Appliance Removal Preparation Checklist

An appliance should be empty, safely disconnected, stable, and reachable before the removal window. The hauling crew should not have to guess whether a water line, gas line, or hard-wired connection is still live.

Confirm who handles disconnection

Ask before scheduling whether disconnection is included. Gas, hard-wired electrical, plumbing, and built-in installations may require a licensed professional. Shutoff and disconnection instructions vary by appliance and property. If you are uncertain, use the appropriate trade instead of pulling the unit away from the wall.

Empty and dry the unit

Remove food, ice, water, lint, detergent, racks, trays, and personal items. A refrigerator or freezer should be defrosted early enough to dry before movement. Secure loose doors, hoses, cords, shelves, and drums so they cannot swing or catch on the route.

Plan for weight and clearances

Measure the appliance at its widest and deepest points, including handles and control panels. Check floor transitions, stairs, and turns. Refrigerators should normally remain upright during handling. A washer may retain water in hoses or internal parts even after a cycle ends, so a protected floor path is useful.

Tell the pickup desk what kind of appliance it is

Refrigerant appliances can follow different recycling and fee rules from stoves, washers, or dryers. The City of Bothell notes that residents have special-item options for large appliances, with different treatment for refrigerant and non-refrigerant units. Check current city guidance if you are comparing self-haul or municipal pickup with private removal.

For inside pickup, share the checklist with the person arranging appliance removal in Bothell. Accurate details make the estimate and access plan more useful.