Updated at: 08-07-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

How do you carry a refrigerator without a dolly? They can be enormous, depending on their style and weight. An integrated refrigerator with three doors, a mini-fridge with one door, and even a four-door refrigerator with two doors. Nonetheless, the more features it has, the more expensive it is.

Although moving a fridge can be a struggle because it is heavy and delicate, you must be careful when handling it.

That’s why you’d need a dolly for that. When a dolly is out of your reach, you’ll need to find other ways to move your refrigerator. This post will show you how to move a refrigerator without a dolly, so you don’t have to be concerned.

7 Steps On How To Move A Fridge

Step 1: Switch Off and Disconnect Your Refrigerator the Night Before Moving

Refrigerator evaporators need time to defrost properly before being transported to avoid damage. In addition to giving the compressor time to cool down, turning off your fridge the night before will allow the oils and fluids to settle. Disconnect the ice maker’s water line and remove any remaining ice to prevent leaks, spills, and damage while transporting a refrigerator.

Step 2: Thoroughly Clean Your Fridge by Removing All Food and Disinfecting All Surfaces

It is imperative that you begin the process of defrosting and cleaning your refrigerator as soon as you switch it off. The fridge will begin to warm up as soon as you switch it off. If you want to enjoy a fresh fridge at your new address, do your part to keep it clean. A warm, dirty fridge has an unpleasant odor.

Step 3: Remove Interior Glass Shelves and Wrap Separately

In order to move a fridge freezer safely, you need to minimise the risk of any damage. A common mistake people make is forgetting to remove the glass shelves inside the fridge. Once you have cleaned and disinfected the shelves, you should wrap them in packing paper or bubble wrap and move them separately. If you leave them inside the fridge, they can bounce around and shatter, leaving you to painstakingly remove all the glass from your fridge and foot the bill for a new set of shelves.

Step 4: Move The Fridge Without Scratching the Floor

To transfer a fridge freezer securely, you must reduce the possibility of damage. People often forget to remove the glass shelves from the refrigerator. The shelves should be wrapped in packing paper or bubble wrap and transported individually once they have been cleaned and sanitized. If you leave them in the fridge, they’ll bounce around and break, requiring you to remove all of the glass and pay for a new set of shelves from scratch.

Step 5: Wrap Your Refrigerator in Professional Packing Wrap Before Covering it in Blankets

The purchase of a refrigerator is a substantial one. Quality packaging materials are essential when transporting a refrigerator to avoid dents, bumps, and scratches as well as harm to the internal systems of the appliance. Two layers of protective wrapping are required for this. The first step is to use professional packaging tape to protect the first layer of the package. After that, wrap the fridge with moving blankets and tape the blankets to the fridge for extra security during transport. Avoid putting packing tape directly on the fridge because it can leave behind a residue and permanently mark the appliance.

Step 6: Slide a Moving Trolley Underneath the Fridge and Fasten a Strap Around It

To transport a refrigerator, you must first cover every inch of its exterior with packing tape. For this, a rolling trolley under the fridge and a strap fastening it to the cart are the most effective options. This stage necessitates the assistance of two persons, one of whom must rock the trolley back while the other pushes the fridge forward. There should be one person in front of the fridge at all times when it is being loaded onto a moving vehicle, to keep it from tumbling forward in case of an accident. Once the fridge is inside the truck, take care to secure it so that it does not move about.

Step 7: Move Your Fridge Carefully and Slowly

When it comes to moving a refrigerator, one of the most crucial steps is the actual transportation. Make sure that your fridge is moved gently and cautiously during transport. Refrigerators should always be moved upright to protect their internal mechanisms. As a result, you don’t want to accelerate around roundabouts or over speed humps, which could result in your fridge falling over. When it comes to moving a refrigerator, the old adage “go slow and steady” is true.

The final piece of advice is to remember to wait three hours after your fridge has arrived at its new home in order to allow time for the internal mechanics and fluids to settle properly.

So there you have it — moving a fridge isn’t as difficult as you might have thought.

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Methods To Move A Fridge Without A Dolly

How do you carry a refrigerator without a dolly? Either you’re relocating to a new location, or you’re transporting it in a different location altogether. It’s possible to do it without effort. Dolly availability is not always guaranteed, and in those cases creative solutions must be employed.

Fortunately, a dolly isn’t necessary in order to move your refrigerator. Remove all the food from the fridge, clean it, dry it, and secure its doors before doing so. Before you transfer it, make sure it’s safe to do so.

Furthermore, gliding it across the surface of the fridge could cause scratches. If you do this, your fridge will be damaged. Here are various methods for moving a refrigerator without the aid of a dolly or other device.

Method #1. Ask for assistance

Because moving a refrigerator by yourself will be a difficult task, enlist the assistance of others. Depending on its weight, you’ll need three to four people to move it. You’ll need a lot of strength and coordination to do this. Plan your steps and speed so that you can move fluidly when the opportunity arises.

It’s okay to take a break every now and again. However, it is heavy and exhausting to carry for an extended period of time. When you arrive at your destination, take your time putting the fridge down. It’s not a good idea to smash the fridge.

