You may want to move into maybe to a smaller house, or a bigger place. Certain questions need to be addressed, like what can you take with you, what can you sell?
Simply put, if the items and fixtures belong to you, you can pretty much do what you like. Here, we talk about dishwashers, so read on to find out whether you can take them with you when you move house and other areas to consider.
Can You Take Your Dishwasher When You Move?
Taking the dishwasher is at your discretion if you are the owner. If you are selling your current house and plan on taking the dishwasher and other such items, the new homeowner should be informed.
You must consider a few things before you decide to take your dishwasher with you: Does your new house or apartment already have a dishwasher or communal laundry facility? If not, is the space required for a dishwasher available?
This article will guide you if you are deciding to take your dishwasher when you move to a new home.
What is a Dishwasher Classified As?
Dishwashers that are built into the cabinets are considered fixtures. However, freestanding/portable dishwashers will be considered personal property. (Source)
A general rule is that an item is considered a fixture if it takes a screwdriver to remove it or if removing it would do damage to the property. Thus, fixtures stay with the house upon sale of the house. Dishwashers are in a ‘grey area’ as they can be removed without damage to the cabinets.
If you own the house, the sale agreement should include what items will be left behind, and what items will the homeowner take. If the seller of the house will take the dishwasher with them, the buyer must be informed.
Can You Take It If It Is Your Dishwasher?
If you own a portable dishwasher, you can take it with you when you move house. Built-in dishwashers are considered fixtures, so this will depend on the sale agreement between you and the new homeowner. If you decide to take it with you, you must ensure the new homeowner is aware of this and any other appliance or fixture that will be taken.
If you decide to leave the dishwasher (and any other appliance), it is good etiquette to leave it in a clean, usable condition.
If you decide to uninstall and take the dishwasher, you must leave the plumbing and wiring intact so another dishwasher can be installed easily. Make sure the cabinet or dishwasher area is not damaged during uninstallation.
Can You Take It If It Is the Landlord’s Dishwasher?
If the dishwasher is owned by the landlord, it does not belong to you. Having a landlord indicates that you are paying rent, and although you get to use the dishwasher and other appliances, you do not own them. You cannot sell it, move it, or even lend it and if you do, you would be in violation of certain laws.
If you are a tenant, however, and you are allowed to buy your own dishwasher (if the lease agreement allows it), then you can take it with you when you move.
Again, this depends on the terms and conditions agreed upon between the landlord and yourself.
What are the Pros and Cons of Moving Your Dishwasher?
Dishwashers are not small appliances that can easily be moved around (unless it is a countertop or a portable dishwasher). There are certain points to note when considering moving a dishwasher. We will look at hardwired dishwashers:
Pros of moving with your dishwasher
a) It will save you the cost of buying a new one. Dishwashers are not cheap. Even if you sell your current one and buy a new one, you will still have to pay a good amount for the new one.
b) You are already familiar with the appliance. You know how your current dishwasher works. If you buy another one, you will need to go through the instruction manual and familiarize yourself with it.
c) Moving with your dishwasher will save you time shopping around for one that is a good deal.
Cons of moving with your dishwasher
a) You will need to dismantle it correctly while taking care not to affect the plumbing and wiring. If you are not familiar with dismantling it, you will need to hire a technician to do it for you.
b) You will need to ensure that it is properly secured and padded to avoid dents and damage whilst in transit.
c) If you are moving to a place that is far from your current place, it may not be worth the hassle of moving the dishwasher due to the increased cost of transit.
You will need to consider the space requirements and possible renovations in your new home before you decide to move with your dishwasher and other large appliances.
Leaving behind your dishwasher and other fixtures may get you a better sale price for your current house, especially if they are in good condition.
Can One Person Lift a Dishwasher for Moving?
A dishwasher can weigh anything between 50 – 125 pounds, so it is advisable not to lift it by yourself. One person can dismantle and slide the dishwasher out from the cabinet.
It is however advisable to have somebody help to get it onto the appliance dolly to move it. An appliance dolly is a tool that is used to move heavy objects such as dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, and washing machines. It has straps to secure the appliance and wheels so it can easily be carted around.
