How to Pack Kitchen Appliances Safely for Moving

If you’ve moved house before, you’ll know that one of the trickiest rooms to pack is the kitchen. Besides all that pesky and priceless glassware, appliances like fridges, microwaves, and coffee machines can also be bulky, heavy, and often fragile. Knowing how to pack them properly can save you from costly damage, and make your move just that much less stressful.

Why Is Packing Kitchen Appliances So Important?

Kitchen appliances are expensive and annoyingly delicate. Even small bumps in transit can cause scratches, dents, or electrical issues. Proper appliance packing tips reduce the risk of:

• Internal damage from loose parts
  
  
• Broken glass panels or doors
  
  
• Scratched stainless steel surfaces
  
  
• Leaks or food residue creating mess during transport
  
  

What Should You Do Before Packing Kitchen Appliances?

Preparation is half the battle when moving appliances. Here’s what you should always do first:

• Clean and dry everything: Leftover crumbs, grease, or moisture can cause mould and odours during transport, and for months after you finish unpacking as well!
  
  
• Remove detachable parts: Shelves, trays, and blades should be packed separately in bubble wrap - particularly anything glass.
  
  
• Defrost freezers and fridges: Do this at least 24 hours before moving day to avoid ruining your carpet with leaks.
  
  
• Tape doors shut: Use painter’s tape or removalist-approved tape to keep lids and doors secure.
  
  

During one of our Melbourne moves, a customer forgot to defrost her freezer. The water ended up spilling over her carpet in another room - which she had already started cleaning! We always recommend defrosting fridges and freezers, because if you don’t, you’ll often end up paying the price for it!

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How Do You Pack Small Kitchen Appliances for a Move?

Appliances like kettles, toasters, blenders, and coffee machines are easier to handle but still need care.

• Wrap cords securely around the appliance and tape them down.
  
  
• Use bubble wrap or butcher’s paper for padding.
  
  
• Pack small appliances upright in sturdy boxes.
  
  
• Fill empty space with tea towels or newspaper to stop movement.
  
  

If you can, use original boxes – they’re designed to fit perfectly and will make packing 10 times easier.

How Do You Pack Large Appliances Like Fridges, Ovens, and Dishwashers?

Big appliances need a little more preparation:

• Fridges & Freezers: Defrost fully, dry, and clean inside. Tape doors shut, and keep upright during transport.
  
  
• Ovens & Microwaves: Remove glass trays and pack separately. Wrap the body in blankets or bubble wrap.
  
  
• Dishwashers & Washing Machines: Drain hoses, wipe dry, and secure cords. Keep hoses in a labelled bag taped to the appliance.

What Packing Materials Work Best for Appliances?

Get it right from the start - buying the right materials make all the difference:

• Double-walled moving boxes for small appliances
  
  
• Butcher’s paper or bubble wrap for extra protection
  
  
• Packing tape to secure doors and cords
  
  
• Moving blankets for large appliances
  
  
• Trolleys or straps for safe lifting and transport
  
  

Can Removalists Help with Preparing Kitchen Appliances?

Yes we can! We professional movers handle appliances every day - your biggest headache is our average Tuesday. At Jim’s Removals, our team:

• Brings moving blankets to protect your appliances from scratches, dents and marks.
  
  
• Comes well equipped with trolleys and dollies to handle the heavier appliances.
  
  
• Helps disassemble and reassemble parts when needed - including washing machine disconnection and reconnection.
  
  
• Ties appliances down safely in our trucks to prevent shifting during transit
  
  

For large items like fridges, ovens, or dishwashers, having trained removalists is often the safest option - not just for your appliances, but also your spine!

If packing appliances also feels like too much of a headache, feel free to reach out to our packing team, who will take care of the little stuff for you.

Final Checklist for Packing Kitchen Appliances

 ✅ Clean and dry all appliances
✅ Defrost fridge/freezer 24 hours before moving
✅ Remove shelves, trays, and fragile parts
✅ Wrap cords and tape doors shut
✅ Use padding and sturdy boxes for protection
✅ Label everything clearly for easy unpacking

Make Moving Appliances Stress-Free

Packing and moving appliances can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, it can be the easiest step in your moving preparation. From kettles to commercial fridges, careful wrapping and smart planning protect your investment and save time on moving day.

At Jim’s Removals, we provide expert moving appliance services across Melbourne. Whether you’re moving one small washing machine or an entire house full of white goods, our team knows how to handle it safely.

Get a free quote today and let us take the stress out of moving your appliances.