Method #2. Using some sliders or wheels

When you purchased some refrigerators, they came with wheels attached. You can purchase a moving kit for your fridge if it doesn’t already have one. A multi-functional movable and adjustable support base is also available for instances like this.

It has a four-wheel base and may be customized to fit the size of your refrigerator. Easy-to-follow instructions are provided with this product. To get started, all you have to do is lift your fridge onto the foundation. At a modest cost, you may get this item either online or from a local hardware store.

Method #3. Make it walk

Suppose you have no one to turn to for aid. It’s doable, but you’ll want to proceed with extreme caution. Make a path to the new location where you’ll put it. Rock the fridge gently from side to side while standing behind it. It’s like trying to take a toddler for a walk. In the end, you’ll be able to move this thing.

Method #4. Using lifters

Suppose you don’t have a lot of people to help, you lift the fridge. Moving straps make it easy to lift and transport a refrigerator. This method is suitable for two people lifting. Lifting the fridge becomes easier thanks to this feature.

Method #5. Using a ramp

Precautions must be taken when transporting a refrigerator to avoid damage. It’s a risky procedure, so you’ll need the support of others. You’ll first need a solid and safe ramp for the refrigerator. Wait for the fridge on the other side of the ramp, and then have a second person help support the fridge as it slides on the ramp.

Place the fridge on the ramp to accomplish this. You should ensure that your refrigerator can slide along the ramp by making sure it has a sufficient angle to do so. We need you to slowly and steadily push the fridge forward, so it doesn’t topple over and break. Once you’ve made it to the opposite side, lift it up and secure it. You’re ready to leave now.

That’s about it. It’s usually best to move a fridge with the help of someone else, especially if you’re doing it all alone. It’s still possible to learn more about refrigerators by learning how to test the compressor, which could prove useful.

Average Costs to Move a Refrigerator

Different moving companies use different methods to determine their costs, and some charge a flat fee regardless of the number of things being moved or the length of time it takes to complete the work. For this type of work, you can expect to be charged either by the fridge weight or by the hour.

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Cost Per Pound to Move a Refrigerator

Depending on how your moving expenses are calculated by weight, your movers may have predetermined prices for certain weight ranges. With an average weight of 250 pounds, the majority of refrigerators fall within the range of 100 to 400 pounds.

Most people should anticipate to pay around $200 to relocate a refrigerator that weighs in at a maximum of 250 pounds.

Cost Per Hour to Move a Refrigerator

To transfer big items like a refrigerator, several companies charge hourly charges for their services. Moving a fridge takes at least two people and can cost anywhere from $50 to $130 per hour, depending on the size of the moving crew.

Hire a moving company to help you transport heavy and cumbersome objects around your home.

Moving a Refrigerator Cost Breakdown

There are a number of things to keep in mind when relocating your fridge, whether you’re moving it to a new house or a new room.

Materials

Renting a large hand truck, which costs $10 to $20 per day, is necessary if you’re moving your fridge on your own. If you’re going to hire a moving company, they’ll bring their own moving supplies with them.

Labor

Depending on the amount of hours and the weight of the refrigerator, hiring a professional moving firm can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 in labor costs.

Plumbing

You’ll need an attached water connection if your refrigerator has an ice maker or dispenses water. For every appliance that needs to be relocated more than three feet, the cost ranges from $500 to $1,000.

Electrical

If you don’t want to use extension cords, you’ll need an electrical outlet that’s close enough to the refrigerator to avoid the dangers. It costs between $140 and $300 to install an electrical outlet.

Cost to Move a Refrigerator Yourself

Are you unsure if hiring a professional moving company to transport your refrigerator is necessary? If you move the refrigerator yourself rather than employ a moving company, you can save $100 to $300 on labor costs. However, this approach has additional expenditures.

If you don’t already have an appliance hand truck, renting one from a tool rental or moving equipment company will cost you $10 to $20 per day on average.

For carpeted stairs, ensure the hand truck has a wide, steep deck, as well as a wrap-around strap and skids on the back for tilting and sliding down A scrap of plywood or several boards should be placed between the fridge and the deck to prevent the strap from pressing on any exposed coils.

Cost to Move a Refrigerator Yourself vs. Hiring a Professional Mover

Moving large appliances up and down stairs or around tight corners is difficult for the average homeowner because they lack the necessary tools and knowledge. You should contact local expert movers in order to limit your risk of harm and protect your fridge and walls from damage throughout the moving process.

When looking for the best movers in your region, make sure to get price quotes from at least three different companies. To get an exact price, you may be requested to estimate the weight of the item. The cost of hiring movers to move a refrigerator is between $150 and $250.

FAQs

What Do I Need to Move a Refrigerator Without a Dolly?

