Updated at: 30-09-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

Moving a fridge is a nuisance, and there is no magic recipe that will make it any easier. In addition to being cumbersome, refrigerators are also expensive. However, if you know how to move a refrigerator correctly, the job will go lot more smoothly.

There are instances when you should let the pros handle things, but that depends on your scenario. For those who cannot do so, we have you covered. Use the proper equipment and care to ensure the safety of this high-priced gadget in your home. You can use this approach to transfer a refrigerator from point A to point B, no matter how far it has to travel.

You’ll need:

  • A strapped appliance dummy
  • Using a caliper
  • Drill or screwdriver
  • It is necessary to move blankets.
  • Tape and rope
  • A minimum of two people are required.

Follow These Steps to Move a Fridge Safely

1. Clean out and defrost the unit.

To move a refrigerator, the first step is to carefully clean and prepare it. Empty the contents and either throw away or store them in a cooler, depending on your preference. Keep enough ice on hand during your move and while the fridge is cooling down to keep your food fresh and safe.

How To Transport a Fridge By Yourself (Using a LARGE/LIFTED Pickup Truck!) - YouTube

In the weeks coming up to the relocation, eat all of your perishables so that you don’t run out of food. Making meals ahead of time will help you avoid last-minute supermarket shopping.

After the food has been removed, use a mixture of baking soda and water to thoroughly clean all surfaces. Clean up the water and any remaining ice in the freezer with a hair drier. Preventing water leaks during the transfer by melting these surfaces in preparation is a good idea.

Turn off your refrigerator a couple hours before you plan to move.

A moisture absorbent product like activated charcoal can help prevent odors from building up throughout the travel.

2. Disconnect fridge according to the user manual.

It’s best to disconnect the water filter and ice maker well in advance using the owner’s instructions if you have them in your fridge. Most moving firms won’t help you unhook your fridge.

Protect the refrigerator by taping the cord to the refrigerator’s back after it has been unplugged and unplugged entirely. You can remove the refrigerator doors if you follow the owner’s manual instructions, or you can use bungee cords or rope to keep them closed. All screws and other parts should be stored in a zip-lock bag.

Protect the fridge’s exterior against dents and scratches by wrapping it in moving blankets or similar padding.

Remove the refrigerator’s drawers and glass shelves before transporting for additional safety. Tape drawers in place instead if you’re not travelling far.

3. Measure fridge and doorways then create a moving plan.

If your entrances are too small to fit a refrigerator, you’ll have to find a different means to move it. You may have to remove the fridge’s doors as well as the doors on your house in order for it to pass through.

The dimensions of your refrigerator should be recorded using a tape measure and a notepad. Take a tape measure to each entryway and hallway to get an accurate reading. Make a detailed plan of how each doorway will accommodate the refrigerator. You don’t want to be trying to push the fridge through a door with it on the dolly and then realizing that it won’t go through.

4. Remove obstacles like doors as necessary.

Now is the moment to get rid of anything that will come in the way of your relocation strategy. Remove door hinges or stair rails if necessary. Clear the way for the moving truck by removing any residual furniture from the way.

5. Slide fridge out and strap onto the dolly.

It shouldn’t be too difficult to move a fridge because most of them are on wheels. Furniture sliders should be placed under the back of the refrigerator in order to prevent the fridge from tipping over. Grab both sides of the fridge and push it side to side while directing it forward from the front of the fridge. You may also be able to pull it straight ahead at times. Remember to maintain your knees bent and your back straight at all times when performing this exercise.

The fridge must now be placed on the appliance dolly. Slide a movable dolly beneath the refrigerator’s side as one person lifts it gently. Keep the dolly away from the fridge’s front or back. Tighten the fridge using the dolly straps.

How to Transport a Fridge by Yourself ((( Part 1 ))) - YouTube

6. Tilt fridge back and move with care (slowly).

Adjust the dolly so that the fridge is balanced evenly on top and below it by slowly tilting the fridge back. A refrigerator should never be tipped more than 45 degrees backwards. Take your time and be cautious when bringing the dolly to a stop. If at any point you need to lower the fridge, do so cautiously and with the help of someone on the other side.

