ROSSITER RELOCATION SERVICES

For questions or assistance, call us at (800) 272-0786

MOVING APPLIANCES

Moving appliances from one home to another requires know-how and a great deal of coordination.  A moving company will do all of the heavy work - the actual transporting of your appliances from your home into the van and then safely out of the van into your new residence.  However, the preparation of major appliances and other home furnishings is an important activity for you to schedule.

You can depend on Rossiter Relocation Services for knowledge and experience in helping you prepare for your move.  We'll be happy to assist you, answer your questions and work closely with you to make your relocation as effortless as possible.  We're glad to be of service.

When planning the many important details of a move, be sure to properly prepare for the transportation of major appliances and other home furnishings.  Depending upon the item, special
precautions may be required.  It's your responsibility to take care of these preparations yourself, to hire an appropriate technician or to request that the moving company make the arrangements for you at an additional charge.

Servicing

"Servicing" means preparing appliances so they will safely withstand handling during transit or while in storage.  This process can include bracing a washer tub, disconnecting an ice maker and capping off a gas line.

Moving companies do not:

• Disconnect appliances or reconnect them in the new residence.

• Disconnect utilities.

• Repair appliances.

• Remove or install window air conditioners or television and radio antennas.

• Perform wiring, plumbing, electrical or carpentry services.

Responsibility for Servicing

The Appliance Service Company Representative

• Prepares the appliances for safe handling prior to transit and/or storage.

The Gas Company Service Representative

• Disconnects gas lines and caps the pipes.

The Moving Company

• Provides personnel for careful, efficient handling of appliances during a move.  Every effort is made to ensure that appliances reach destination safely.

• Will, as requested and authorized by the owner, arrange for any servicing required.  However, the moving company does not automatically assume this responsibility.

The Owner

• Assumes responsibility for having appliances properly serviced, both at origin and destination.  It is best to have a reputable service representative prepare appliances for moving at least one day before they are to be loaded on the van.

• May authorize the moving company to arrange for appliance servicing.  This is an accessorial or third-party service which will be added to the Bill of Lading as an additional cost or advanced charge.

Preparation of Major Appliances

Cleaning Is Important

Thorough cleaning and drying of appliances, particularly the refrigerator, freezer and range, are necessary.  This is especially important if they will be in storage for any length of time. 

Grease left on a range will turn rancid and gummy, catch dust and dirt, and leave spots on any items that touch it. 

In addition, the slightest bit of moisture in a warm, enclosed space is enough to cause the growth of mold and mildew, resulting in a musty odor and stains that may be impossible to remove.  United is not liable for damage caused by mold and mildew.

Cleaning instructions are included in the owner's manual which accompanies new appliances.  If no instructions are available, use a mild detergent solution.  Or, use a solution of three tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in a quart of warm water to which one tablespoon of vinegar has been added.  Do not use harsh abrasives that will scratch or mar finishes.  A soft cloth or vacuum cleaner will remove excess dust.  Soft rags make excellent drying and polishing cloths.

The following are general guidelines for cleaning and servicing major appliances.  If your owner's manual provides other directions, please follow them.

Dishwasher

In many cases, dishwashers are built in and are sold with the house.  However, if you will be moving your dishwasher with you, follow these helpful cleaning and servicing tips.

Cleaning - Wipe off the control panel with a dampened cloth.  An appliance polishing wax can be lightly applied to the cabinet finish.  The interior normally does not need cleaning unless you see a buildup of food or soap.  Leave the door open for several hours to ensure that the appliance is thoroughly dry.

Servicing - When moving a portable dishwasher, disconnect and drain the hoses.  Then wrap dry hoses with towels or packing paper and place inside the dishwasher.  You should protect the appliance from freezing.  You can do this yourself or contact the manufacturer's service technician.  The procedure should include:

• Shutting off the electric and water supplies.

• Disconnecting and draining the water inlet line and water valve.

• Sponging any remaining water from the bottom of the dishwasher (if applicable, removing any pump cover inside the appliance and wiping dry).

Automatic Washer

Cleaning - Use a soft cloth and appliance cleaner to wipe off the exterior.  On the inside, clean lint filter and tub with a soft dry cloth.  Leave the lid open so that any moisture will evaporate.

Servicing - Turn off water faucets, disconnect and drain hoses.  Wrap the metal connector ends of hoses in a towel and place inside the washer. 

