How to Move a Refrigerator 🧊

How to Move a Refrigerator

Moving a refrigerator is no small task.

These appliances are heavy, bulky, and delicate in their way, requiring a careful balance of strength and precision to ensure they arrive at their new location in perfect working order.

At Packhorse Moving, we’ve mastered the art of moving appliances like refrigerators, and we’re here to share our expertise.

Here’s your complete guide to safely moving a refrigerator without the hassle or damage.

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Prepare the Refrigerator for Moving

Before lifting or unplugging anything, proper preparation is essential.

• Empty the Refrigerator Completely: Take out all food, beverages, and ice. Pack any perishable items in a cooler or insulated bag to keep them fresh during the move.

  
  

• Remove Shelves and Drawers: Detach removable shelves, drawers, and bins to prevent them from shifting and breaking during transit. Wrap these parts in bubble wrap or moving blankets for added protection.

  
  

• Defrost the Refrigerator: Unplug the refrigerator 24-48 hours before moving to allow it to defrost completely. This prevents water leakage during the move. Wipe the interior dry to avoid any moisture buildup.

  
  

• Secure the Doors: Use strong tape or moving straps to secure the doors and prevent them from swinging open while being moved.

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Gather the Right Tools

Moving a refrigerator is a two-person job at a minimum and requires specialized equipment to get the job done safely.

• Appliance Dolly: Use a heavy-duty dolly designed for large appliances. These are essential for supporting the weight of a refrigerator and allowing for easier maneuverability.

• Moving Straps: Heavy-duty straps help secure the refrigerator to the dolly and keep it stable during transport.

• Protective Blankets: Wrap the refrigerator in moving blankets to prevent scratches, dents, or other damage to the exterior.

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Measure and Plan Your Route

Before moving the refrigerator, plan your path from the kitchen to the moving truck.

• Measure Doorways and Hallways: Confirm that your refrigerator can fit through the spaces it needs to pass. If not, you may need to remove doors or other obstructions temporarily.

• Protect Floors and Walls: Lay down cardboard or floor runners to prevent scratching or scuffing during the move. Use corner protectors to safeguard walls.

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Moving the Refrigerator

With preparation complete, it’s time to move the refrigerator.

• Tilt and Secure: Tilt the refrigerator slightly backward and slide the dolly underneath. Secure it tightly with straps to prevent it from shifting.

• Maintain an Upright Position: Keep the refrigerator upright at all times to prevent damage to the compressor or coolant system. Tilting it too far can cause oil to flow into the cooling tubes, potentially leading to malfunction.

• Navigate Carefully: Move slowly and carefully, communicating with your team to ensure everyone is aligned. Use ramps for stairs whenever possible to minimize lifting.

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Loading the Refrigerator into the Truck

Once you’ve navigated the refrigerator out of your home, the next step is loading it onto the moving truck.

• Keep It Upright: Position the refrigerator upright in the truck to avoid compressor damage.

  
  

• Secure in Place: Use straps to fasten the refrigerator to the side of the truck, preventing it from tipping or shifting during transit.

• Add Padding: Surround the refrigerator with moving blankets or other padding to protect it from bumps or contact with other items.

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Reinstallation at the New Location

When your refrigerator reaches its destination, follow these steps for a smooth reinstallation:

• Let It Stand Upright: After moving, let the refrigerator sit upright for a few hours (up to 24) before plugging it in. This allows the oil in the compressor to settle back into place.

  
  

• Reconnect and Cool: Plug the refrigerator in and give it time to cool down before adding food back inside. Check for any damage or leaks before resuming use.

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Protect Your Refrigerator During the Move

Refrigerators are both a vital and expensive household appliance, so taking extra precautions during the move is worth it.

Removing all contents, securing the doors, and using proper equipment ensures your refrigerator arrives in top condition, ready to keep your groceries fresh.

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Moving a refrigerator may seem daunting, but with the right preparation, tools, and techniques, it can be done safely and efficiently.

At Packhorse Moving, we specialize in relocating heavy appliances like refrigerators with care and precision.

Let our team handle the heavy lifting so you can enjoy a stress-free moving experience.

Stay tuned for more tips in our "How to Move..." series!