Moving an appliance has three separate cost layers: disconnecting it at origin, preparing and handling it for transit, and reconnecting it at destination. A moving quote that includes the heavy lift may include none of the utility work. Public service menus currently show about $35 to $85 for some basic disconnections and installations starting around $75, while another mover publishes $225 for an individual disconnect or reconnect service.
A practical two-home budget is $150 to $350 for a straightforward washer, electric dryer or water-line refrigerator and $300 to $700 or more for gas, hardwired, built-in or access-complicated work. Multiple appliances can be cheaper per unit when one qualified provider handles them in a single visit, but origin and destination usually have separate trip minimums.
| Appliance / service | Origin disconnect | Destination reconnect | Common extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washer | $50–$125 | $75–$175 | New hoses, valves, drain extension, leveling |
| Electric dryer | $40–$100 | $75–$175 | Cord type, vent kit, long vent run |
| Gas dryer or range | $100–$250 | $125–$300+ | New connector, shutoff work, leak test, permit |
| Refrigerator with water/ice | $50–$125 | $100–$250 | Tubing, shutoff, filter, cabinet access |
| Dishwasher | $125–$300 | $175–$450+ | Hardwire, supply/drain work, cabinet fit |
| Transit servicing only | $35–$225 per action in public mover examples | May exclude all utility hookups | |
Ranges are planning allowances, not local trade quotes. Labor minimums, permits, code upgrades, damaged valves, parts, stairs and inaccessible connections can change cost.
Enter appliances requiring utility disconnect/reconnect, not every appliance the mover will carry.
Ask the mover to define every verb. In Washington's official 2026 household-goods tariff, appliance service is work needed so the mover can safely transport an item, and the tariff explicitly says that service does not include gas, electrical, plumbing or venting hookups. Another mover or state can use different terms, but the distinction is valuable everywhere.
| Task | Possible provider | Put in writing |
|---|---|---|
| Disconnect / reconnect supply or drain | Plumber or authorized installer | Valves, hoses, drain, test and warranty |
| Gas shutoff and new connector | Qualified licensed gas professional | Permit/code, connector, test and startup |
| Hardwired circuit or receptacle change | Qualified electrician | Voltage, cord/receptacle, breaker and permit |
| Transit bolts, internal bracing, drain and pack | Mover or appliance technician | Manufacturer method and supplied parts |
| Carry, pad, load and place | Household-goods mover | Stairs, door removal, floor protection and valuation |
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that certain older uncoated brass flexible gas connectors can separate or break when an appliance is moved. CPSC says moving the appliance—even a short distance for cleaning—can stress the connector, and a qualified professional should replace it with a new certified connector rather than reuse it.
Do not test gas work with a flame or improvise around a shutoff that will not operate. Arrange a qualified professional who follows current code, the utility's requirements and the appliance instructions. Ask whether the price includes the new connector, accessible shutoff, permit if applicable, leak/pressure testing and documented startup.
The official Washington tariff illustrates how detailed transit servicing can be: it separately prices front-load washer preparation based on whether shipping bolts are present. That is different from plumbing work, which the same tariff excludes.
For an electric dryer, verify the destination voltage and receptacle/cord configuration before delivery. Do not adapt a cord or circuit without a qualified electrician and manufacturer-approved parts. For any dryer, price a compliant vent connection and cleaning or replacement if the existing duct is damaged, crushed or unsuitable.
Gas dryers add the gas-service scope above. The moving crew may carry and place the machine while a licensed provider separately connects gas and starts it. Confirm enough clearance behind the dryer so the connector and vent are not crushed when the appliance is pushed into position.
A refrigerator without a water connection may need only manufacturer-directed defrosting, drying and transit preparation. A connected model adds a shutoff, tubing, fittings, potential floor or cabinet access and a leak test. If the destination lacks a suitable line, installation becomes a plumbing project rather than a simple reconnect.
A dishwasher can combine plumbing, drain, electrical, cabinet anchoring and floor-clearance work. Moving one makes financial sense only if it fits the destination and the combined removal, transport and installation costs compare favorably with replacement. The origin quote should include safe capping or restoration; the destination quote should state who handles mounting, supply, drain, power and testing.
Send model and serial numbers, connection photos and destination measurements before accepting a flat price. A provider can then specify parts and identify whether another trade is required.
Suppose a household moves a washer, electric dryer and water-line refrigerator. Using midpoint allowances of $105, $85 and $125 per endpoint, two-home service is approximately $630, plus $150 for new hoses, vent pieces and tubing: $780 total. Bundled trip pricing could lower it; valve repair, electrical work or a difficult refrigerator line could push it above $1,000.
This amount is separate from the mover's appliance carry charge, stair or hoisting fees, and valuation coverage. Compare the combined amount with the resale value, destination fit, age and expected life of each appliance before deciding to move it.
Some perform limited transit servicing, but gas, plumbing, electrical and vent hookups may be excluded. Ask for the exact scope and arrange qualified licensed trades where required.
A straightforward appliance often needs about $150–$350 across both endpoints. Gas, built-in, hardwired or access-complicated appliances can be $300–$700 or more, plus mover handling and parts.
CPSC recommends that a qualified professional replace the flexible connector when an appliance is moved rather than reuse it. Follow current code, utility and manufacturer requirements.
Many front-load washers require manufacturer-specific transport bolts or braces. Check the manual before moving; operating or transporting the appliance with bolts in the wrong state can cause damage.
Not unless itemized. Ask for new hose, connector, cord, vent, tubing and fitting costs and whether an unexpected valve or receptacle issue triggers another trip charge.
Add disconnect, transit preparation, mover fees, stairs, reconnection, parts and likely repairs. Compare that total with age, condition, remaining warranty, destination fit, energy use and replacement delivery/installation.