To ensure the safe transport of your washer, it should be serviced to prevent swaying of the tub.  Ask us about inserting a "washer kit" or supplying you with one.  A washer kit is a plastic foam brace which is placed on top of the agitator.  The cost is nominal, especially for the protection it provides to your washer. 

Another alternative for securing the tub is tightening the appropriate hardware underneath the washer.  If this method is used, remember to reverse it at destination in order to operate the washer.  Check your owner's manual or with the manufacturer.

Regardless of the time of year you move, all water should be drained from the tub because shipments can travel through a variety of climates and terrain.

After your move, be sure to have the washer connected by a qualified installer.  The washer must be connected to the drain hose, as well as to the hot and cold water faucets.  To compensate for varying water pressure and as a preventive maintenance measure, replace your water supply hoses before connecting the washer at destination.

Dryer

Cleaning - Remove any debris from the lint screen with your fingers or a dry paper towel.  Do not use water on the screen.  Wipe off the exterior with an appliance cleaner and soft damp cloth.  Before cleaning the interior, unplug the dryer or turn off the electrical power to the appliance.  You can remove dust with a damp sponge.  If the dryer drum is discolored, try a mild liquid household cleaner or a paste of laundry detergent and warm water.  Rub the area until the discoloration is removed.  Wipe thoroughly.  Then reconnect to electricity and operate the dryer with a load of old rags to remove any soap residue and to thoroughly dry the drum.  Remove the rags when finished.

Servicing - Disconnect the electrical supply to the appliance.  For a gas dryer, the appliance should be disconnected and the gas line capped off before moving day by a qualified service technician.  See the section titled "Fire Hazards/Safety Tips" for possible dangers.

At destination, use a qualified installer who is familiar with requirements for gas and/or electricity, as well as the exhaust system.

Range

Cleaning - Wipe off the outer surface of the range with a mild detergent.  Detach and wash in hot soapy water any removable parts such as knobs, drip pans, grates, broiler pan and oven racks.  Plug-in coils for an electric range should not be immersed in water; spills on these units normally burn away as heated.  If your range top can be raised, clean the area underneath with hot soapy water.  Clean all removable items before packing day so they can be wrapped and placed in a carton or any storage compartment on the range. 

Before placing any chemicals inside your oven, determine if it is self-cleaning.  Be sure to follow guidelines listed in your owner's manual, or call the appliance manufacturer for information on your specific model.

Servicing - For a gas range, you should have it disconnected prior to moving day by a qualified service technician.  See the section titled "Fire Hazards/Safety Tips" for possible dangers.  At destination, you will need a qualified installer to check your gas supply, connect the range to the gas line, seal any openings, light the pilot and handle any other hook-up procedures. 

For an electric range, generally no servicing at origin is required.  However, when you reach destination, have your power supply checked for the correct electrical requirements.  Certain ranges, such as those with air-ventilated grills, vary on the voltage they require.

Refrigerator

Cleaning - Use a cloth and mild detergent to wipe off the exterior finish.  Before cleaning the interior, dispose of perishables and unplug the power cord.  Wash removable parts such as shelves and drawers with a mild detergent or in a solution of warm water and baking soda (about one tablespoon of baking soda to one quart of water).  Ice trays and ice storage bins should be washed in lukewarm water only.  Wash the interior walls and any non-removable parts with a mild detergent or baking soda solution; leave the door open for at least 24 hours, allowing all moisture to evaporate.  If your refrigerator is not a frost-free model, allow extra time to complete defrosting and drying. 

Secure all loose plastic parts.  Glass shelves should be removed, cleaned and carefully
packed in a carton for protection in transit. 

Double-check the butter and egg compartments; be sure the appliance is totally empty and scrupulously clean.  A refrigerator which is not cleaned before transit can develop an unpleasant, permanent odor, making the appliance unusable at destination. 

After cleaning, place some Reefer Sweet®, an odor and mildew preventative, in your refrigerator.

At the bottom of the refrigerator, remove the base covering and vacuum the condenser or compressor.  Empty and clean the evaporator pan; allow time for it to dry.

Servicing - Before moving, turn off the water and disconnect the water line if you have a cold water dispenser or automatic ice maker.  You should also empty the water reservoir.  If your refrigerator is an older model, you may need to have the motor or compressor bolted down.  However, the majority of refrigerators now are sealed units which do not require this service. 

At destination, do not operate the refrigerator for at least 24 hours after delivery. This allows the oil time to settle, preventing possible damage to the compressor.  Before using, ice makers and water dispensers must be connected to a water line.  Installation service or parts can be obtained from an authorized dealer for your appliance.  Copper tubing, a shut-off valve and fittings may be required.  Once your ice maker is in service, dispose of the first few batches of ice because of possible impurities from opening a water line.

