Whenever you are packing, kitchen appliances would be the most difficult ones to pack. Especially appliances like refrigerators, gas stoves need special preparation to move. You need to know the right technique to move these appliances safely. Otherwise, you might end up damaging the appliance while moving it. Here is the right and the safe way of moving a refrigerator:
How to move a refrigerator?
Refrigerators are usually very heavy and quite expensive. If you move it in the wrong way, you might end up causing several damages like fluid leakage, mildew of the harbor and scratches on the floor. You can also hurt the people around you. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to move a refrigerator.
Step 1: Arrange the needed equipment
Before you start moving, gather all the tools that you’ll need for the job. Some of the necessary tools are:
- A cleaning liquid or spray for the refrigerator
- Measuring tapes
- A hand truck
- Tie-down straps
- Cooler
- Shock cord
- Tapes for packing
- Packing blanket
- Floor protector sheet
Keep in mind that moving a heavy appliance like a refrigerator will need more than a pair of hands.
Step 2: take out the correct measurement
In order to move the refrigerator safely without damaging anything on the way, you’ll have to measure it properly.
- At first, measure the height and the width of your refrigerator.
- Measure the height and the width of the door and the hallway of the places you’re moving the refrigerator.
- Find out if there’s any object coming on the way.
- Try to remove the obstacles from the way.
Garage is a wonderful place to place a freezer as it helps to save inside space of a house. The same procedure should be followed while moving your freezer in a garage.
Step 3: Take everything out from the refrigerator
After the measuring, remove everything from your refrigerator. Turn off the power and empty the fridge.
Step 4: Safeguard your floor and walls
A lot of people tend to scratch the floors and wall while moving the fridge. Try to use a protecting mat during the movement. Another great way is to tilt the refrigerator while moving. This will protect both the floor and the bottom side of the appliance.
Step 5: Take out all the removable parts
Usually, a refrigerator comes with detachable parts like drawers, trays for ice cubes, dispensers, organizing units, shelves, etc. Before the movement, detach these parts and use a protective sheet to cover them. You can also mark them for an easier installation process.
While removing a built-in filter, disconnect it and keep it in a separate pack. In the case of a charcoal filter, it’s better to get a new one after the movement.
Step 6: Remove from the socket
Move the fridge away from the power unit and unplug the socket. Protect the cord so that it doesn’t get damaged through dragging. Use tape to attach the cable securely to the back.
If your fridge has a water line, detach it safely. After that, defrost the freezer unit. Use a bucket to collect the water. Finally, clean the refrigerator thoroughly.
Step 7: Carefully move and pack the refrigerator
This is one of the most important steps as doing it incorrectly can permanently damage your fridge. Once you’ve taped the cord and cables properly, seal the front side of the fridge. If you have a double door fridge, use something strong to tie them. Now, use a packing blanket to wrap the refrigerator and then use the shock chord and tie-down straps to secure the fridge.
Step 8: Use the hand truck
Use a stable hand truck while moving the refrigerator. Usually, a hand truck has a rub rail that is padded with squishy materials so that the appliances are protected from bumps. Lift the fridge slightly and place the hand truck under it. Then rest the refrigerator on the rub rail. Now, tie the straps around the fridge to avoid the damages caused by jerking.
Step 9: Move the fridge to the truck
Finally, it’s time to move the refrigerator to the vehicle. Generally, a moving truck comes with a ramp so that it becomes easy to load the appliance. Use the handle of the hand truck to push through the ramp. If the truck doesn’t come with a ramp, then use the help of two people to physically lift the refrigerator and load it in the truck.
Step 10: Unpack the fridge and turn it on
Once you’ve reached the destination, it’s time to unload it. Follow steps 2, 3 and 4 to safely move it to your desired place. Once you’ve placed it nicely, give it some time to settle. Generally, the fluid takes a few hours to settle. Look at the user manual to find out the required time for fluid settlement.
Things to remember while moving the refrigerator
- Here are some things that you should remember while moving a refrigerator.
After moving, open the doors for 10 to 15 minutes in order to get rid of the odor. Don’t turn on the power while the doors are open. - Always pack the refrigerator in the upright state.
- Balance the weight properly on the hand truck before you start moving.
- Take the help of an extra pair of hands while using a stair.
- To find out the correct size of the truck, you can take the help of a refrigerator’s dimension. While moving different elements at one time, load the fridge at first and then other lightboxes.
- Try to clean the refrigerator at least a day before the move. Keep the doors open and let them dry entirely. This will reduce the growth of bacteria.
- Use elements like vinegar, baking soda to clean the refrigerator.
- The bottom of the refrigerator is quite delicate. Ensure that the fridge is on balance while moving and do not dispose of it to more than the angle of 45 degrees.
Bottom line
If you’re feeling doubtful about removing a fridge on your own then you can take the help of a professional. You’ll find a lot of companies who are experts at moving delicate appliances. Even if you take the help of a professional, the following steps will give you a clear idea of how to move a refrigerator safely. Thus, you’ll be able to monitor the process with ease.