When moving your fridge or freezer, it’s essential to take proper steps to avoid damaging these heavy, often awkward appliances. Based on my experience, the weight and shape of the fridge make it difficult to handle alone, so bringing professionals is something worth considering. If you’re not upgrading to a more energy-efficient model, then safely transporting your current fridge should be your priority. You don’t want to risk damaging any of the delicate parts inside, which could easily be damaged during the move.
Before the move, make sure you turn off the fridge, and plan how long you’ll need to have it off before you can turn it back on at your new place. I remember when I moved mine, I had to carefully figure out how to lay it down without compromising its functionality. You also need to think about whether your new fridge will be bigger or smaller than your current one. Based on CHOICE reviews, some people choose to buy a new one before moving, but if you’re sticking with your current fridge, focus on preparing it properly for the journey.
Preparing a fridge or freezer before you move
When it comes to moving your fridge or freezer, preparation is key to ensure a smooth transition. Start by turning off the fridge or freezer and allowing it to defrost for at least 24 hours. This will help to eliminate any excess ice and avoid leaks during the move. While the appliance is defrosting, make sure to disconnect any water lines and purge the water filter if applicable, especially if you have an auto ice-maker.
Next, clean the interior thoroughly to prevent any odours from lingering. Wipe down the shelves and drawers with a disinfectant and let everything dry completely. To protect the fridge during transit, wrap it in moving blankets and secure it with adhesive tapes to avoid any damage. Label the appliance and boxes for easy identification at your new home. Use bubble wrap or towels to cushion the fridge and prevent any potential breakages. Lastly, ensure the exit route is clear of any tight spots and measure doorways with a measuring tape to avoid any marks or damage to both the fridge and your furniture.
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When should you turn it off before moving?
To ensure a smooth move, it’s important to turn off your fridge or freezer 24 hours before relocating. This allows oils and fluids to settle, reducing the risk of damage during the transfer. By giving the unit this ample time to dry out, you avoid potential issues with the evaporator and compressor. If you turn it off a week ahead, you’ll also have a chance to defrost and give it a good clean, which helps prevent any mouldy surprises later on.
When planning your move, make sure to greet the challenge with proper preparation. If you turn off the fridge well in advance, it minimizes the chance of encountering issues related to transferring and storage. Just remember, a little time invested in drying out and defrosting can save you from a lot of trouble down the line.
When carrying a fridge or freezer on a trolley, try not to tip it back more than 45 degrees
When transporting a fridge or freezer, it’s crucial to keep it upright to ensure the cooling refrigerant stays in the right place. However, if you must lie it down, make sure to secure it properly with straps and use plenty of padding to avoid any damage during the move.
When carrying a fridge or freezer on a trolley, try not to tip it back more than 45 degrees. If you’re using a ute or trailer, protect your unit from the weather by covering it with a tarp to keep it dry. As Ashley advises, even when using a trolley, ensure the refrigerant stays well-positioned by maintaining proper balance and avoiding excessive tilting.
Can you lay a fridge or freezer down to move it?
Moving a fridge or freezer can be tricky, especially if you need to lie it down. Lying your appliance down might be necessary, but it requires some extra considerations to ensure a safe move. When doing so, make sure to use plenty of padding underneath to protect it. Secure the upright freezer or fridge with straps to prevent it from shifting during transit.
Whether it’s safer to place the unit on its back or side can vary. According to Ashley, if you’re placing a fridge on its side, position it so the hinge side is at the top. This is because gravity could make the door spring open if positioned differently. If the model has an external heat exchanger on the back, lying it on its side might be the best option. However, if the back is flat and clear, lying it on its back could also be safest.
How long until you can turn your fridge back on after moving?
When you move a refrigerator, it’s crucial to ensure it’s done properly to avoid damage. Before you unplug the refrigerator and start the process, you need to defrost the freezer and allow any excess water to drain. Once ready, you can use a moving dolly and moving straps to secure the refrigerator while you slide the refrigerator onto the dolly. It’s essential to keep the fridge upright during transport; tilting or laying it down can damage the compressor. After you transport your refrigerator in the moving truck, let it sit for a few hours before plugging it back in to allow the fluids to settle.
Generally, you should wait at least 4 hours for a regular refrigerator and freezer and up to 24 hours for larger models. If you’re utilizing a moving company or a moving service, they can help you move the appliance safely and ensure everything is done correctly. Always remember to figure out how to move your fridge without damaging it, making sure to secure the fridge during transport. Taking these precautions will help you move your refrigerator and move the fridge back into service as soon as possible.
Important Transportation Tips
When you’re moving to a new home and want to move your fridge and freezer, there are some important transportation tips you need to know to move it safely. First, always move a refrigerator safely by ensuring the refrigerator and freezer doors are securely closed or taped shut. You should move the refrigerator upright; never move it on its side, as this can damage the compressor. If you must tilt the fridge slightly, do so only at a minimal angle. Use a dolly to move a refrigerator without straining your back, and be sure to transport a refrigerator away from the wall to avoid scratches.
When moving a fridge and freezer, it’s essential to lay a refrigerator on its side only if necessary; if you do, allow it to stand upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it in again. Before you move the refrigerator, clear out the inside the fridge and freezer to prevent spillage. If you’re using a mover, inform them about the appliance and its dimensions. Taking these precautions will help ensure your refrigerator for moving is done correctly, keeping it in good working condition.
Tools Needed to Move a Fridge
When you want to move the fridge to a new location, it’s essential to gather the right tools. First, you’ll need a dolly to transport the fridge freezer safely. Before you begin, empty the refrigerator and remove any items from the inside of the refrigerator. This step makes it easier to lift the fridge without straining. Once it’s empty, gently slide the refrigerator away from the wall and ensure that there’s enough space to maneuver. You can then slide the refrigerator onto the dolly, ensuring it’s secure. Remember to check the back of the fridge and the side of the refrigerator for any obstructions.
After securing the refrigerator on the dolly, you can now lift the fridge and tilt it slightly to fit it against the dolly. Make sure the weight is balanced and that you’re not putting pressure on any parts of your fridge. As you move, take your time and carefully navigate doorways and corners. When you reach the top of the fridge at its new destination, you can attempt to move it off the dolly. Finally, gently slide the refrigerator into place, ensuring it’s level and ready to use. Remember, if you don’t want to move it alone, enlist a friend to help for safety and ease.
Don’t Want to Go Through the Trouble of Moving Your Fridge?
If you don’t want to go through the trouble of moving your fridge, consider a few tips to simplify the process. First, make sure to keep the refrigerator upright during transport to avoid damaging its internal components. Before the move, you should use the fridge to store items until 24 hours before moving, allowing the freezer completely defrosts. Once ready, slide a dolly underneath the fridge, ensuring it’s securely placed with moving straps. From there, you can carefully tilt the fridge forward and attach it to the dolly, making it easier to maneuver.
When you’re ready to transport the refrigerator to its new location, consider how you’ll fit it in a pickup truck. Ensure the refrigerator and make sure it remains in an upright position while moving. If you plan to move other appliances at the same time, coordinate them around the fridge, allowing for a smooth entire move. Knowing how to move a fridge without hassle can save you time and effort.