A washing machine taking up half the kitchen during a renovation is more than an inconvenience. It can stop work, create a trip hazard and leave an expensive appliance exposed to dust or accidental damage. So, can storage hold appliances? Yes, provided the appliance is clean, dry, properly prepared and suited to the storage provider’s terms.
For many households, self storage is a practical place to keep white goods while moving, refurbishing a flat, letting a property or waiting for a new kitchen to be fitted. Small businesses can also use a unit for equipment, spare appliances or stock. The key is to prepare each item carefully before it goes into storage.
Can storage hold appliances safely?
Most self storage units can hold domestic appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, fridges, freezers, microwaves, cookers and small kitchen appliances. They are also useful for items such as fans, dehumidifiers, coffee machines and portable heaters when they are not needed for a season.
However, storage is not simply a case of unplugging an appliance and moving it straight into a unit. Appliances can contain water, food residue, grease, batteries or other materials that cause odours, leaks, mould or damage if left in place. They also tend to be heavy, so safe moving and sensible positioning matter.
Before booking, check what your chosen storage facility accepts. Self storage providers commonly restrict hazardous, flammable, perishable or illegal items. An appliance that has been emptied, cleaned and disconnected is generally straightforward to store. One containing fuel, leaking fluids or spoiled food is not.
Prepare appliances before storage
A little preparation protects the appliance and the belongings around it. Aim to complete this work at least a day or two before moving day, especially for fridges and freezers that need time to defrost and dry fully.
Disconnect and empty every appliance
Start by switching the appliance off at the mains and disconnecting it safely. Remove detachable hoses, trays, shelves and accessories where possible, keeping them together in a labelled bag or box. Secure the bag to the appliance or store it directly beside it so nothing gets separated.
Washing machines and dishwashers need particular care. Drain all water from hoses and filters, then wipe away any remaining moisture. If water is left inside, it can leak during transport or create stale smells while stored.
For fridges and freezers, remove all food, defrost completely and clean the interior. This is essential. Even a small amount of moisture or forgotten food can lead to mould and unpleasant odours in a closed appliance.
Clean, dry and air the interior
Clean inside and outside with a suitable household cleaner, paying attention to seals, drawers, detergent compartments and filters. Let the appliance dry completely before wrapping or covering it. A clean, dry appliance is far less likely to develop mould or attract pests.
Leave fridge and freezer doors slightly open once they are in the unit, using a door stop or a clean folded cloth to prevent them closing. This allows air to circulate. For washing machines and dishwashers, leaving the door slightly ajar can also help, as long as it is secure and cannot swing open.
Avoid sealing appliances in plastic sheeting for long periods. Plastic can trap moisture against the surface. Breathable furniture covers, moving blankets or purpose-made appliance covers offer better protection from dust while allowing air to move.
Protect doors, cords and delicate parts
Tape doors and loose components securely for transport, but do not place adhesive tape directly onto painted or stainless-steel finishes for weeks at a time. Use straps or stretch wrap around protective padding instead.
Coil power leads neatly and secure them to the side or back of the appliance. Keep glass shelves, turntables and other breakable parts wrapped separately. If you still have the original packaging, it can be useful for smaller electrical items, though it is not essential.
Choosing the right storage unit for appliances
The best unit size depends on what else you are storing and how often you will need access. A compact unit may suit a few small appliances and boxes, while larger white goods quickly take up floor space. Measure the width, depth and height of your biggest items before deciding.
Think about access as well as capacity. If you may need to collect an appliance before the rest of your belongings, position it near the entrance rather than behind stacked boxes. Leave a narrow path if you will be visiting the unit regularly.
A ground-floor or easily accessible unit can make loading heavy appliances simpler. Bring a trolley or arrange suitable moving help rather than trying to lift a washing machine or fridge alone. Appliances are awkward as well as heavy, and damaged flooring, strained backs and dented doors are common results of rushed lifting.
At uStore-it, unit sizes range from compact spaces for a few boxes to larger rooms suited to household contents or business equipment. Everyday access, including weekends and holidays, is useful when a delivery date changes or your renovation takes longer than planned.
How to store appliances inside the unit
Once in the unit, keep appliances upright wherever possible. Refrigerators, freezers and washing machines are designed to stand this way, and transporting or storing them on their sides can affect internal components. If a fridge has travelled on its side, let it stand upright for several hours before switching it on again after collection.
Raise appliances slightly off the floor using pallets, boards or another stable barrier if permitted by the facility. This helps air circulate and gives extra protection from minor floor moisture or dust. Do not use anything unstable that could shift under the appliance’s weight.
Place heavier items at the back or along the walls, with lighter boxes stacked securely around them. Do not pile boxes on top of appliances unless the appliance is designed to support that load. Keep vents clear and avoid wedging items tightly against doors.
If storing several appliances, label each one and its accessories. It sounds simple, but identifying which hose belongs to which washing machine is much easier before you need to reinstall it in a new home or premises.
Appliances that need extra care
Some appliances need more thought than others. Fridges and freezers must be fully defrosted and stored with doors open slightly. Washing machines, dishwashers and coffee machines must be drained. Gas cookers should be disconnected by an appropriately qualified professional, with no gas bottles stored in the unit.
Battery-powered equipment should be checked carefully. Remove batteries where practical, particularly from small appliances, tools and remote controls. Batteries can leak or deteriorate over time, and certain battery types may have separate storage restrictions.
For business users, commercial catering equipment, cleaning machines and specialist electrical equipment may have more complex requirements. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and speak to the storage team before moving anything large, unusually heavy or connected to fuel, chemicals or refrigeration systems.
How long can appliances stay in storage?
Appliances can usually remain in a suitable unit for a few weeks, several months or longer. Their condition depends less on the length of stay than on preparation, cleanliness and the storage environment. A dry, secure unit and a properly cleaned appliance are a much better combination than a rushed move into a garage or damp shed.
If you are storing items long term, visit occasionally to check that covers remain in place, doors are still slightly open where needed and nothing has shifted. This is also a good chance to review whether you still need every item in the unit.
When it is time to bring an appliance home, inspect it before installation. Reconnect hoses and parts carefully, check for transit damage and follow the manufacturer’s guidance before use. For large appliances, a little care before storage means they should be ready to return to work when your space is ready for them.