Freezers and Frozen Foods

In the best interest of all concerned, tariff-regulated limitations have been placed on shipping frozen foods.  These limitations are based on years of experience in moving freezers and frozen foods; the tariff rules safeguard your health and your family's.

Ideally, freezers should be empty during a move for the following reasons:

• Home freezers were not designed to be used as shipping containers.  The weight of food during the move can crack plastic shelves or the molding inside the freezer.

• Frozen foods are highly perishable.  There is no way to ensure that the freezer temperature will remain at a safe level during transit.

• Vans have no electric power to keep freezers running, nor can a van operator stop along the route to connect a freezer to a power source.

• Regardless of the precautions taken, frozen foods will almost certainly deteriorate on a loaded household goods moving van.

• The lining and insulation of the freezer can absorb bad odors from spoiled food which may be impossible to eliminate and render the freezer unusable.

Tariff Regulations

It is strongly recommended that frozen food not be included in your shipment.  If frozen foods are to be included, tariff rules permit limited acceptance of frozen foods only when all of the following conditions are met:

1. The food is contained in a home freezer which is at normal frozen food temperature (zero degrees Fahrenheit or below) at the time of loading on the van.

2. The shipment is to be transported less than 150 miles and delivered within 24 hours from loading time.

3. Storage of the shipment is not required.

4. Use of electricity is not required.

General Information for Appliances

Most manufacturers caution against cleaning removable appliance parts, such as those from a range or refrigerator, in the dishwasher.  Most washing should be done by hand unless the part is marked as dishwasher-safe. 

Measure the dimensions of your appliances and plan where you want them placed in the new home.  Make certain the appliances will clear cabinets and fit into allotted spaces, and that the area you select can support their weight.

While planning the placement of appliances, you may also want to obtain additional protection for your floor.  For those appliances without rollers, you may want to have sheets of plywood or fiberboard cut for the areas where appliances will be placed.  This layer can help protect your floor covering in the future when you want to move an appliance for cleaning or servicing.

Avoid using tape on the outside finish of appliances which can leave a glue residue and, in some cases, mar the exterior.  In addition, cardboard should not be placed within the opening of an appliance door because it can spring the door when moving.

Please remember to have major appliances and other appropriate home furnishings prepared before moving day.  At your option, you can prepare items yourself or hire an appropriate technician.

After your appliance has been properly installed, you will probably need to level it by using the adjustable rollers or leveling legs.

Small Appliances

Small appliances do not require special servicing but should be cleaned before packing day.  Remember to empty any water from steam irons.

CAUTION:  Be sure to remove all water and moisture from the refrigerator, dishwasher or clothes washer before moving day.  Keep in mind that, depending on route of a van, the shipment could be
traveling through a cold, mountainous region where freezing temperatures could change water to ice and thus damage an appliance.

Equally important is that you not use appliances or other electronic equipment immediately upon arrival.  Allow items time to adjust to room temperature to prevent any internal damage.  To be on the safe side, do not use appliances or electronic equipment 24 hours before the move.  And do not use for at least 24 hours after delivery.

Fire Hazards/Safety Tips

For the disconnecting and installation of gas appliances, it is imperative to use a qualified technician such as a representative from your gas company.  If there is a gas leak, even the small flame of a pilot light combined with oxygen could create an explosion.  Should you smell gas at any time, extinguish any flames, call your gas supplier, open windows and be careful not to touch electrical switches.

Flammable substances and propane tanks can not be transported on the van.  This includes gasoline in lawn mowers, kerosene in portable heaters and propane used in barbecue grills.  Flammable liquids must be drained and disposed of appropriately.

When having your clothes dryer serviced or installed, you may want to request that the lint be removed from underneath.  Unless removed every two to three years, lint can build up inside the dryer and create a fire hazard.  Whether the dryer is electric or gas, the procedure should be done by a qualified person.

During the installation process, some manufacturers recommend using a flexible metal duct to connect the dryer to the exhaust hood.  A non-metallic flexible duct could be a fire hazard.

When you arrive at destination, turn on all the hot water faucets and allow them to run for several minutes.  This should be done before operating any electrical appliance which uses water.  Hydrogen gas can build up inside water heaters and pipes when hot water has not been used for several weeks or longer.  Running hot water will allow the flammable gas to escape. Be sure not to smoke or use an open flame at this time.