Lifting a dishwasher by yourself is not advisable for the following reasons:
1) You can get injured – you can injure your back trying while trying to lift a dishwasher
2) If you lift it, it can fall, thus either causing injury, or damage to the appliance or both
3) If the dishwasher gets damaged in this way, it can nullify the warranty
How Do I Prepare the Dishwasher for Moving?
Before you uninstall your dishwasher, there are some tools you will need beforehand such as
1- Pliers
2- Wrench
3- Screwdriver
4- Appliance dolly
5- Straps
6- Voltage tester
Below are the steps to disconnect the dishwasher:
STEP 1: Ensure the dishwasher is empty of dishes and utensils.
STEP 2: Get the dishwasher cleaned on the inside. You can use a cleaning cycle or deep clean it to ensure all food particles are removed to avoid the growth of bacteria. Also, make sure it is completely dry before you pack it up.
STEP 3: Disconnect the power supply. You can turn off the circuit breaker for the dishwasher. Make sure you have switched off the correct circuit breaker by testing it with a voltage tester. If it is a plug-in dishwasher, just unplug it from the outlet.
STEP 4: Disconnect the water supply by turning off the shutoff valve that supplies the clean water. It is located near the sink. Also, detach the drain hose from either the sink or garbage disposal.
STEP 5: Unscrew the panel at the bottom of the dishwasher. This will reveal the junction box. Confirm that no power is supplied by using a voltage tester. Open the junction box and remove the wire caps and disconnect the wires. Remove them from the junction box.
STEP 6: Disconnect the water line. Place an old towel on the floor to collect any water that drips.
STEP 7: Adjust the dishwasher feet by screwing them upwards, or else they will leave scratch marks on the floor when you slide the dishwasher out.
STEP 8: Dishwashers are usually secured in the cabinet with bracket screws. Remove the screws and put them away in a zip lock bag as you will need them again.
STEP 9: Place cardboard on the floor so that when you slide the dishwasher out, it does not scratch the floor in any way.
Below are the steps to prepare the dishwasher for moving:
STEP 1: Once the dishwasher is out of the cabinet, clip in the water supply, drain hose, and power cable to the back of the dishwasher.
STEP 2: First wrap up the dishwasher in a bubble wrap and secure it with tape. Then wrap it again in a blanket for extra protection to avoid damage.
STEP 3: To transport it to the moving van, you will need to use an appliance dolly. Slide It onto the dolly and use the straps to secure it firmly.
STEP 4: Wheel the dolly out to the moving van, push it up the ramp and slide it out of the dolly. Dishwashers are heavy and you will need someone to help you with sliding them up the ramp of the moving van, as you are going against gravity.
STEP 5: Strap up the dishwasher securely to the wall of the van. The instruction manual of the dishwasher should indicate whether to transport it on its back or in the upright position.
Always get help to move the dishwasher and do not attempt to lift it by yourself.
Should You Reconsider Having a Dishwasher in Your New Place?
Moving house is not easy. It can be for various reasons. It is the best time to consider whether there are items you can do without, in this case, the dishwasher.
Pros of using a dishwasher:
a) Time saving – using a dishwasher will save you time that you can use for other activities.
b) Water saving – a dishwasher uses less water as compared to washing dishes by hand.
c) Clean and disinfected utensils – the dishes and utensils come out sparkling clean and disinfected due to the high temperature of the hot water used.
Cons of using a dishwasher:
a) Higher power consumption – dishwashers consume a lot of energy.
b) Repairs and maintenance – there will be the occasional repairs and regular maintenance that will be done which can be costly.
c) You need to ensure you have the required space for it. The electrical and plumbing requirements cannot be ignored as well.
Dishwashers are ideal for big families but may be costly for a family of two people.
Final Thoughts!
Moving can be a stressful, emotional time for anyone. It is also a good way to leave behind or sell the items you do not need and upgrade certain appliances when you move to your new house.
Fixtures and appliances like the dishwasher can be taken by the current owner, but it should be clearly stated in the sale agreement, to prevent any disputes. If you do not own the dishwasher, you cannot take it with you when you move. If you leave behind items and appliances, make sure they are clean and in usable condition.
Always get help in moving large appliances and never attempt to lift the dishwasher on your own. If you must, hire professionals to uninstall and pack them for you. Movers are experienced and equipped to handle such appliances.
