Moving to a new house is always a pain, but adding the extra stressor of moving a fridge can be too much. “Fridges are pretty heavy. Most people these days have double door fridges and they’re not the lightest, they’re probably the heaviest item in the house.”
Lifting a fridge is a two-person job and you need to be careful not to drop it or hurt yourself in the process. In this article, we’ll give you five tips to make moving your fridge a breeze.
1. Empty your fridge before you move it.
Moving is a big job, and there are a lot of details to remember. One important detail that is often overlooked is emptying the fridge. This seems like a small task, but it can make a big difference in the overall move. A fridge full of food is heavy and difficult to move, so it’s best to empty it out before you start.
Take everything out, including all the shelves and drawers, and give it a good cleaning. This will lighten the load and make it easier to move. Plus, you don’t want your food to get jostled around during the move. By taking everything out ahead of time, you can be sure that your food will stay fresh and safe during the move.
2. Clean your fridge before you move and don’t forget to defrost it.
Cleaning and defrosting your fridge is important for two reasons.
First, you want to start fresh in your new home. Moving is a great time to de-clutter and get rid of anything you don’t need, and that includes old food in your fridge.
Second, you need to defrost your fridge to prevent damage during the move and ease the process of cleaning it once you’re settled in.
A professional is equipped with the knowledge and tools to get your appliances from A to B quickly and efficiently.
All that built-up ice and frost will not only make your fridge heavier and more difficult to move, but it could also damage the appliance. When the ice melts during transit, it could cause water damage to your fridge-freezer, and that’s something you definitely want to avoid! So, before you start packing up your kitchen for the move, make sure to give your fridge a good clean and defrost.
3. Measure the fridge and doorways.
You might not think about it, but your fridge is probably one of the largest appliances in your home. That means you need to make sure it will fit through the doorways and hallways in your new place.
Measure the fridge, as well as any doors and stairwells it needs to pass through, to make sure there’s enough room. For those who missed our previous article about the standard measurements of fridges, you will find a helpful measurement chart below.
Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
Width: From 29-1/2 inches to 32-3/4 inches
Height: From 67 to 70 inches
Depth: Around 33-3/8 inches
French Door Refrigerators
Width: From 29-1/2 to 36 inches
Height: From 67 to 70-1/8 inches
Depth: From 29-3/8 to 34-5/8 inches
Side by Side Refrigerators
Width: From 32-3/4 to 39-3/4 inches
Height: From 65-7/8 to 71-1/4 inches
Depth: From 28-3/4 to 30-1/4 inches
Top-Freezer Refrigerators
Width: From 28-3/4 to 32-3/4 inches
Height: 61-3/4 to 66-1/4 inches
Depth: Around 34-1/4 inches
You might need to remove the doors or disassemble the appliance slightly to get it through, so it’s always better to be prepared. If you’re not sure whether your fridge will fit, it’s always best to ask for help from a professional mover. They’ll be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
4. Get the right equipment
Moving a fridge is not a one-person job, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough help. At the very least, you’ll need two people to lift the fridge and another person to guide it through doorways and tight spaces.
Many refrigerators come with wheels, so it should be a relatively simple task to slide it forward. Load the fridge onto the moving dolly and then secure it in place with straps or rope. This will help to prevent any accidents while you’re moving it.
If your fridge doesn’t have wheels, you can purchase a moving dolly that is specifically designed for appliances. These have a low platform with four casters, so they are easy to maneuver. Just be careful when going down stairs, as the fridge can tip over if it’s not secured properly.
5. Don’t turn the fridge on immediately
Many people make the mistake of plugging in their fridge as soon as they get it to their new home. However, it’s important to give the appliance a chance to settle first. If you turn it on too soon, the compressor could overheat and break down.
Instead, wait at least 30 minutes before plugging in your fridge. This eliminates air bubbles in the tubes and helps the appliance to run more efficiently. Once the 30 minutes is up, you can go ahead and plug it in and turn it on.
Final Thoughts
Our team at A Smooth Move Removals understand the importance of getting your fridge to your new home safely. Hiring a professional eliminate and save you the headache of having to move your fridge yourself. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to get your appliances from A to B quickly and efficiently.
If you’re planning a move and need some assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!’