Keeping your cool with fridge and freezer hacks.
Guide

Say Goodbye To Movers! Discover The Effortless Way To Move Your Refrigerator Solo

John Wilkins is the founder and lead contributor of Homedutiesdone.com, a comprehensive resource dedicated to helping homeowners master the art of refrigeration and freezer management.

What To Know

  • Whether you’re moving your fridge across the room or to a new home, this step-by-step guide will provide you with all the information you need to get the job done right.
  • If you’re moving the refrigerator up or down stairs, make sure to use a sturdy dolly or appliance cart.
  • If you’re moving the refrigerator a long distance, consider wrapping it in a moving blanket or pad for extra protection.

Moving a refrigerator by yourself can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and the right techniques, you can do it safely and efficiently. Whether you’re moving your fridge across the room or to a new home, this step-by-step guide will provide you with all the information you need to get the job done right.

Preparing Your Refrigerator for the Move

1. Empty and Defrost the Refrigerator:

  • Start by emptying the refrigerator and freezer of all food and drinks.
  • Unplug the refrigerator and let it defrost completely. This may take several hours, so plan accordingly.
  • Remove all shelves, drawers, and other removable parts from the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Wrap these parts securely in blankets or towels to protect them during the move.

2. Clean the Refrigerator:

  • Once the refrigerator is empty, clean the interior and exterior thoroughly with a mild detergent and warm water.
  • Make sure to clean the door gaskets and handles as well.
  • Dry the refrigerator completely with a clean cloth.

3. Secure the Doors and Drawers:

  • Use painter’s tape to secure the refrigerator and freezer doors shut.
  • Tape the drawers closed as well to prevent them from opening during the move.

4. Protect the Exterior of the Refrigerator:

  • Wrap the refrigerator in blankets or moving pads to protect it from scratches and dents.
  • Secure the blankets or moving pads with packing tape.

Moving the Refrigerator

1. Prepare the Moving Path:

  • Clear a path from the refrigerator to the moving truck or new location.
  • Make sure the path is free of obstacles and tripping hazards.
  • If you’re moving the refrigerator up or down stairs, make sure to use a sturdy dolly or appliance cart.

2. Lift and Move the Refrigerator:

  • If you’re moving the refrigerator by yourself, use a furniture dolly or appliance cart to make the job easier.
  • Carefully lift the refrigerator onto the dolly or cart.
  • Secure the refrigerator to the dolly or cart with straps or bungee cords.
  • Slowly and carefully move the refrigerator along the prepared path.
  • If you’re moving the refrigerator up or down stairs, use a stair-climbing dolly or appliance cart.

3. Loading the Refrigerator into the Moving Truck:

  • If you’re moving the refrigerator in a moving truck, secure it in place with straps or bungee cords.
  • Make sure the refrigerator is upright and stable during the move.
  • If you’re moving the refrigerator a long distance, consider wrapping it in a moving blanket or pad for extra protection.

Unloading and Setting Up the Refrigerator

1. Unloading the Refrigerator from the Moving Truck:

  • Carefully unload the refrigerator from the moving truck.
  • Use a furniture dolly or appliance cart to make the job easier.
  • Slowly and carefully move the refrigerator to its new location.

2. Setting Up the Refrigerator:

  • Place the refrigerator in its new location.
  • Level the refrigerator using a leveler or by adjusting the feet.
  • Plug in the refrigerator and let it cool down for at least 24 hours before putting food back in it.
  • Replace the shelves, drawers, and other removable parts.

3. Checking for Leaks:

  • Once the refrigerator is plugged in, check for leaks around the door gaskets.
  • If you see any leaks, adjust the door gaskets or replace them if necessary.

Additional Tips for Moving a Refrigerator by Yourself

  • If you’re moving the refrigerator by yourself, consider hiring a professional mover to help you.
  • Wear gloves and safety glasses when moving the refrigerator to protect yourself from injury.
  • If you’re moving the refrigerator up or down stairs, use a stair-climbing dolly or appliance cart.
  • Secure the refrigerator to the dolly or cart with straps or bungee cords.
  • Move the refrigerator slowly and carefully to avoid damaging it or your home.

Happy Moving!

With careful planning and the right techniques, you can safely and efficiently move your refrigerator by yourself. Just remember to take your time, protect the refrigerator from damage, and ask for help if you need it.

Information You Need to Know

1. How long should I wait to plug in my refrigerator after moving it?

  • You should wait at least 24 hours before plugging in your refrigerator after moving it. This will give the compressor time to settle and prevent damage to the refrigerator.

2. How can I protect my refrigerator from damage during a move?

  • Wrap the refrigerator in blankets or moving pads to protect it from scratches and dents.
  • Secure the blankets or moving pads with packing tape.
  • Use a furniture dolly or appliance cart to move the refrigerator.
  • Secure the refrigerator to the dolly or cart with straps or bungee cords.

3. What should I do if I see a leak around the door gaskets of my refrigerator after moving it?

  • Adjust the door gaskets or replace them if necessary.
  • You can also apply a thin bead of silicone caulk around the door gaskets to seal any gaps.
Was this page helpful?

John Wilkins

John Wilkins is the founder and lead contributor of Homedutiesdone.com, a comprehensive resource dedicated to helping homeowners master the art of refrigeration and freezer management.
Back to top button