Adequately storing large appliances becomes especially important when moving, renovating, or freeing up space. This article outlines the best approaches to preparing, storing, and retrieving appliances safely.
Learn advanced techniques to protect your possessions and ensure that refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and other bulky items remain in good working condition throughout storage.
Proper preparation prevents damage, odours, and potential safety hazards:
Remove all food, residue, and dirt from your appliances. For refrigerators, defrost completely and clean with a mild antibacterial solution. For washing machines, run an empty cycle with vinegar to remove soap scum and deposits.
Pay special attention to kitchen appliances like ovens and microwaves – even small food particles can attract pests or cause odours during appliance storage.
Disconnect all appliances from power, water, and gas supplies. For water-using appliances:
For gas appliances, consider using professionals to help disconnect these appliances safely.
Prevent damage by securing movable components:
Once appliances are clean and dry, apply appropriate covers. Avoid airtight plastic wraps, as these trap moisture. Use breathable covers that protect from dust while allowing airflow.
We recommend specialised covers for both large and small appliances.
How you position appliances during storage impacts their overall condition:
Place refrigerators and freezers upright, never on their sides. Keep front-loading washing machines upright to prevent drum damage. Leave appliance doors slightly ajar to maintain airflow and prevent odours. If storing long-term, remove the doors completely for safety.
Our bulk storage solutions provide ample space to organise your appliances properly, freeing up valuable cupboard and kitchen space at home.
Temperature fluctuations damage appliance components. Climate-controlled storage units maintain consistent conditions that protect rubber seals, electronic components, and metal parts. Consider using elevated platforms or pallets to create a barrier between appliances and potential floor moisture.
Standard preparation is usually sufficient for short-term storage (1-3 months). For longer periods, use moisture absorbers inside appliances and choose climate-controlled units.
Retrieving appliances requires paying attention to the following:
Before reconnecting, check for pest evidence, moisture damage, and cord wear, and inspect seals for cracking.
Allow refrigerators to stand upright for 24 hours before plugging in. This gives compressor oil time to settle. Washing machines benefit from a similar rest period.
Wipe down all surfaces, run empty cycles in washing machines, and check filters. Test each appliance before regular use, checking for unusual noises or leaks.
Each appliance has unique storage requirements:
Remove shelving and drawers, leave doors slightly open with baking soda inside for odours, and store upright. Don’t forget to properly store small appliances that may have been inside, such as ice makers or water filters.
Install transit bolts if available and drain all water from hoses and filters.
Our student storage options provide the ideal temporary solution for students moving between accommodations.
Clean thoroughly to remove food particles, remove racks, and secure the door and knobs.
Don’t overlook smaller kitchen items like microwaves, blenders, and food processors. Remove glass components, wrap cords neatly, and store them in original boxes when possible to prevent clutter in your storage unit.
The storage environment has a direct impact on how well-preserved an appliance is:
Personal storage units provide secure options for homeowners wanting to reduce clutter. Businesses can benefit from business storage solutions designed for inventory storage. Quality storage units provide:
Choose a unit that allows space around appliances for air circulation. A 5×10 unit usually holds kitchen appliances from a small home, while a 10×10 unit fits a complete kitchen set and helps you better organise your belongings.
Professional storage preserves the functionality of appliances and extends their lifespan. Whether renovating, moving, or decluttering your kitchen cupboards, the right storage solution makes all the difference.
At Incredible Bulk, we understand the requirements for safely storing kitchen and household appliances. Our facilities offer clean units in various sizes for everything from small appliances to complete kitchen sets. We provide necessary supplies through our shop, including the necessary packing materials.
Contact us today to discover how our storage solutions can help protect your appliances while reducing home clutter.
If you any other questions, please feel free to call us or drop in for a chat.
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