How to Prepare Household Appliances for Storage

Scamper
August 17th, 2026

Whether you're moving, renovating, downsizing, or simply making more room at home, putting household appliances into a storage unit can be a great solution. But appliances shouldn't simply be unplugged and placed into storage.Moisture, leftover water, dirt, and improper packing can lead to odors, mildew, rust, and damage. Before moving your appliances into storage, take a little time to prepare them properly.Here’s how to prepare refrigerators and freezers, washers, dryers, vacuum cleaners, and carpet cleaners for storage.

1. Refrigerators & Freezers

Refrigerators and freezers require some of the most important preparation because they can trap moisture and develop unpleasant odors or mildew.Before storing:

Empty all food from the refrigerator and freezer.
Unplug the appliance well before moving it.
Allow the freezer to completely defrost.
Remove shelves and drawers and wash them thoroughly.
Clean the interior walls, shelves, drawers, and door seals.
Wipe everything dry and allow the appliance to air out.
Clean the exterior and remove dust from accessible coils and vents.
Secure shelves and drawers so they don't shift during transportation.
Keep the power cord secured against the appliance.

Storage Tip: Never store a refrigerator or freezer with the door tightly closed. Leave the door slightly open so air can circulate and help prevent trapped moisture, mold, mildew, and odors.Whenever possible, transport and store refrigerators and freezers upright.

2. Washing Machines

Even when a washing machine looks empty, water can remain inside hoses, pumps, and other components. Removing as much moisture as possible is especially important before long-term storage.Before storing:

Disconnect the washer from power.
Turn off the water supply.
Disconnect the hot and cold water hoses.
Drain as much remaining water as possible from the hoses and machine.
Clean the detergent and fabric softener dispensers.
Wipe down the drum, door, lid, and exterior.
Allow the washer to dry thoroughly before storage.
Clean and dry the hoses before packing them separately.
Secure the power cord and hoses for transportation.

Check your owner's manual for moving instructions. Some washing machines require shipping bolts or other transport hardware to keep the drum from moving and becoming damaged during transportation.Once in storage, consider leaving the washer door or lid slightly open to encourage airflow.

3. Dryers

Dryers don't contain the same amount of moisture as washing machines, but they still need some preparation.Before storing:

Unplug the dryer or properly disconnect its power source.
Clean the lint trap thoroughly.
Remove lint and debris from accessible areas.
Disconnect and clean the dryer vent hose.
Wipe down the drum and exterior.
Make sure the dryer is completely dry.
Secure the electrical cord and other loose components.

If you have a gas dryer, have the gas connection safely disconnected according to the manufacturer's instructions and applicable requirements.Avoid using the inside of your dryer as a storage box. Heavy or loose belongings placed inside could damage the drum or other components during transportation.

4. Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum cleaners are easy to overlook, but storing one full of dirt, dust, or pet hair can lead to unpleasant odors.Before storing:

Empty the vacuum bag or dust canister.
Clean or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
Remove hair and debris from the brush roll.
Check hoses and attachments for trapped debris.
Wipe down the exterior.
Allow washable components to dry completely before reinstalling them.
Wrap the cord neatly without pulling it too tightly.
Keep attachments together in a labeled bin or bag.

Store your vacuum upright when appropriate and avoid placing heavy boxes on top of it.

5. Carpet Cleaners

Carpet cleaners require extra attention because water and cleaning solution can remain inside the machine after use. Leaving liquid behind during storage can cause odors, residue, mildew, or damage.Before storing:

Empty the clean-water tank.
Empty the dirty-water recovery tank.
Dispose of leftover cleaning solution according to the product instructions.
Rinse the tanks thoroughly.
Clean brushes, nozzles, and removable parts.
Remove hair, carpet fibers, and debris.
Rinse hoses if recommended by the manufacturer.
Allow tanks, hoses, brushes, and other components to dry completely.
Reassemble the machine only after everything is dry.
Secure the cord and keep attachments together.

Never put a carpet cleaner into long-term storage immediately after using it. Give it plenty of time to dry first.

A Few Extra Appliance Storage Tips

No matter what type of appliance you're storing, remember these simple rules:Clean it. Dry it. Protect it.Appliances should be completely clean and dry before entering storage. When possible, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for moving and long-term storage requirements.Use breathable covers or moving blankets to help protect larger appliances from dust and scratches. Avoid tightly wrapping an appliance in plastic if there's any possibility that moisture could become trapped underneath.Keep appliances upright, avoid stacking heavy belongings on top of them, and leave enough room to access them without having to move half of your storage unit.If you're storing appliances for an extended period—especially in an area with extreme heat or humidity—consider whether a climate-controlled storage unit would provide better protection.

Prepare Now, Thank Yourself Later!

Your household appliances are an investment, and a little preparation can go a long way toward protecting them while they're not in use.By thoroughly cleaning, draining, drying, and properly positioning your appliances before storage, you'll make it much easier to get them back up and running when you need them again.Take the extra time before move-in day. When it's time to bring everything back home, you'll be glad you did! 📦🏠