Moving a fridge freezer is not easy, even when you only want to place it in a different part of your kitchen. But it becomes even more difficult to transport when moving house. It’s big, heavy, and bulky. Not to mention that, as far as house appliances are concerned, it’s probably one of the more expensive items you own. That’s why it’s important to find out more about the dos and don’ts of fridge freezer moving to avoid costly damages and potential injuries.
Can I move a fridge freezer on my own?
Fridge freezers are too big and heavy to be moved safely by a single person. You should always have at least one more person with you to help you lift and keep the fridge upright, especially if you need to carry it up or down the stairs to get to the moving van. When attempting to do this on your own, there’s a risk that the fridge will tip over and get damaged or injure you if it falls your way. That’s why, if there is no one available to give you a hand, or you do not have the necessary equipment, it’s best to leave this task to professional movers who will be able to secure and transport your appliances without accidents.
Packing materials and equipment you’ll need to move your fridge freezer
- Moving blankets/moving pads
- Ratchet straps
- Packing tape
- Moving dolly
How to move a fridge freezer
Empty your fridge freezer
Before you start preparing your fridge for transport, make sure to remove all food and drinks. It’s an important step to ensure that nothing moves around and spills during transport. You can keep the most necessary food items in a portable cooler to have something to eat on hand. However, if you have no alternative place to store groceries, it may be a good idea to limit your shopping list in the days leading to the move to avoid wasting food. If you have magnets or notes on your fridge door, remember to remove them as well.
Unplug and defrost your fridge freezer
Now that the fridge freezer is empty, you can unplug the power cord, fold it and tape it securely at the back. If your appliance has a built-in ice dispenser, you need to disconnect it from the water supply as well. All of this should be done at least a few hours before moving to give your fridge enough time to defrost.
The easiest option is to defrost your fridge freezer overnight. Remember to leave the door open and place towels under and around the fridge to protect the floor from water. In the morning, you can simply wipe it clean to get rid of any excess water or food residue.Remove all moving elements
Even after removing the food, there are still many movable parts inside your fridge freezer, such as shelves, trays, and organisers. You can either keep them in place with tape or take them out to transport separately.
Prepare the fridge freezer for transport
Once you’re sure that there is nothing that can move around inside, you can close the door and secure it using tape, rope, or straps. If you plan on using ratchet straps with metal buckles, it may be a good idea to cover the fridge with moving blankets first to avoid scratching the surface.
Now it’s time to call your helpers because you need to place your fridge on the moving dolly and secure it with straps. It’ll be much easier to move this way. You should also make sure that there are no obstacles on your way to the removal van.Load the fridge freezer into the removal van and secure it in an upright position
Even though fridges are heavy and bulky, they are also easy to damage when dropped. So if you want to avoid having to buy a new fridge after going through all the trouble of moving it yourself, make sure to be extra careful when loading your fridge into the moving van and securing it inside with straps.
Common questions
- Can you move a fridge freezer without defrosting it? Defrosting a fridge freezer before moving is recommended as it allows the ice to melt before transport. Otherwise, it may melt inside the moving van, leak out and cause a mess or even damage other items.
- When should you turn your fridge freezer off before moving? Ideally, your fridge should be turned off as early as 24h before the move. If this is not possible, make sure to turn it off no later than the evening before the moving day to give it enough time to defrost.
- Can you lay a fridge freezer down to move it? It’s always recommended to transport fridges in an upright position as it’s the easiest way to avoid damage and to make sure that the oil won’t seep into the cooling tubes. However, if it’s impossible, you can lay it down on its side.
- How long should you wait before it is safe to turn your fridge freezer back on? You should wait at least 3 or 4 hours before plugging your fridge back in and then give it an additional 12 hours to cool down sufficiently after turning it on.
Hire moving services to transport your household appliances quickly and safely!
We know that moving can be complicated, time-consuming, and messy. But we also know that it doesn’t have to be! With our help, you’ll be able to pack and transport your belongings, furniture, and house appliances quickly and without accidents! Leave it to our team to choose the best moving equipment and methods and enjoy a stress-free start in your new house. Contact us to find out more about our services.
