Refrigerators aren’t always an appliance people need to worry about when moving to a new home. Many rental properties include refrigerators in the lease, and new homeowners often opt to buy a new fridge for their new house. If you opt to take your fridge with you during your move, it is advisable to hire the services of professional movers to handle the appliance. However, if you want to do the work yourself, we have you covered with this step-by-step guide to moving your fridge.
1. Unplug the power
The first step is to unplug the power cord from the wall socket. This step is a precautionary measure because it will eliminate any chance of an electric shock/electricity-related accident.
2. Empty out the contents of the fridge
The second step is to completely empty out the fridge’s contents before moving it. This is recommended because the fridge will not be able to run while it’s being transported, so any food inside will risk spoiling very quickly. Take this opportunity to do a thorough cleaning and start with a fresh, clean refrigerator at your new home.
3. Take out the refrigerator shelves
The next step is to take out all the refrigerator shelves, controllers, and drawers. Some owners prefer to pull out their refrigerator from the cabinet or cavity completely. However, it is not recommended as you may need to reinstall it in the future at the new place.
4. Lift from the front
Lift the fridge upright on the dolly and place it on a flat surface. If you do not have access to this flat surface, then you should call a professional mover so that they can lift it for you.
5. Secure with the dolly
Secure the fridge on a dolly and place the wheels on the floor. Then, set two heavy-duty floor mats underneath the refrigerator to prevent scratches, and make sure it is level before you lift it. Then raise the dolly to the height you want to pull over the new location. After the fridge is secure and the dolly is ready to go, start pulling your fridge to either the moving truck or the new destination.
6. Secure to the truck
When you reach the moving truck, ensure you secure your fridge to the truck by tying it down. Putting rope or cables through the wheels will ensure that it does not move around during transportation. It is crucial to move the fridge upright.
7. Unload the truck
Once you have secured the fridge onto the truck and transported it to your destination, it is time to unload it. Pull the refrigerator off the cart/truck and onto a flat surface to prevent damage. You can now reattach all the drawers, shelves, and controllers to their original position.
8 Connect power back to the wall socket
Once everything seems fine and you have waited for a few hours, you can reconnect the power cord. Your fridge should be ready for use as usual. Avoid plugging it in immediately to allow the compressor oil to settle. If you left some items inside the fridge, be sure to clean everything up after removing your fridge in case anything spills out of it and onto your floor. This will keep your home clean, comfortable, safe, and healthy.
Key Takeaway
All these tips can apply to any situation where you need to transport a refrigerator. Remember, the first step is to unplug your power cord, and do not forget to have your fridge emptied out before moving it. These precautions will help you prevent any injury or damage to the appliance.
