How to Move Your Refrigerator the Right Way
There is no secret method that will make relocating a refrigerator any easier. Refrigerators are not only large and heavy, but they are also expensive. However, understanding how to move a fridge correctly may make the process a lot more manageable.
Depending on the situation, hiring a professional may be a better choice. But if that isn’t an option, we have you covered. To avoid damage to this pricey household item, plan and utilize all of the necessary tools.
1. Prepare All the Necessary Tools
If you’re planning to move your refrigerator by yourself (and you’re not a professional weightlifter), you’ll need the following items:
- Packing Tape
- Bungee cords or any reliable paracord
- Dolly Hauling Tool
Another vital resource that you will want here is the second pair of hands. Refrigerators may be extremely risky to move on your own due to their size and weight. Allow a friend, family member, or hired assistance to assist you both in moving the fridge out of your old house and into your new one.
2. Take doorway measurements
Ideally, you should carry your refrigerator from the kitchen to the moving truck in the driveway, but this is not always possible. Determine your path by measuring the length, breadth, and depth of your fridge and comparing it to the height and width of your entrances. It’s conceivable that you’ll have to take another path, such as bringing your refrigerator outdoors through sliding rear doors and figuring this out early on will save you a lot of time later. Remember that you may need to remove the doors from their hinges for the fridge to fit through them.
3. Defrost and Clean the Refrigerator
The first step in relocating a refrigerator is to prepare it carefully. Make careful to drain the contents and either dispose of them or keep them in a cooler.
You can also plan ahead by consuming all perishables in the weeks preceding the relocation. Meal planning at this period will make you less inclined to go food shopping at the last minute.
After the food has been removed, thoroughly wipe all surfaces with a baking soda and water combination. Using a hairdryer, melt any residual ice in the freezer and clean up the water. Melting these surfaces ahead of time will avoid water leaks during the transfer.
Finally, switch off your refrigerator at least a couple of hours before you move.
4. Take Out Obstacles, Like Doors or Furniture
Now is the moment to remove everything likely to get in the way, based on the relocation plan you devised. Remove doors from their hinges or stair rails. Remove any remaining furniture to have a clear path out of the house and onto the moving truck.
5. Position Your Refrigerator the Right Way for Transportation
If at all possible, avoid resting the refrigerator on its side. Secure additional straps along the top and sides of the fridge to keep it snug in the truck. It’s easier to retain the refrigerator on the dolly at this stage rather than re-secure it once it arrives at its ultimate location.
6. Secure and Re-install the Fridge Properly
Wait a couple of hours after you’ve moved your fridge to its new position before connecting it back in. If you must move the refrigerator while it’s lying on its side, make sure to keep it standing for twice as long as it was on its side before using it. After plugging it back in, wait for the manufacturer’s recommended period before adding food, ranging from 24-72 hours.
Conclusion
Moving built-in appliances is a little more complicated since you must first remove the appliance’s unit doors. For comprehensive instructions, consult the user handbook and installation manual.
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