You may want to have your wall outlets and circuits checked by a qualified electrician to verify that they are properly grounded.  Improper connection of appliances can result in electrical shock and damage to the appliance.

Manufacturers recommend that you not use adapter plugs or extension cords due to possible safety hazards.

To help protect your major appliances, plug power cords into a surge protector designed for that type of appliance.  Surge protectors can prevent damage from a sudden increase in electrical current.

Other Items

Before the movers arrive, you should disconnect the following items from the power source and remove any accessories.  The suggestions below are general guidelines for preparing the items listed for shipment.  If your owner's manual provides other directions, please follow them.

Ceiling Fan/Chandelier - Hanging items must be taken down before moving day if they are to be included in the shipment.  Ceiling fans and chandeliers should be disconnected by a qualified electrician.  Contact an appliance or lighting supply store for help.  Depending on the size of the chandelier, it may require special crating.

Electronic Organ - If there is a separate pedal board, remove it from the organ and unhook any separate speakers so these items can be packed or blanket-wrapped.  Spinet-style organs usually require no special service.

Facsimile Machine - Remove the toner cartridge from the fax machine, which should be packed flat with plenty of packing material.  Do not store in excessive heat.

Grandfather Clock - This item is extremely sensitive and must be serviced at origin and destination by a qualified clockmaker.  The weights and pendulum should be removed, wrapped and packed in a carton.  These items should not remain inside the clock.  At destination, the weights and pendulum should be synchronized and the clock leveled by a qualified clockmaker. Click here (& scroll to bottom of page) for a list of 3rd party companies that can provide this service.

Home Computer - Back up all files on floppy disks and take these with you.  On some personal computers, you should secure the hard drive by using a "move" program on the reference diskette.  Check your reference diskette or manual to see if this is offered.  If you use your computer after executing the "move" program, you will need to run the program again before your relocation.  With newer computers, the hard drive is secured automatically when the computer is turned off.

Be sure to check your owner's manual or contact an authorized dealer for specific information on moving your model of computer.

Home Copier - Before moving, remove the paper tray and the dry ink cartridge.  The shipping pin, which keeps internal parts in place during transit, should be removed from the storage location on the document cover and placed according to the directions in your owner's manual.  Failure to replace the pin prior to shipping could cause damage to the copier.  Secure the document cover, exit tray and alternate paper tray before packing.

Hot Tub - Be sure to drain your hot tub before moving.  Some manufacturers recommend removing the heat pack, while others suggest leaving it attached to the shell.  Call a dealer or the manufacturer for information on your specific model. 

Microwave Oven - Any glass trays should be removed, wrapped and securely packed in a carton.  Your microwave can either be placed in its original carton, or the van operator can pad-wrap it on moving day.  Do not place cardboard in the door opening because it can spring the door when moving.

At destination, be sure not to block the exhaust vent when installing your microwave.  Some units should not be located near heat or steam because of possible damage to the electronic/mechanical parts.

Piano - United recommends that a qualified serviceman take care of the preparations for a grand piano.  This includes removing and packing the music rack, legs and lyre (foot pedal assembly).  Some securing of the hammers may be necessary.  Upright (spinet, console, studio) pianos usually do not require preparation in advance.  All pianos are pad-wrapped to protect the surface.  Due to the nature of a piano, it will probably be out of tune when you reach destination.  Having the piano tuned is your responsibility.

Pool Table - Disassembly and crating of a pool table should be performed by a third-party service.  If possible, contact the store where the pool table was purchased to obtain assistance.

At destination, you will need to make arrangements for the pool table to be uncrated, reassembled and leveled.

Printer - On a laser printer, the toner and any ink cartridges should be removed.  Carry the cartridges with you if your move occurs during hot weather.  On other types of printers, the print head should be secured, with preparation depending upon the model.

Satellite Dish - You should contact an electrician or a technician from a satellite dish distributorship for the disassembly and disconnection of this sensitive equipment.  Depending upon the construction and size of the dish, it may need to be crated, a service which we can provide.

However, before going to the expense of moving the dish, be sure that its installation at your new home will be allowed.  A building permit or electrical permit may be required.  You will also need to make arrangements for reassembly at destination.  For more information, ask for a copy of the leaflet "Moving Your Satellite Dish."

Stereo Equipment - Advance preparation is required for compact disc players and stereo turntables.  On compact disc players, secure the laser with transport screws located on the bottom or back of the unit.

