Tips for Moving a Refrigerator the Right Way

Moving a refrigerator from one home to another isn’t exactly easy. In fact, many people opt to leave their fridge behind when moving, then buy a new one in the new digs. If you decide to take your fridge with you, don’t take on this challenge yourself, as you could damage the unit, not to mention hurt your back or neck.

Hire a specialty mover like Around the Clock Moving & Storage for that! We have the muscle, equipment and training to move large appliances such as refrigerators as well as any other heavy objects. Here are some tips on how to prepare your fridge for the movers:

Remove all food and drinks a couple of days prior to the move. Use them up or toss them.
Unplug the refrigerator from the power supply and disconnect the ice and water dispenser from the water supply.
Defrost the fridge by keeping the door open for a few hours or by putting it on defrost mode, if it has this feature.
Clean the fridge thoroughly using a soft non-abrasive sponge and a mixture of water and baking soda.
Remove all removable components from the inside, such as shelves, drawers and lids, then clean those too. Wrap them in packing paper when dry. Place them all into a large, labeled cardboard box.
Leave the fridge door slightly open to prevent mildew from building up. If you smell odors coming from the fridge, place a box of baking soda inside.
Tell your children to stay away from the fridge and not to hide in it.

Plan

You need a solid plan and a clear exit path. Your movers will know the best way to transport the fridge depending on the layout of your home. Be sure to clear a path for the movers by removing any carpet runners, furniture, wall hangings and toys. It’s helpful to take exact measurements of the appliance to provide your movers, although they will likely take their own measurements beforehand. Be sure to measure the height, width and depth.

Measure all doorways and hallways along the exit route. You may have to temporarily take a door off its hinges so the fridge can fit through.
Walk the exit paths to ensure there are no obstacles. Make sure the path is dry and safe, with no water or mud present.

Preventing Floor and Wall Damage

Refrigerators can easily weigh 200 pounds or more. You need to protect your floors and walls from damage by such a large object. Your movers will likely bring:

Furniture sliders, which will make it easier to move the appliance outward from its spot without scratching the floors. These hard rubber or plastic sliders are designed to decrease the friction between heavy household items and the floor.
Appliance dollies with rubber wheels that ensure your fridge never touches the floor during transport.
Blankets, which will wrap around the fridge to protect your walls.