Appliances are the most expensive items in your move. Each has specific preparation rules — skip them and you risk compressor damage, water damage, or warranty void. This guide is written for Indian customers planning a household, office or vehicle move in 2026. We've kept the language simple and the advice practical — based on real moves PackersBazaar.in has helped coordinate across 800+ cities.
Refrigerator Step 1: Empty completely 24h before move. Step 2: Defrost freezer (water in plastic tray). Step 3: Clean interior, dry thoroughly. Step 4: Disconnect, leave door slightly open to prevent mold. Step 5: Transport upright. Step 6: After delivery, WAIT 6 HOURS before powering on (compressor oil settles). Washing machine (top load and front load) Empty all water from hoses (drain plug). Front-load: insert transit bolts (came with machine — find them) to lock drum. Disconnect hoses, wrap in plastic bag. Wrap entire machine in bubble wrap. Upright transport only. AC (window and split) Hire an AC technician (₹500–₹1,500) for proper uninstall. Gas needs to be evacuated and refilled. Wall holes need patching. Outdoor unit transported separately wrapped. Avoid DIY uninstall — voids warranty and risks gas leak. TV and home theatre Photograph cable connections before unplugging. Original box ideal — otherwise bubble wrap + flat-pack box. Transport vertically (like a poster), never flat. LED/OLED screens crack easily under stacking pressure. Microwave Remove glass turntable, wrap separately. Wrap unit body in bubble wrap. Box with corner padding. Keep upright, don't stack heavy items on top. Geyser Drain water fully (open inlet valve). Disconnect electrical and plumbing. Mark which is inlet/outlet pipe. Plumber needed for reinstallation (₹400–₹800). Inverter battery Drain completely. Cap terminals to prevent shorts. Battery wrapped in plastic (acid leak risk). Transport upright separately from main inverter unit. Conclusion A successful move comes down to three things: planning early, hiring verified movers, and asking the right questions before signing. Use this guide as a starting point and ask our team for free, personalised quotes.
Get verified moving quotes PackersBazaar.in lists only GST-registered, IBA-certified packers and movers across India. Compare 4 free quotes within 30 minutes — no commission, no spam.