sale of the home.

Keep in mind, though, that leaving very outdated or poorly maintained appliances can actually bring down your home's value. In those cases, it’s probably best to donate them or get rid of them responsibly.

When Does Moving Appliances Make Sense?

There are times when taking your appliances is the right call. If they’re still in great condition, relatively new, or high-efficiency models, it makes sense to bring them with you. Appliances can be costly to replace, and if you invested in high-quality equipment, it’s worth holding on to them.

Moving appliances also makes sense if your new place doesn’t come with them. If the home or rental is missing the basics, like a fridge or washer, bringing yours could save you from a big purchase later on.

Tips for Moving Appliances Safely

If you decide to bring your appliances along, you’ll want to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips:

Call an Expert: For appliances that use gas or require special disconnections, definitely consider hiring a technician. It’s a small cost for the peace of mind that everything’s done safely.
Measure Twice, Move Once: Before moving day, measure your appliances and the doorways or staircases they’ll need to fit through. Moving day is not the time to find out that your fridge doesn’t fit through the door.
Use the Right Equipment: Equipment like appliance dollies, moving straps, and furniture pads can help prevent damage and make the process safer. Keep in mind that many appliances will need to be kept upright throughout the move to prevent damage.
Secure Cables and Parts: Tape down any loose parts like cords, hoses, or side panels to prevent them from shifting or breaking during transit.

Is Moving Appliances Really Worth It?

At the end of the day, moving your appliances isn’t always the smartest choice. For many people, leaving them behind is easier, saves money, and avoids extra stress. And for those of you tackling a DIY move, having one less heavy item to deal with can be a huge relief.

Make Your Move Simple with Go Mini's

If you’re planning your move and want an easy, reliable solution, Go Mini’s is here for you. Our portable storage containers give you the flexibility to pack and move at your own pace. And if you need help moving heavy appliances, Go Mini’s has partnered with College HUNKS to make it even simpler. With this partnership, you can get help with just what you need—no need to pay for a full-service move—saving you both time and money. Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or relocating nearby, we’ve got the tools to simplify the process.

Want to learn more? Get an instant quote from Go Mini’s today and see how we can help make your move smoother, stress-free, and completely on your terms.