Moving a refrigerator without a dolly necessitates a variety of tools and supplies, some of which are listed below:

  • Supplies to use to clean the fridge.
  • Wrapping the refrigerator’s power cord with rope or tape after unplugging it.
  • To defrost more quickly, use a hairdryer or a bowl of hot water.
  • To remove all of the defrosting water, use a mop.
  • Sodium bicarbonate of soda (optional). to neutralize the odors of stale food
  • A cable or rope can be used to keep the fridge in place.
  • Lifting straps for shoulder dolly (optional). To move a refrigerator by yourself, if you only have one person to help out.
  • Sliders for moving furniture to reduce friction and protect the floor.

Preparation is just as vital as relocating a refrigerator. As a result, you’ll need to gather all of your moving supplies in advance.

How Do You Move a Refrigerator That Hasn’t Been Defrosted?

No defrosting is required to relocate a refrigerator.

  • Frozen food is the best way to keep it fresh. Since the refrigerator has already been unplugged, this will help maintain a cool interior temperature. If you have any meat in your freezer, store it in the bottom so that it doesn’t contaminate the rest of the food when it’s defrosted.
  • Refrigerator and freezer towels should be placed in the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Pack up your fridge once you unplug it.
  • Load the refrigerator inside the vehicle and seal it up firmly.

Prior to relocating, it is essential to defrost a refrigerator. When moving within a 30-minute radius, you don’t need to defrost your fridge, but if you’re moving further than that, you should.

Do Refrigerators Need to Be Defrosted Before Moving?

Defrosting the refrigerator is a must if you’re taking a long drive (more than 30 minutes). Otherwise, the refrigerator’s built-up ice may melt and leak into the pickup truck, causing a mess.

That being said, it is understandable if your relocation has to be made quickly because of time constraints. In this instance, you can take a few simple actions to ensure that you’re ready to move forward. It’s important to know that clearing out the fridge before transferring it is regular operating procedure.

How Can I Speed Up Defrosting My Refrigerator?

Refrigerator defrosting time can be sped up by following these simple steps:

  • Wait for the water to cool before you open the fridge doors and place a dish of hot water inside. You can also put a cloth on the shelf to keep it from getting too hot. Every ten minutes, the water needs to be replaced.
  • Refrigerator ice can be melted with the use of a hairdryer. While using a hairdryer to dry the ice and the melted water, take careful not to touch them.
  • Make use of a fan to circulate cool air in the refrigerator in the event that the temperature in your home rises.

So, the next time you realize you haven’t defrosted your fridge before the movers arrive, you may follow these procedures to get things in order quickly.

How Do I Plan a Moving Route When Moving a Refrigerator?

When relocating a refrigerator, the following measures should be followed:

Determine the size of the fridge (height, width, and depth).

Take a tape measure to each door in your home, starting at your kitchen (or wherever your refrigerator is) and ending at where you’re going.

Make sure that the dimensions of your fridge and the door are the same. Remove the doors from the hinges if your fridge is still too wide to fit through the doors.

Removing any obstacles, such as boxes or furniture, from the path from your refrigerator to your pickup truck is the fourth and last step in the process.

How Do You Move a Refrigerator Without Scratching the Floor?

Furniture sliders can be used to move a fridge without damaging the floor. There are plastic or rubber sliders that may be added to the foot of your refrigerator or other item of furniture. Whenever you move your refrigerator, you can use these to keep the floor from getting scratched or dented.

To relocate your refrigerator using furniture sliders, simply follow these simple steps:

In order to begin, have a friend assist you in angling the refrigerator to one side.

A slider should be placed under the refrigerator’s feet for this step.

Slowly drag the refrigerator to where you want it to be.

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Can I Lay a Refrigerator Down to Move It?

When moving a refrigerator, you should not put it on its side.

Refrigerators may appear to be impenetrable, yet large appliances such as refrigerators are actually quite delicate. Damage to the cooling mechanism can occur if you place a refrigerator on its side when moving it.

You can damage your refrigerator’s cooling system by laying it on its side and allowing the oil in the compressor to leak into the cooling pipes.

As a result, if you must tilt your refrigerator at all, attempt to keep it at a 45-degree angle during the relocation.

How long should a refrigerator sit before restarting?

You don’t need to wait for your fridge to settle if you move it upright. Make sure to consult the fridge’s instructions to see how long you should wait before turning it on again if the appliance was laying down during shipping. Waiting roughly 24 hours is often considered a safe bet. The compressor oil and refrigerant may need to be replaced if you don’t let them settle.

What other projects should I do at the same time?

Decide if you need to move any other big or bulky objects, such as a washing machine or other appliance, before you begin the move. Professional moving firms may levy minimum rates, which means you may wind up paying the same amount of money to move a refrigerator as you would to move a refrigerator and one or two other items.

Conclusion

Using a dolly is still the best option for moving a fridge despite all the other alternatives.

Get all the supplies you’ll need and call the people you’ll need to help move items. Consider all of your options before making a final decision. Your fridge will last longer, and you’ll save money in the process. Don’t ever put your fridge on its side or back, ever! Your fridge will have to deal with the ramifications of this.

Upon arriving at your fridge’s destination. Spend at least two to four hours in an upright position. Reinstall the compressor oil. After that, you’re free to reconnect the power cord and put everything back in its proper place. Always make sure you’re traveling in a safe manner.