Moving Appliances Safely: Transit Bolts and Defrost Times
How to prepare a washing machine, fridge or freezer for a house move, including transit bolts, draining, defrost times and safe transport.
Appliances are heavy, awkward and surprisingly delicate. A washing machine moved without its transit bolts can have its drum and bearings damaged, and a fridge laid on its side can behave strangely for hours after. A little preparation protects your appliances and your floors.
Before moving day
Start a couple of days ahead. Disconnecting at the last minute is when mistakes happen.
- Empty every appliance of food, clothes and loose items.
- Remove removable shelves, drawers and trays and pack them separately.
- Take photographs of the connections before you disconnect them.
- Keep the manual, or look up the instructions online, for transit bolts and tilt guidance.
- Gather towels, bowls, tape and blankets.
Washing machines
Drain the machine
Run a short spin or use the drain filter to remove remaining water. Place a shallow tray under the filter and have towels ready. Drain the hoses as well, because trapped water leaks in the van.
Fit the transit bolts
If you kept the transit bolts from installation, fit them now. They hold the drum steady, protecting the suspension and bearings. If they are lost, the manufacturer may supply replacements, as they are usually specific to the model. Without them, the drum can swing and cause damage during transport.
Secure the cable and hoses
Tape the power cable and hoses to the machine, or put them inside the drum. Tape the door shut to avoid it flying open, using masking tape to protect the finish.
Dishwashers
Drain any remaining water through the filter, secure the racks and tape the door. Keep the machine upright, because water in the pump and sump can leak out of the wrong place if tilted.
Fridges and freezers
Defrost properly
Switch off and unplug at least 12 to 24 hours before moving, and longer for large freezers. Ice melts slowly, and a chest freezer full of ice can take a day or more. Place towels and trays to catch meltwater, and leave the door open so the interior can dry and not develop odours.
Transport upright where possible
Keep fridges and freezers upright. If a unit must be tilted or laid down, manufacturers often advise leaving it upright for a few hours afterwards, sometimes much longer, before switching on, so the oils settle. Check the manual and follow it. If it has been laid down, wait at least a few hours before plugging in.
Tape or remove doors
Tape the doors shut with soft tape and secure drawers. For large units, removing doors can help it through tight openings, but it should be done carefully.
Ovens, hobs and gas appliances
Do not disconnect gas appliances yourself. A Gas Safe registered engineer should disconnect and cap the supply, and reconnect and test at the new address. Electric ovens and hobs connected to a cooker circuit should be disconnected and reconnected by a registered electrician if hard-wired.
Moving and lifting safely
- Use a proper appliance trolley and straps.
- Get help. These appliances are heavy.
- Protect floors with cardboard or a blanket.
- Watch for stairs and narrow doorways. See our measuring guide for planning the route.
- If a move is awkward, use a removals firm or ask for offers through Compito.
At the new home
- Place the appliance and let it stand upright for the recommended time.
- Remove transit bolts again for a washing machine only after you have moved it into position.
- Connect water and waste. Our guide on plumbing in a washing machine shows the steps.
- Level the feet and test with a short cycle.
A worked example moving day timeline
Imagine moving on Saturday morning with a washing machine, dishwasher and fridge-freezer. On Thursday evening you use up the freezer contents and switch the freezer off. On Friday afternoon you towel the floor, wipe the interior and leave the doors ajar. Friday evening you drain the washing machine and dishwasher and fit transit bolts. Saturday you tape doors, strap each unit and load them last in and first out. At the new home, the fridge stands upright for several hours while you set up other things. This kind of timeline stops the stress of discovering a dripping freezer on moving morning.
Defrost time guide
| Appliance | Rough time before moving |
|---|---|
| Small fridge | A few hours |
| Upright fridge-freezer | 12 to 24 hours |
| Chest freezer, well iced | 24 to 48 hours |
These are loose figures, and ice thickness changes everything. If it is still wet, wait.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to drain hoses, so trapped water soaks the van.
- Laying a fridge on the wrong side, which manufacturers sometimes warn against.
- Switching a fridge on again straight after it is moved.
- Taping tape directly onto delicate finishes without protecting the surface.
- Moving without the model number, so the correct transit bolt size cannot be found.
Edge cases
- Rented homes: check the inventory so you know which appliances are yours to take.
- Flats: book lift use and protect communal areas.
- Built-in appliances: these often need the unit disconnected carefully and may be better left with the kitchen if sold with the property.
When to call a professional
Disconnecting gas appliances needs a Gas Safe registered engineer, and hard-wired cookers need a registered electrician. Water and power should always be isolated before you work behind any appliance.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait after moving a fridge?
Follow the manufacturer's guidance. If it travelled upright, a short wait is often enough, but if it was tilted or laid on its side, waiting several hours is common advice.
Do I really need the transit bolts?
Yes, for a washing machine. They protect the drum and bearings, and moving without them risks expensive damage.
Can I move a full freezer?
Better not. Food will thaw, and defrosting beforehand is the safer route. Plan to use up food or store it elsewhere.
What if I lost the manual?
Most manufacturers publish manuals online. Search by model number from the rating plate.
Can I leave the transit bolts out if I am only moving the machine a short distance?
For anything beyond sliding it a few centimetres, it is safest to fit them. Even a short trip can let the drum swing and damage the suspension.