Do You Take Appliances With You When You Move?

Many people view moving house as a great opportunity to take stock of their possessions, and often one of the most stressful parts of this process is deciding just what to take with you to your new home.

As appliances are so ingrained into our daily lives, it can be easy to forget that they too will need to be factored into your moving plans. But do you take appliances with you when you move? Or is it better to leave them behind and start afresh in your new home. There are a number of factors that should influence your decision, which we’ve explored below.

What does your inventory or property contract say?

Often, the choice of whether or not to take your appliances with you depends on whether you’re selling or renting the property.

If you’re moving out of a rented home, the appliances inside will typically belong to the property owner and, as such, you won’t be able to take them with you. However, if you’re unsure then you should check the inventory – this is a report provided at the start of a tenancy that details all of the fixtures and fittings – as this will clarify what is included in the rental agreement. Being clear on what belongs to who can help prevent any misunderstandings later down the line, so it might be best to give your landlord a call and discuss this with them.

If you’re selling your home, then you’re typically free to take all of the appliances with you. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, such as integrated appliances like a dishwasher or built-in oven; these are often considered to be fixtures rather than personal property and are typically expected to be left behind. This should all be detailed in the sale agreement, so check through this and see what has been agreed with the buyer.

How old are your appliances?

Moving into a new property represents a fresh start, so It’s important to carefully consider the age and condition of your appliances when deciding whether to move them to your new home. If you’ve had your white goods for a while and they’re looking worn or coming towards the end of their expected lifespan, it may not be worth the time, hassle and expense to take them with you.

Are your appliances compatible with your new home?

When you take a more detailed look at the property you’re moving into, you might discover that your existing appliances just aren’t suitable due to different layouts, electrical systems, plumbing connections, and more. For example, your fridge could be too big for your new kitchen or the plumbing system may not be compatible with the washing machine. Additionally, if your new property comes fully furnished or with built-in appliances, you may no longer need your old white goods and it could be more practical to sell or donate them.

How to safely move appliances

Given how bulky yet delicate appliances can be, careful planning will be required if you want to take them with you to your new home. Here are some of our top tips:

• Proper preparation: If you’re moving a fridge or freezer, this will need to be emptied, unplugged and defrosted at least 24 beforehand to prevent any leaks or mess. Certain appliances, such as your oven or washing machine, will also need to be properly disconnected from the gas or plumbing system.

• Measure and plan: It would be incredibly inconvenient to arrive at your new home and discover your appliances won’t fit, so take detailed measurements of the space to be sure.

• Hire professionals: By far the easiest way to safely move appliances is to hire a trusted removal company, like Simon Long Removals Gloucestershire. We can deal with all the heavy lifting and ensure your appliances are handled and transported with care.

• Use proper equipment: Most appliances are incredibly heavy and will need to be lifted with proper equipment, such as dollies or moving skates, to reduce the risk of injury and prevent any accidental damage. When you hire a reliable removal company, this doesn’t have to be a concern as they will move everything for you using the correct equipment.

If you’re moving house and want to take your appliances with you, get in touch with the team at Simon Long Removals Gloucestershire. Our BAR-accredited have years of experience and can transport even the heaviest of items with ease – simply get in touch with us today to find out more.