Self Storage Tips for Washers, Dryers, and Kitchen Appliances

Whether you’re moving or remodeling your home, chances are you’ll need a space to store your household appliances.

If you need tips for properly storing your washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, or A/C unit, follow Access Self Storage’s helpful guide.

Step-by-Step Washer and Dryer Storage

Investing in a washer and dryer can be expensive. That’s why it’s so important to store them properly to keep them functioning well into the future. Discover our three simple steps for prepping your washer and dryer for storage below.

Step 1: Clean Your Washer and Dryer

Before moving your washer and dryer into storage, you’ll want to thoroughly clean and dry them to prevent any rusting.

Run a cleansing cycle through your washer. If some detergent sticks around, run the cycle again with four cups of vinegar on the hottest water setting. Be sure to give enough time for the washer to dry, and do a final check for moisture before storing it. Otherwise, you may leave your washer at risk of mildew.

To clean your dryer, remove the lint trap and clean it with water and soap. Next, purge the rest of the appliance of any dust, lint, or debris.

Step 2: Disconnect and Detach Your Washer and Dryer

Remove any parts of your washer or dryer that can be detached, such as the lint trap. Before disconnecting your washer or dryer, read the manufacturer’s instructions for a smooth process. You’ll need to turn off the water supply hoses and electricity breakers in order to disconnect both machines.

Step 3: Move and Store Your Washer and Dryer

 Before moving your washer and dryer, secure both doors and wrap the appliances in a sheet or blanket for protection. Once you secure the machines on a dolly, you are ready to move them into storage. Whether you are storing for short- or long-term, leave the doors open on the appliances to prevent moisture.

Refrigerator Storage Tips

Preparing a refrigerator for storage can be a complicated task, as it may be one of your largest appliances. Follow our three-step process below on how to be best prepared.

Step 1: Prep Your Refrigerator

Before you move your refrigerator into storage, it is important to prepare a week ahead of time by unplugging the appliance, removing all food, and placing a towel underneath to absorb the moisture from the freezer thawing.

Step 2: Clean Your Refrigerator

Once your refrigerator is unplugged and the freezer has had time to defrost, dry any extra moisture left behind. Clean all surfaces on the interior and exterior of the appliance all around.

Step 3: Move Your Refrigerator into Storage

 After you deep-clean your refrigerator, remove all drawers and shelves or securely tape them in place for the move. Be sure to keep your refrigerator upright to avoid damaging the coils. Finally, it’s crucial to properly position the refrigerator for storage. Keep it in an upright position with the doors open, so excess moisture doesn’t build up.

Tips for Stove Oven Storage

Stove ovens can be bulky and difficult to prepare for storage. Access Self Storage has tips to follow to make the process a bit easier.

Step 1: Measure Your Stove

 Before moving your stove oven into a storage unit, you’ll need to measure the appliance. This will prepare you for moving the appliance through your home and into your moving truck. Additionally, self storage units come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to find the space that works comfortably with you.

Step 2: How to Clean Your Stove

Cleaning your stove is key when you’re placing it in storage. If you leave crumbs, burned-on food and other debris on it, you could be setting yourself up for pest problems in storage.

When cleaning your stove, wipe down its top, sides, inside, and outside with a dry washcloth to remove any initial dried food or dust. To remove grease, combine equal parts of lemon juice and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Next, spray the mixture on the greasy areas of the stove, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then wipe it away with a wet cloth.

Step 3: Disconnecting Electric and Gas Stoves

To disconnect an electric stove, turn off the circuit breaker connected to the stove’s outlet, and then unplug it from the wall. If you own a gas stove, be sure to turn the gas line off completely before detaching the piping.

While detaching a stove is a relatively simple process, what matters most is your comfort level. If you feel more confident in hiring a professional, it’s always an option. 

Step 4: Move and Store Your Stove

During the moving process of your stove, be sure to secure all knobs with tape. Once your stove is ready to be stored, cover it in a blanket or sheet and keep it upright throughout the entire process.

How to Store an A/C Unit

Whether cooler weather is setting in or you’re moving to a new home, you may find yourself needing to store your portable A/C unit. Follow these three steps to get your A/C unit ready for storage until it’s time to use it again.

Step 1: Check Your A/C Unit for Any Issues

The first thing you will need to do is to check for any damage, such as cracks, dents, or moisture. Make sure it functions properly, too. If you find any issues with your unit, take it into a repair shop or fix it yourself before preparing it for storage. 

Step 2: Unplug and Wipe Down Your A/C Unit

After checking up on your unit, it is time to unplug and remove it. Once the A/C is removed, wipe down the entire unit. Be sure to remove the filter to properly clean it and allow it to dry before placing it back.

Step 3: Move and Store Your A/C Unit

To protect the compressor of your A/C, move and store it upright. Once it is in your storage unit, keep it secure in its original packaging, or wrap it in a garbage bag to protect from dust.

Why You Should Use Self Storage for Your Appliances

For any appliance that you have spent time and money on, your best storage option is a self storage unit. Storing an appliance in your garage, shed, or basement exposes it to uncontrolled temperatures, fluctuating humidity, and potentially, pests.

When you need long-term storage for your appliances, choose Access Self Storage. We offer a wide selection of secure, convenient storage solutions.

Minimize Risk of Storage-Related Damage with Climate Control

 Make your self storage unit even more convenient for appliance storage with climate control. A climate controlled storage unit provides a consistent environment for your appliances, shielding them from humidity and extreme temperatures in any season.

Find Your Appliance Storage Solution with Access Self Storage

 No matter the type of home appliance you need to store, you can find a wide range of storage solutions at Access Self Storage. Our storage experts are committed to making your self storage experience easier from move-in to move-out.

With top-notch security and moving assistance available, head to an Access Self Storage facility near you and find your unit today.