If people have to deal with moving heavy stuff like refrigerators, they usually hire movers to help. Paradise Move & Storage can move your stuff safely and fast. Here you can book your move. However, there are times when you need to move the refrigerator yourself. Here is a guide that shows you how to do it.
Before the Move
Gather Moving Supplies
An essential part of moving is planning and preparation. You need to get all the supplies you require in advance, because it is impossible and dangerous to move the refrigerator without proper equipment.
Supplies you need:
- tape measure;
- furniture sliders;
- an appliance dolly;
- cargo straps;
- moving blankets;
- cleaning supplies (paper towels, detergents, baking soda).
Make sure you have all necessary equipment before beginning the work.
Measure the Refrigerator, Doorways, and Openings
Make sure the refrigerator can fit in all doorways and can be moved easily. To do this, use your tape measure and determine the height, depth and width of the fridge. After that, measure all doors and openings on your way to exit. If the refrigerator fits, great. If not, you’ll have to find a way to get through the doors. You can try to remove the doors of the fridge, so it would be a bit smaller.
Empty the Refrigerator
Of course, you need to reduce the weight of the fridge as much as you can. You should take out all the food and beverages you have. If you know that moving will take a lot of time, place it all into a cooler.
Apart from that, it is necessary to take out all halves, lids that you can. It will reduce the weight and make the fridge more comfortable for cleaning. All removable items have to be covered with plastic wrap for moving.
Unplug the Refrigerator
When the refrigerator is empty, you can unplug it. To prevent tripping and injuries, you should seal the wire with a tape to the back of the refrigerator.
Defrost the Freezer
Before moving the fridge you need to defrost it. Usually there is frost inside the freezer and without proper defrosting it will become a problem during the move. Water will flow from the freezer and make a puddle on the floor. To prevent such a scenario, you need to put bowls inside the freezer and on the floor to gather water. Wait until frost and ice melt. To make it faster you can use a hair dryer.
Wash the Refrigerator’s Interior
While you wait for the frost to melt, you have enough time to wash the refrigerator inside. It will assure you that no bacterias will grow there. You can use baking soda or special detergents to clean halves and walls. Once you are done with this, wipe fridge with a towel.
During the Move
Protect the Floors
Heavy furniture can easily cause damage to the floor. That is why you need to protect the floor before moving the refrigerator. You can do it by placing sliders under each foot of the refrigerator. Carefully tilt the fridge and put a slider under each foot. Then you can slowly move the fridge.
Use an Appliance Dolly with Cargo Straps
Place the refrigerator sideways against the appliance dolly. Lift the fridge slightly and place it on the dolly. Then wrap the refrigerator with cargo straps and moving blankets. Make sure that the tip of the straps is not lying on the floor and you won’t catch it. Carefully tilt the appliance dolly towards you. Note that if you feel that the fridge is too heavy, ask someone for help, because moving such heavy items can hurt your back.
Move the Appliance Dolly
To move your fridge on the appliance dolly you should tilt it carefully towards you at a 45-degree angle. Don’t incline it too much because it will be uncomfortable to move it. Now you can move slowly to your destination, balancing the fridge.
After the Move
Once your moving is complete, you need to place the refrigerator in the new home. Remove all straps and moving blankets and slowly tilt the fridge to a place you want it to be. Put all shelves and lids that you removed before moving. After this you can plug the fridge in the outlet. Once you plug it in, wait until the optimal temperature is reached. It can take several hourі. After the temperature is optimal, you can place your food and beverages in the fridge.
