How to move a fridge?

Moving a fridge might seem like a no-brainer task, but you need to understand there are certain risks involved that can’t be ignored completely.  You need right tools and proper planning to make the fridge move easy. Here are some fridge moving tips that would help.

Step 1 – Study the Manual first

Before you think about how to move a fridge, read the fridge manual and moving instructions given it.  You need to strictly follow the instructions given in the manual or else you risk voiding the warranty.

Step 2 – Switch off and disconnect the fridge from wall-socket

It is advisable to prepare your fridge for moving one night before final moving day.  Switch it off and wait till it defrosts completely.  The refrigerator contains gases and oils and switching it off a night before final moving day will give gases and oils in fridge enough time to settle down.  After your fridge defrosts, remove water collected in the tray and clean any spills inside.

Step 3- Empty the Fridge

Once the fridge has completely defrosted, move all contents from the freezer to an icebox. Also remove other contents from the fridge such as milk, vegetables, and food leftovers from the fridge.  It is always a good idea to throw away milk or any perishable items when emptying the fridge.

Step 4 – Clean the fridge thoroughly

Once you switch off the fridge, it starts getting warm from inside, so make sure you clean it well else it will give out a bad odor. You can use disinfectant if needed.

Step 5- Remove interior shelves and pack them safely

One of the important fridge moving tips is removing the shelves, cleaning and drying them completely before packing them safely. If necessary, you can also use a disinfectant before packing them in a bubble wrap or packing paper. If you don’t remove shelves, they are more likely to bounce and shatter and you might be required to buy new shelves.

Step 6 – Move the fridge without damaging the floor

The fridge is a heavy item and you need to be careful when moving it out of the kitchen or its location. If you have wooden flooring, you need to be extra cautious to ensure it does not cause scratches on the floor. Many refrigerators have wheels and you can easily move them out of the house without damaging the floor. However, if the fridge does not have wheels, you need to be careful as the sharp edges of the leveling legs might scratch the floor. One good idea is placing a cardboard sheet below the leveling legs to ensure it does not damage the floor before you place it on the trolley.

Step 7 – Wrap your fridge in professional packing material

It is always a good idea to use professional packing material to wrap your fridge completely. After that, you can wrap thick blankets around it for added protection. The professional packing material would protect it from scratches, bumps, or dents while moving the fridge.   You need to secure the blankets wrapping around fridge with a packing tape. Always remember not to use the packing tape directly on the outer surface of the refrigerator as it will cause damage to the color and finish of the fridge exterior or it could leave permanent marks that will spoil the looks of the fridge.

Step 8 – Use a trolley to move the fridge   

Once you are done with wrapping the fridge completely you need to think the best way to move it to the truck or transportation vehicle. Using a trolley is always advisable.  Slide a trolley under your fridge carefully. You can use a strap to secure the refrigerator on the trolley.  Remember, you would need at least two people when moving fridge on a trolley. One person will be in the front to push the trolley backward in case the fridge is toppling forward. The other person will be at back to push the trolley in the forward direction. While moving the trolley, you need to ensure it does not bounce much.

Step 9 – Move the refrigerator slowly and carefully

One of the most significant fridge moving tips is always keeps your fridge in the upright direction while moving.  This instruction is specifically given to protect the internal mechanisms of the fridge. Always move the fridge slowly and carefully as you wouldn’t want the fridge to knock-over something or topple down.

Step 10- Wait for 3 hours before starting the fridge again

Once the fridge is moved safely to the desired place in the new home, don’t rush to start the fridge. Unwrap the fridge and wait for at least three hours before switching it on.  It will allow the fluids and gases to settle down which are disturbed due to moving or small shocks when it transported in a vehicle.

Follow the how to move a fridge instructions and you will see the fridge reaches your new home in the best condition.