How to move a fridge, washing machine and mattress without wrecking them

Why these three items cause the most damage

Fridges, washing machines and mattresses are the three items we see damaged most often in moves people attempt themselves — not because they're fragile in the usual sense, but because each one has a specific failure mode that isn't obvious until it's already happened.

The good news is that all three are entirely preventable with a bit of preparation, whether you're moving them yourself or having a driver handle it for you.

Fridges: the tilting problem

Fridges use a compressor with oil that lubricates the cooling system, and that oil can drain into the cooling lines if the fridge is tilted too far or laid on its side. Run the fridge for 24 hours upright once it arrives before tilting it again, and if it must be transported on its side, keep it as close to upright as physically possible and let it stand upright for several hours before switching it back on.

Empty and defrost the fridge at least 24 hours before moving day — a fridge full of food or with ice built up in the freezer is significantly heavier and more likely to leak during transport. Tape the doors shut so they don't swing open and let loose shelves become projectiles.

Washing machines: the drum problem

A washing machine's drum is suspended on springs or shock absorbers designed to move during a wash cycle — which is exactly the wrong kind of movement for being carried in a van. Without securing the drum, normal transport vibration can damage the suspension, sometimes permanently.

Most washing machines come with transit bolts that lock the drum in place for exactly this reason — if you still have yours, refit them before the move. If you don't, at minimum pack the drum interior firmly with towels to reduce movement, and always move the machine upright, never on its side or back.

Disconnect and drain the water hoses fully before moving day; a machine that's still connected or has water sitting in the hoses is a common cause of last-minute delays and mess on moving day.

Mattresses: the bending and moisture problem

Mattresses — especially memory foam and pocket-spring types — can suffer permanent internal damage if bent or folded during transport, even briefly. Always carry and transport a mattress flat or fully upright on its long edge, never folded or bent around a doorway.

Use a mattress bag or heavy plastic sheeting to protect against rain and dust, particularly if there's any chance the mattress will sit outside even briefly while loading. A damp mattress is a mould risk that often isn't visible until days later.

Avoid standing anything on top of a mattress in the van, and don't strap it so tightly that it compresses unevenly — light, even pressure is enough to keep it in place.

If you're not confident doing this yourself

All three of these problems are exactly what our drivers plan for as standard — blankets, straps, and the right handling technique for each item type come with every booking, whether or not you've added extra helpers.

If you're moving a fridge, washing machine or mattress and want it handled properly without the guesswork, add the details to your driver notes when you book, and mention anything unusual (side-by-side fridges, a mattress heavier than standard) so the right van and helper count are ready on the day.