Although essential, the fridge is one of those items we are hesitant to move. This is understandable, as a fridge is very bulky, heavy and difficult to manoeuvre. For many, moving their fridge may seem impossible, but by following these simple tips, moving your fridge will be an absolute breeze.
#1 Switch off and disconnect the night before moving
Before it can be transported, your fridge must defrost properly. Failing to do this often results in damaging the appliance during its transit. Shutting off your fridge the night before also allows fluids and oils to settle, as they stop generating through the compressor. If you have an automatic icemaker, remove all ice from the compartment and disconnect the hose. This prevents leaks and damage.
#2 Clean and disinfect your fridge
The moment you turn the fridge off, ensure you start removing all food and clean the interior thoroughly. Remember, the moment the fridge is switched off, it will begin to heat up. A dirty, warm fridge will create a very unpleasant odour. Also, ensure it is properly disinfected to ensure there is no mould, germs or other nasties lurking inside. To prevent these problems, make sure the interior is cleaned and disinfected properly.
#3 Remove interior glass shelves and wrap them separately
To move your fridge safely, it’s crucial to reduce the risk of damage. Quite often, people make the mistake of not removing the fridge’s interior glass shelving. After cleaning and disinfecting them, wrap each shelf in bubble wrap or packing paper and move them separately. Leaving them inside the fridge will cause them to move during transport and shatter.
#4 Move the fridge without scratching the floor
Being able to move the fridge carefully so your floor is not scratched is vital to any successful move. This can be avoided if your fridge has wheels. You simply gently roll it away. However, if your fridge is not equipped with wheels, you’ll have to be careful. Avoid shuffling it across the floor, as this will cause serious damage. Avoid this by rocking the fridge back, and sliding a sheet underneath. Then, stand it back up and you have the ideal protective mat.
#5 Wrap your fridge in professional packing material and cover it in blankets
To protect your fridge from dents, scratches and internal damage, invest in quality packing wrap. Encase your fridge in two layers of protective material. Firstly, use professional quality protective wrapping. Then, cover the fridge with moving blankets, which are secured with packing tape. Ensure the packing tape is never on the fridge surface, as this can leave permanent marks.
#6 Slide the moving trolley beneath the fridge
Gently slide a moving trolley underneath and secure it in place with a strap. During this process, one person should tilt the trolley back as you push the fridge forward. If you’re placing the fridge on a moving truck, the person holding the trolley must go backwards, while the person at the front prevents the fridge from falling forward. When inside the truck, secure the fridge to prevent damage during transit.
#7 Move the fridge carefully
The most important part of the process is transportation. During transit, your fridge must be moved slowly and carefully. Always keep it upright to ensure the fridge’s internal mechanisms are protected and ensure it is properly secured and wrapped. This will prevent sudden movement and damage while it is transported to your new home. Remember to wait for three hours before turning the fridge on, so its mechanisms and fluids have time to settle.
If you don’t want to move the fridge yourself, JD Movers will do it for you. Call or email JD Movers today, and our team will move your fridge safely and efficiently.