Just bought a new fridge? Or potentially looking at moving house? Moving a fridge can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it’s manageable. It’s not just about muscle power – careful planning and technique are key.
Safety should be your top priority when shifting this heavy appliance. You need at least two people to move a fridge safely and avoid injury or damage to the appliance. Proper preparation is crucial to protect both yourself and your fridge throughout the moving process.
Before you start, gather the right tools and clear your path. Think about the fridge’s size and weight, and plan your route carefully. If your appliance doubles as a fridge freezer then it will often be larger and require more thought prior to the move. With good planning and a bit of effort, you can move your fridge to its new spot without stress.
Essential Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
To move a fridge safely, you’ll need the right gear. Here’s a list of must-have items:
- Dolly: A sturdy appliance dolly is crucial. It helps you wheel the fridge with ease
- Moving straps: These give you a better grip when lifting and shifting the fridge
- Packing tape: Use it to secure the fridge doors and drawers during the move
- Moving blankets (or any other form of protective wrapping): Wrap these around the fridge (as well as fragile interior aspects like glass shelves) to protect it from scratches and dents
- Another person: Moving a fridge is not a one-person job. You’ll need someone else to help you
Other handy tools include:
- Work gloves to protect your hands
- Measuring tape to check doorways and tight spots
- Cleaning supplies for before and after the move
Make sure you have all these items ready before you start. It’s best to gather everything in one spot. This way, you won’t waste time looking for tools mid-move.
Remember, safety comes first. If you’re not sure about moving the fridge yourself, it’s okay to ask for help from professional refrigerator removalists.
Preparing Your Fridge for the Move
Before you move your fridge, you need to get it ready. This will keep it safe and make the move easier.
First, turn off your fridge and unplug it. This lets it defrost safely. Take out all the food and drinks. Don’t forget to check the freezer too.
Remove all shelves and drawers. Wrap them in bubble wrap or towels to stop them breaking. Put them in labelled boxes.
Clean your fridge inside and out. Use a mix of warm water and mild soap. Dry it well to stop mould growing.
Secure the doors with strong tape. This stops them swinging open during the move. Don’t tape them shut if your fridge has a built-in ice maker.
Wrap the power cord and tape it to the back of the fridge. This keeps it from dragging on the ground.
If you still have the user manual, pack it with your fridge. It might be useful when you set it up in your new home.
Lastly, measure your fridge and doorways. This helps you plan how to get it out of your old house and into the new one.
Step 1: Plan Your Route and Measure Everything
Before you start moving your fridge, take time to plan your route. Look at the path from where the fridge is now to where you want it to go. Check for any tight spots or obstacles.
Measure your fridge’s height, width, and depth. Write these numbers down. You’ll need them to make sure the fridge can fit through doorways and around corners.
Next, measure all the doorways and hallways on your planned route. Compare these to your fridge’s size. If any spaces are too small, you’ll need to find a different path.
Don’t forget about stairs if you need to use them. Measure their width and any turns on the staircase. Make sure there’s enough room to manoeuvre the fridge and freezer safely.
Check for low-hanging light fixtures or ceiling fans that might get in the way. You may need to remove these temporarily.
Tip: Add a few extra centimetres to your fridge measurements. This gives you some wiggle room for moving blankets or padding.
Make a list of any items you need to move out of the way. This might include:
- Furniture
- Rugs
- Plants
- Wall decorations
By planning your route and measuring everything first, you’ll avoid nasty surprises on moving day. This step helps keep your fridge, your home, appliances and yourself safe during the move.
Step 2: Prepare Your Fridge for the Move
Empty your fridge completely before moving day. Take out all food, drinks, and condiments. This prevents spills and messes during transport.
Remove any loose shelves, drawers, or bins from inside the fridge and freezer. Wrap these parts in bubble wrap or towels. Secure them with tape to stop them shifting around.
If your fridge has an ice maker or water dispenser, disconnect the water supply. Drain any remaining water from the lines to avoid leaks.
Defrost your freezer if it has a thick layer of ice built up. Turn off the fridge and leave the doors open for a day or two. Place towels on the floor to catch water.
Clean the inside of your fridge thoroughly with soapy water or a mild cleaner. Dry it completely to prevent mould growth during the move.
Close the fridge doors and secure them shut with moving tape or a bungee cord. This stops them swinging open while being carried.
Wrap the outside of the fridge in moving blankets or bubble wrap for protection. Pay special attention to corners and edges that could get knocked.
Step 3: Disconnect and Secure Your Fridge
Before moving your fridge, you need to disconnect it and secure loose parts. This step is crucial for safe transport.
First, unplug the power cord from the wall socket. Wrap the cord and secure it to the fridge with tape or a bungee cord. This prevents it from getting caught or damaged during the move.
Next, turn off the water supply if your fridge has an ice maker or water dispenser. Locate the shut-off valve, usually behind the fridge or under the sink. Turn it clockwise to close.
Disconnect the water line from the back of the fridge. Have a towel ready to catch any water. Cap the line or wrap the end with a cloth to prevent leaks.
