Do large appliances need to be stored in a climate controlled storage unit?

You may be faced with situations that make storing large appliances a necessity. Maybe you’re waiting for your new home to be completed or you’re doing a kitchen remodel. Storing large appliances can be daunting.  Finding enough space and the right space for them can be challenging. If your microwave, dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, and clothes washer and dryer need to be stored for a lengthy time, self-storage can be a useful solution.

However, you do need to be careful, or your appliances may end up as useless pieces of junk. Look for a reputable, secure self-storage facility that offers climate-controlled storage.  Here are some tips to help you prepare and store your appliances.

Preparing for the Move

1. To prevent freezing and mildew, remove water from hoses and internal components of clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
2. Clean appliances carefully, including lint filters, grids, or tubes.
3. Spray appliances for bugs and allow to dry prior to storage or relocation.
4. Clean and dry the interior of your refrigerator.  Drain water from the holding tank and plastic tubing.  Clean the defrost pan.
5. Keep refrigerators in an upright position during moving and storage to prevent damage to the refrigeration unit.  
6. During your move, use tape to keep refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven doors closed.  Once the appliance has been relocated, store with doors slightly open to prevent mold and/or mildew.
7. Appliances have finishes that can be easily scratched or dented and feature glass and fragile parts.  To prevent damage, securely wrap them in moving blankets, bubble wrap, or wrapping film.
8. If you’re storing numerous household items, load large appliances last so that they are stored first. This will place them at the back of the unit, allowing frequently used items to be stored in the front for easy access.

Storing your Large Appliances Safely

1. Look for climate-controlled storage, especially if you’re appliances will be stored in a location that experiences extreme temperature fluctuations.  Average temperatures of 50° to 80° F will protect your appliances from exposure to severe temperatures and preserve their electronic and mechanical components from rust and cracking.
2. Be sure to mark the glass panels as fragile in oven and microwave doors so that you avoid leaning heavy items against them.
3. Do not plug in appliances while in storage.
4. Do not store anything inside your appliances.  
5. Cover appliances with canvas tarps to prevent dust while still allowing for air circulation.

Preparing and storing your appliances properly is time consuming, but it will protect and preserve your belongings while giving you the security of knowing that they will be in the same condition when you pick them up.  You don’t need the frustration of discovering that you need to wash dishes by hand or go to the laundromat when you’re in the middle of a move or remodel. The adage about an “ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure” makes a lot of sense in this situation.   

See you next time for more tips on the benefits climate controlled storage units.