Before moving day

Preparing appliances for moving

Before an appliance can be carried, establish whether it is simply plugged in or connected to gas, fixed wiring or plumbing. Arrange any required licensed trade work early and tell AA which appliances will be ready for transport.

Add appliances to your enquiry Open the moving checklist

Start with the connection

Do not assume the moving crew will disconnect it.

The appliance type alone does not tell you how it is connected.

Freestanding and plugged in

Check the manufacturer’s instructions before unplugging, draining, defrosting or moving. Keep cords, shelves, hoses and removable parts labelled with the appliance.

Gas connected

Arrange a licensed gasfitter where disconnection or relocation involves gas work. Do not attempt gas work yourself or treat a shut valve as confirmation that the appliance is ready to move.

Hardwired electrical

If the appliance is connected to fixed wiring rather than an ordinary plug, arrange an appropriately licensed electrical worker to disconnect and make it safe.

Connected to water or drainage

Check the installation and manufacturer’s instructions. If disconnection requires plumbing work or you are uncertain, engage a registered or licensed plumber for the relevant work.

Victorian gas safety

Use a licensed gasfitter for gas work.

Energy Safe Victoria says a licensed gasfitter must be used for installation, repairs or renovations involving gas work, including when gas appliances must be disconnected or relocated. It also warns people not to undertake gas work themselves.

Book the work before moving day so the appliance is safely disconnected and the property connection is left in the required condition. If it will be reconnected at the new address, arrange that work separately as well.

Read Energy Safe Victoria’s gasfitter guidance ↗

Electrical and plumbing work

Match the licence to the work.

Energy Safe Victoria describes licensed electrical workers who can perform disconnect and reconnect work on equipment connected to a fixed electrical installation. The Building and Plumbing Commission says plumbing work in Victoria must be carried out by a practitioner with the registration or licence relevant to that work.

Ask the tradesperson what certificate or record applies to the job and keep it with your moving paperwork. You can use the regulators’ public registers to check a practitioner before engaging them.

See Energy Safe Victoria’s electrical licence guidance ↗

Read the Victorian plumbing guidance ↗

Prepare each appliance

Use its manual, not a generic shortcut.

Fridge or freezer

Remove food and loose shelves, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for defrosting, drying, transport orientation and the waiting period before switching it on again.

Washing machine

Empty and drain it according to the manual. Keep hoses and any manufacturer-supplied transit bolts with the machine, and arrange qualified help if the water connection is not straightforward.

Dishwasher

Remove contents, follow the manual for draining and secure loose racks or parts. Confirm the water, drainage and electrical connections have been dealt with before the crew arrives.

Oven, cooktop or heater

Confirm whether it uses gas, a plug or fixed wiring. Connected units should be dealt with by the appropriate licensed trade before transport is discussed.

AA’s moving scope

Tell us what will be ready to carry.

This guide does not confirm that AA disconnects or reconnects gas, electrical or plumbing services. Unless your written quote says otherwise, arrange the appropriate trade and have the appliance disconnected, drained and ready before the moving crew arrives.

Include the appliance dimensions, access path and any stairs in the enquiry. Flag oversized refrigerators, commercial equipment and appliances that must remain upright so the handling can be assessed.

Check other items to separate

Common questions

Will the removalists disconnect my gas appliance?

Do not assume this is included. Gas work requires an appropriately licensed gasfitter in Victoria. Arrange it before moving day unless AA’s written scope specifically confirms another arrangement.

What about a hardwired oven or cooktop?

Arrange an appropriately licensed electrical worker to disconnect fixed electrical wiring and make it safe. A moving crew should not be treated as the electrical contractor.

When should appliances be disconnected?

Arrange trade work early enough for the appliance to be safely prepared before the moving crew arrives. Keep essential appliances in use only as long as the disconnection appointment allows.

Can AA move a fridge or washing machine?

List the appliance, dimensions, connections and access in your enquiry. AA can then assess the transport and handling scope after disconnection requirements are clear.

Before the truck arrives

Confirm the appliance is disconnected and ready.

Add it to your moving enquiry