Remove all shelves, drawers, and loose items from inside the fridge. Wrap these in bubble wrap or towels and pack them separately. This stops them from rattling around or breaking during transport.
Secure the fridge doors with appliance straps or strong tape. This keeps them from swinging open while moving.
Lastly, clean and dry the inside of the fridge. This prevents mould growth and bad smells while it’s unplugged.
Step 4: Protect the Fridge with Proper Wrapping
Now it’s time to wrap your fridge properly. This step is crucial to avoid scratches and dents during the move.
Start by cleaning and drying the fridge thoroughly. Remove any loose parts like shelves or drawers and wrap them separately.
Gather your supplies:
- Moving blankets
- Packing tape
- Straps or rope
Cover the entire fridge with moving blankets. Make sure to pad the corners well, as they’re prone to damage. Secure the blankets tightly with packing tape.
Next, use straps or rope to keep the blankets in place. Wrap them around the fridge both vertically and horizontally. This will provide extra protection and keep the blankets from slipping.
Don’t forget to wrap the doors. Use tape to keep them closed during the move. This prevents them from swinging open and causing damage.
If you have a dolly, secure the fridge to it now. Use straps to fasten it tightly. This will make moving the fridge much easier and safer.
By taking these steps, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of damage to your fridge during the move. A well-wrapped fridge is a protected fridge!
Step 5: Safely Moving the Fridge
Start by tilting the fridge back slightly. Slide the dolly underneath, positioning it centrally. Secure the fridge to the dolly using straps.
Tilt the dolly back to balance the weight. Keep your back straight and lift with your legs. Move slowly and steadily.
For stairs, always have at least two people. The stronger person should be at the bottom. Take one step at a time, communicating clearly.
Going down stairs:
- Tilt the fridge back slightly
- Lower it down each step carefully
- The person at the top guides, while the bottom person supports the weight
Going up stairs:
- Tilt the fridge forward slightly
- Lift it up each step
- The person at the bottom pushes, while the top person pulls and steadies
When loading onto a moving truck, use a ramp if possible. Roll the dolly up slowly, keeping the fridge balanced. Have someone guide you from behind.
Once on the truck, remove the dolly. Secure the fridge in an upright position using straps or rope. Place it against a wall for extra stability during transport.
Remember to keep the fridge upright throughout the move. If you must lay it down, wait at least 4 hours before plugging it in at your new place.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving a Fridge
Moving a fridge can be tricky. Let’s look at some mistakes you should avoid.
- Don’t lay your fridge flat. This can damage the cooling system. Keep it in an upright position at all times.
- Avoid moving a fridge by yourself. They’re heavy and awkward. You could hurt your back or drop the fridge.
- Make sure to empty the fridge before moving. Leaving food inside can lead to spills and mould.
- Don’t forget to unplug the fridge and let it defrost. Moving it while still cold can cause water damage.
- Avoid using the doors or handles to lift the fridge. They’re not strong enough and might break off.
- Don’t drag the fridge across the floor. This can scratch your floors and damage the fridge’s base.
- Make sure the path is clear. Remove obstacles to prevent tripping or bumping into things.
- Don’t rush the process. Take your time to plan and have enough time to move carefully.
- Avoid skipping the cleaning step. Clean your fridge before and after the move to prevent odours.
- Don’t forget to secure the doors during transport. Use tape or rope to keep them closed.
How to Reinstall Your Fridge After the Move
Once you’ve reached your new home, it’s time to set up your fridge. First, carefully move it to its designated spot. Make sure it’s level by adjusting the feet if needed.
Let your fridge settle for at least 2 hours before plugging it in. This allows the coolant to stabilise after being jostled during transport.
Clean the inside of your fridge with a mild soap and water solution. Dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Replace any removable parts you took out before the move, like shelves and drawers.
Plug your fridge into a grounded outlet. Don’t use extension cords or adapters.
Set the temperature controls to the recommended settings. For most fridges, this is around 3°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer.
A waiting period of about 24 hours for your fridge to reach its ideal temperature before restocking it with food.
Check that the door seals are working properly by closing a piece of paper in the door. If you can pull it out easily, the seal may need adjusting.
Remember to keep your fridge away from heat sources like ovens or direct sunlight. This helps it run more efficiently.
When to Consider Professional Movers
Moving a fridge can be tricky. Sometimes, it’s best to get help from experts. Here are a few times when you might want to call expert movers:
- Your fridge is very large or heavy
- You have an older model that’s fragile
- The move involves stairs or tight spaces
- You’re not comfortable with heavy lifting
- You want to protect your floors and walls
Professional movers have the right tools and know-how to move fridges safely. They can save you time and stress.
For Perth residents, Perth Cheap Movers is a good option. They specialise in moving big items like fridges. Their team is trained to handle all types of moves.
Remember, trying to move a big fridge on your own can be risky. You might hurt yourself or damage your home. It’s often worth the cost to hire pros, especially for tricky moves.
If you’re not sure whether to DIY or hire help, give a moving company a call. They can assess your situation and give you advice. Many offer free quotes, so you can compare costs before deciding.