Whether you plan to put appliances in storage for a short while or long term, there is a right and wrong way to do so. Appliances are durable in the ‘real world,’ but in storage situations, they can be rather vulnerable to the elements. Extreme heat, cold, and moisture can compromise appliances in a variety of ways if improperly stored. Here are some tips for proper appliance storage.
Preparing Appliances for a Move
If you want to have appliances that are functional after a period in a storage facility, take these actions before loading them up.
- Clean the appliances thoroughly, taking time remove debris from tubes, filters, lint traps, etc.
- If planning a long-term storage period, consider applying a spray or bug repellent to keep pests away.
- Be sure to remove any hoses attached to washers, refrigerators and dryers and free them of water to prevent freezing and mildew.
- Run self-cleaning ovens through a deep cleaning cycle.
- Securely wrap appliances in furniture wrapping film, bubble wrap or moving blankets to prevent scratching or other damage.
With all of these tasks covered, it’s time to figure out the best way to safely store them.
Large Appliance Storage Tips
If you know for a fact that items will be in a self-storage unit long-term, go ahead and invest in a climate-controlled storage that will help prevent your expensive appliance from becoming worthless heaps of junk.
The average temps between 50 and 80-degrees ensure that electronic components will not be compromised in extreme weather. Here are a few more essential tips for appliance storage.
- Mark any glass or fragile panels so movers are aware of them even through wrapping.
- Never plug in any device in a storage unit.
- Don’t store items inside of appliances.
- Keep the refrigerator upright, with the doors slightly ajar to prevent mildew and mold.
- Cover appliances with tarps or canvas to keep dust off while permitting air circulation.
When putting appliances in storage, put them in the far back of the unit to allow for easier access to household items you may need to access first when moving into a new home.