Most turntable units have a plastic lock which should be used to hold the tone arm in place. For additional protection, you could tie a piece of string around the arm in case the lock does not hold.  Also, secure the platter (where the records are placed) by tightening the appropriate screws.  These are usually located on top of the turntable, but check your owner's manual if in doubt.

At destination, ready tone arm and platter for use.  Check your turntable after the equipment has adjusted to room temperature.  If the platter does not turn, the belt may have slipped off.  Lift the mat off of the platter and put the belt back into place.  This only applies if your turntable unit is operated by a belt drive, not direct drive. 

No servicing is required for a tape deck, receiver or speakers.  For more information on general preparation, see the section titled "Packing Items".

As with other electronic equipment, carefully plan the placement of these items at destination.  Provide proper ventilation.  Place on a hard surface.  Avoid placing equipment in direct sunlight which can cause internal components to overheat and wear out sooner.

Television - Be sure to have any outside antennas disconnected and taken down if they are to be included in your shipment. 

Call your local cable company to have any basic or pay channel service discontinued.  If you have a converter box, return the box and keep the receipt.  Contact the cable company at destination to receive service in your new home.

When choosing a location for your TV in the new home, place it on a hard surface at least 6 feet from your normal viewing position.  Most TVs should not be placed in an enclosed space unless proper ventilation is provided.

Videocassette Recorder - No special servicing is required to move a videocassette recorder.  When installing the recorder at destination, place on a hard surface, provide appropriate ventilation for openings in the unit and do not set objects on top of the unit.  In general, avoid placing a VCR on top of your television.  The magnetic field could possibly erase videotapes used in the recorder.

If your television or VCR has a remote control and United is packing your household goods, the remote will be packed, if possible, with the parent item.  If this isn't feasible, it will be placed in a separate box.  Or, you may choose to take it with you.

Waterbed - Have your waterbed drained and the frame disassembled prior to moving day.

Window Air Conditioner - Prior to moving day, a portable air conditioner should be unplugged and removed from the window.  Make sure the unit and the outside drain hose are free of condensation.

CAUTION:  As with major appliances, it is important that you not use your electronic equipment for 24 hours before loading and 24 hours after delivery.  This will allow the items time to adjust to room temperature, preventing any internal damage.

Manufacturers warn against overloading wall outlets and the use of extension cords.  Proper grounding is vital before using many items that operate on electricity.  If you will be using an outside antenna or cable TV system, be sure that each is grounded.  This will provide some protection for your electronic equipment from a voltage surge or built-up static.  You may also want to use a surge protector to prevent damage from lightning or the aforementioned factors.  Protectors can be used for electronic equipment, home computers and for a coaxial cable connected to your television.  Be sure to check the guarantee that comes with the protector.

Packing Items

Your van operator will wrap large items in furniture pads.  These can include a piano, electronic organ, waterbed frame, window air conditioner, grandfather clock, microwave oven, major appliances and large stereo speakers.  Depending on the construction, a hot tub will be either blanket-wrapped or crated.  Please remember that any special crating must be completed before moving day.  We can help determine any crating needs.

Smaller items, electronic and stereo equipment, and drained waterbed mattresses should be packed before moving day.  You can authorize us to do all of your packing or to handle only the sensitive and fragile items.  You will need to be present on packing day.

Before your electronic equipment is packed, you may want to identify cables and terminals to help facilitate reconnection.  Place a piece of tape on cables and above terminals, then label (such as A, B and C) so that they correspond. 

Avoid using any tape on the outside finish of equipment, which can leave a glue residue and, in some cases, mar the exterior.

If you still have the manufacturer's box and packing materials, these are ideal to use for your electronic equipment.  Packing materials can also be obtained from authorized dealers.  Request any materials you need about a month in advance in case they need to be ordered from the manufacturer.

However, if this is not possible, we can substitute appropriate cartons and packing materials.  For shipments moving during the summer months, it is best to take heat-sensitive items with you such as computer diskettes, record albums, cassette tapes and compact discs.

Things-To-Do Checklist

• Begin to use up frozen foods or discuss transfer of frozen foods with us.

• Clean and thoroughly dry appliances in preparation for servicing and moving.

• Arrange for appliance servicing at origin and destination, or arrange for the moving company to take care of appliance servicing.

• Arrange for disconnection of gas lines and capping of pipes.

• Disconnect, coil and tie electrical cords where possible; fasten them securely to appliances and electronic equipment.

• Dismantle radio and/or television antennas if they are to be moved.

• Remove air conditioners from windows.

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