7. Take extra precaution going down steps.

It’s best if there’s an extra set of hands below the fridge to assist with moving the dolly down the stairwell one step at a time. Pull the dolly back toward you while tilting the fridge at a 45-degree angle down the stairs. Pull the dolly toward you at all times to keep it under your control. The worker at the bottom is responsible for ensuring that the refrigerator is always positioned such that it does not protrude forward from the dolly.

8. Guide fridge into moving truck.

Using a board, lift the fridge into the moving truck or pickup truck. An easy-to-use plank or platform is far more convenient than having to lift the fridge into the truck by yourself.

9. Secure the refrigerator for the move.

If at all possible, avoid placing the refrigerator on its side. Using additional straps along the fridge’s top and sides, fasten the fridge to the vehicle. Instead of having to re-secure the fridge once it reaches its final destination, it’s best to leave it on the dolly for now.

10. Wait before plugging in and adding food.

Wait a few hours before plugging in your refrigerator again after moving it to a new location. Before plugging the refrigerator back in, make sure it has been upright for at least twice as long as it was lying on its side. Before feeding your pet, wait the manufacturer’s recommended amount of time, which might be anything from 24 to 72 hours.

When can I Turn my Fridge Back on After Moving?

When moving a fridge or freezer, it’s best to avoid placing it on its side, but this isn’t always possible; for example, if all you have is an estate car.

Modern units may be able to handle movement and being turned on their sides a little better, but nothing is guaranteed. If you have had no choice but to transport a fridge on its side it should be left upright for a minimum of 3 hours before it is plugged in and turned on.

Allow it to stand for at least 24 hours before plugging it in if it has been lying on its side for more than one day.

Can you Lay Down a Fridge or Freezer to Move it?

Avoid disrupting the cooling system by transporting your fridge or freezer upright. If you have no alternative but to lay the appliance on its side for 24 hours before turning on the power switch, you can do so.

How Should I Carry or Move my Fridge or Freezer?

As previously said, lifting the fridge should only be attempted with the assistance of at least one other person in order to prevent injury to your back.

To be safe, it’s a good idea to measure any refrigerator or freezer openings you’ll be passing through.

You can rent sack trucks from a local hiring shop if you don’t already own any of the aforesaid vehicles. To some, this may appear to be a waste of money, but trust us when we say that it is absolutely required!

Make sure the unit is on its side while putting it on the sack trucks. Avoid laying it on its back, which could harm or crush the radiator or cooling pipes.

When the unit is turned on its side, it may be too wide to fit through standard doorways or openings. In this case, move it to the opening, unload it, and then reload it onto the trucks once it has passed through. The appliance and the opening will be damaged if you try to ′′wedge it on in there′′ without proper tools.

Why Do Refrigerators Need to be Turned Off Before Moving Them?

Frost, a very compressed chemical, is found in refrigerators. As soon as you move them or switch it on again after a move, the pressure in the system rises quickly in order to make up for the change in position. If the oil separator valves and seals aren’t fully opened at this point, they’re at risk of failing. Oil can spill into the compressor if this happens. When this happens, your refrigerator will not be able to function until it is fixed by a professional.

What is the Best Way to Prepare and Pack Up your Fridge for Moving Day?

When moving a refrigerator, care must be taken. Before you move your fridge, there are a slew of things to think about.

The ideal technique to pack your appliance will be determined by the type of movers you hired and the location to which they will be transporting it. Moving the fridge yourself means that you can do whatever you want when the time comes to use it again.

It’s crucial to verify with your moving coordinator to see if food and liquids are allowed to be transported with your belongings. Before moving day, it’s best to get rid of any food that’s been sitting around.

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If you’ve hired a moving company, you shouldn’t immediately turn on your refrigerator once it’s been placed in its new location. To safeguard the safety of both the mover and you, most movers will not plug any appliances back in until they are finished with their work and are satisfied with the results.

After the movers have unpacked your refrigerator, you need not be concerned about whether or not your favorite frozen meals will be ready to eat again—even if you are eager to get started.

Conclusion

When moving a refrigerator, this is how it’s done. Again, if you’re moving it to a high location, you’ll need some help from your pals. If you try to do it on your own, you run the risk of making a mess of things. That’s where a professional moving company can come in in; they’ll be able to handle the task with ease. Here’s how to store a fridge if you still don’t need it.