Preparing Your Refrigerator for the Move: A Guide

There is an endless list of tasks to complete when moving houses. And amidst the hurries of a move, many people forget to prepare the most important things, such as the fridge. Experts at many Frederick MD moving companies say that one of the most asked questions is how to prepare a refrigerator for a move. Which items can’t and can stay in it? Etc.

Moving a refrigerator is not that difficult. However, an effective and safe move requires some prior planning as there can also be potential risks. Moving fridges without the proper knowledge poses risks of leakages, mold collection, and property damage. This guide aims to prevent all that.

Professional Tips for Refrigerator Preparation Before Relocation

Relocation brings its fair share of challenges and is a hidden secret. In the case of long-distance moves, you have everything pre-planned and, ultimately, a good deal of time to prep your fridge. However, things may get challenging if you relocate at the last minute. Worry not! This guide is a lifesaver for all moves!

1. Empty and Defrost

Before anything else, you’ll want to empty your refrigerator. Remove all food items, condiments, and perishables. Check for any expired items and properly dispose of them. It also portrays an excellent opportunity to reduce food waste by using up what you can before Frederick MD moving companies arrive.

Next, unplug the refrigerator to thaw the freezer and remove any ice buildup. Once it’s defrosted, thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of the fridge. In winter moves, defrosting the fridge is less critical. However, for summers, it is. If you need to defrost yours, do it a day or two before the move. [1]

2. Remove and Secure Shelves and Drawers

Refrigerators’ draws, shelves, and bins are usually fragile and vulnerable to breakages during transit. Therefore, removing all the fridge’s interior components is essential. An expert tip is to pack each component individually for increased safety. Consider additional cushioning for a safer transit.

Next, label them into moving boxes as ‘fragile.’ This will ensure a safer handling when loading and unloading. Some refrigerator models also have removable doors or partitions; in such cases, remove all removable ones.

3. Disconnect The Waterlines

These days, most fridges have ice dispensers and in-door screens. In some models, disconnecting waterlines is pretty simple. But in others, it is rather tricky. So, the best way is to hire professional plumbers or removalists. Before hiring Frederick MD moving companies it is essential to know that most movers refuse to touch wiring and such stuff due to liability problems.

Therefore, it is up to the homeowners to get all waterlines disconnected and drained so there are no leaks or wets during the transit. The temptation to grab the instruction manual and begin disconnecting the lines is natural, especially when you are looking to save some green. But it’s something to avoid.

4. Secure The Doors

Securing the refrigerator doors is critical to prevent them from swinging open during the move. You can use strong tape, such as painter’s or moving straps, to shut the doors. Be sure not to tape directly onto the doors or the finish, as this could damage the surface. Instead, create loops with the tape to hold the doors securely.

You can also consider using food wraps to secure the fridge’s doors. Insufficiently secured doors can swing open anytime, damaging the fridge and the surrounding objects. Furthermore, it can also lead to injuries during loading or unloading.

5. Measure And Prepare the Refrigerator

Experts at Gentle Giant have observed that newer refrigerators are more significant than standard house doors and are only increasing in size. Hence, removing the house’s doors from the hinges is better. to ensure a secure loading [2]

The same approach follows for your new home. Before moving your refrigerator, measure it to ensure it will fit through doorways and hallways in your new home. This step can save you much time and hassle on the moving day. Alternatively, you can remove the doors from the refrigerator to make it more manageable to maneuver.

6. Transporting The Refrigerator

Hiring Frederick MD moving companies with experience handling large appliances is highly recommended when moving the refrigerator. They will have the right equipment, such as dollies and straps, to safely transport your refrigerator without damaging it or your property.

If you have decided to stick to DIY moving and self-relocate your fridge, ensure you have a few strong helpers. Always use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. Tilt the refrigerator slightly backward to make navigating through doorways and up or down stairs easier.

7. Use A Dolly To Roll The Fridge To The Desired Location

Using mechanical force is unrecommended when unloading the fridge in your new home. Using a dolly to roll the fridge is a practical and safe approach [3]. Begin by positioning the dolly next to the fridge and tilting the appliance slightly backward. Carefully slide the dolly’s base underneath the fridge, ensuring a secure fit.

Pad the dolly’s metal base and stem to prevent scratching the fridge. Now strap the fridge to the dolly using sturdy straps or bungee cords to prevent it from shifting during transport. Gently tip the fridge backward onto the dolly’s wheels and carefully wheel it to its new location.

Final Words

In conclusion, preparing your refrigerator for a move requires careful planning and attention to detail. Begin by unplugging the appliance and allowing it to defrost. Next, disconnect the waterlines and clean the entire unit. Since the doors may swing open, secure them to avoid inconvenience. You can hire Frederick MD moving companies for loading, unloading, and rolling it into your new home. But the prior tasks must be on your to-do list.

Sometimes, fridges develop an odor after relocating. To prevent that, place a box of baking soda or activated charcoal inside before securing the doors. This will help absorb any odors that may develop during transit and keep your fridge smelling fresh when you arrive at your new home.

FAQs

Can I place my fridge horizontally when relocating it with a moving company in Frederick?

It’s generally not recommended to place a fridge horizontally during relocation. Transport it upright to avoid potential damage to the compressor and cooling system.

What should you avoid when relocating a fridge without Frederick MD moving companies?

Only lay the fridge on its side, neglect securing doors, skip cleaning, or move it with proper equipment and assistance.

Why should you wait 24 hours after moving the fridge?

Waiting 24 hours after moving the fridge allows refrigerant fluids to settle, ensuring the compressor doesn’t start prematurely, potentially damaging the appliance’s cooling system.