Korean Job Discussion Forums

[the_curious]

This is the first time I've actually had to move appliances between apartments.

Will the moving company uninstall the AC and the washing machine for me, or do I have to call the people who installed them? And if it's the latter, do I have to pay an extra fee, or is it considered part of the service of re-installing them in my new place?

[fionnjameson]

From my experience with moving, the moving company did all of that for us. I don't remember if they connected it, but at the very least, they got it from location A to location B. Maybe you should call and ask?

[Lazio]

Most movers would uninstall an AC unit. It isn�t difficult just the gas should be turned off and the piping disconnected. They will not install it at your new place however. Better to tell them in advance that you have an AC. They will either do it or they usually know some AC guy who would do it. The latter would cost you extra while the former generally won�t.

Not sure why do you need someone to uninstall or install a washing machine. Just disconnect/connect the electric cord and the water pipe. All you need is a screwdriver.

[Swampfox10mm]

Have moved many times. Movers will take out the aircon if you ask in advance, and take the washing machine. Depending on who you hire, they may hook up your washing machine very quickly. Do not expect them to check for leaks. Aircons require professional install with coolant. Call the aircon dude.

[schwa]

Last time I moved I went for the full-meal deal. It was a marvel of efficiency.

The team uninstalled all my appliances & packed all my stuff. I did very little by way of prep. They dealt with all closet, drawer, & cupboard contents. It was raining quite heavily & the move involved a ladder truck -- they plastic-wrapped all my furniture & nothing got a drop on it.

At the new place, they unpacked everything. Food back in the fridge, kitchen stuff organized in the cupboards, clothes re-hung, books back on the bookshelf! Washing machine set-up is customary. As others mentioned, they dont reinstall aircons. Also, you need a separate technician to hook up the gas to your gas range.

It was a hive of activity for about an hour. The moving team, the gas guy, the internet & cable guys all doing their thing. My tv had stopped functioning a couple months prior & the gas guy took it apart & fixed it!

The whole cross-town operation took just one afternoon & when they were done I had a perfectly functioning new home. I was impressed. Four rooms of stuff, cost me about 350k in all.

Movers work hard & get paid little. One of the few instances in Korea where tipping is appropriate.

[Stan Rogers]

Some lovely stories told here. Here is the grain of salt. I say keep an eye on them when they move your stuff. I had stuff go missing on my last move which I never found, and of course they denied taking.

I feel like a fool for giving thieves a nice tip only to find out later they stole things from me and my family.

[andrewchon]

The removalists:
AC: will uninstall, will not install
Gas: call the gas company, they uninstall and install
Water purifier: will uninstall, call manufacturer for install
washing machine: will uninstall and install

[fionnjameson]

[the_curious]

Thanks for all the replies! My mover did indeed have the tools to take everything out, if not re-install it in the new place.