How to move a fridge

Moving a refrigerator can often feel like you’re planning a complex mission to Mars, especially if this is your first-time mission. It’s not just a piece of furniture, it’s a vital part of your daily life, keeping your food fresh and drinks chilled. The thought of maneuvering the bulky fridge through tight spaces while ensuring nothing breaks or is damaged can be quite overwhelming.

But fear not! With the right preparation and a step-by-step approach, you can turn this daunting task into a smooth and successful mission. Whether you’re moving across town or just rearranging your kitchen, here’s an expert guide on how to move your fridge without losing your cool.

1. Preparation Before Moving

• Empty the Fridge: Remove all contents from your fridge. This not only makes it lighter but also prevents items from moving around and causing damage.
• Defrost the Freezer: If you have a freezer compartment, defrost it at least 24 hours before the move. This prevents water damage and makes the fridge lighter.
• Clean and Dry: After defrosting, clean the fridge thoroughly. Ensure it’s completely dry to prevent mold and odors.
• Secure Loose Parts: Remove or secure any loose parts like shelves, drawers, and bins. You can wrap these in towels or packing paper and move them separately.
• Secure the Doors: Use strong tape or moving straps to keep the fridge doors closed during the move. This prevents them from swinging open and getting damaged or causing injury.

2. Disconnecting and Handling

• Unplug the Fridge: Safely disconnect your fridge from the power source. Coil the power cord and secure it with tape.
• Turn off the Water Supply: If your fridge has an ice maker or water dispenser, turn off the water supply and disconnect the water line.
• Use an Appliance Dolly: A dolly is essential for moving a fridge. It’s safer and reduces the risk of injury or damage.

3. Moving the Fridge

• Keep it Upright: Always keep your fridge upright when you’re not moving it on a dolly. Tilting it can cause damage to the cooling mechanism.
• Navigating Through Tight Spaces: Plan your moving path in advance and remove any furniture or clutter. Measure doorways and hallways to ensure the fridge will fit.
• Use Proper Lifting Techniques: Lift with your legs, not your back. If you need to tilt the fridge to fit through a doorway, do so slowly and carefully.

4. Securing the Fridge in the Moving Vehicle

• Use Straps to Secure: Once the fridge is on the moving vehicle, use straps to secure it in place. This prevents it from shifting during transport.

5. Setting Up at the New Location

• Allow it to Settle: Before plugging in your fridge at the new location, let it sit for a few hours. This allows the oil in the compressor to settle.
• Avoid Using Extension Cords: When plugging your fridge back in, connect it directly to a power outlet instead of using an extension cord, as this could pose a safety risk or affect the fridge’s performance.
• Reconnect and Restock: Reconnect the power and, if applicable, the water line. Wait until the fridge reaches its optimal temperature before restocking it with perishables.
• Inspect and Test: Once the fridge is in place and turned on, inspect it for any visible damage and test all the functions, including the freezer, lights, and any digital controls.

6. Safety and Help

• Team Effort: Don’t try to move a fridge alone. It’s heavy and bulky. Getting help prevents accidents and injuries.
• Consider Professional Movers: If you’re not confident in moving the fridge yourself, hiring professional movers is a wise choice. They have the expertise and equipment to do it safely.

Moving a fridge requires careful planning and execution. By following these steps, you can ensure your fridge is transported safely to your new home, ready to keep your food fresh and cool. Remember, when in doubt, professional help is just a call away.

At Piece of Cake Moving & Storage, we know how tricky and nerve-wracking it can be to move large appliances like refrigerators. That’s why we’re here to take the stress out of your move. Our team of professionals is trained to handle your appliances with the utmost care and precision, ensuring they arrive at your new home in perfect condition. We provide the right equipment and expertise for a seamless move, whether it’s securing the fridge doors, handling service lines, or ensuring proper transportation. With Piece of Cake Moving & Storage, you can rest easy knowing your valuable appliances are in capable hands. So for a fridge move that’s as smooth as ice, give us a call – we’re here to make your move a piece of cake.