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DIY moving of your fridge is a demanding task – but not an impossible one. By following a detailed step-by-step guide you too can effectively and efficiently move your refrigerator to your new home.
First and foremost you will have to empty your fridge. You will have to make sure that you remove all the contents. Also, don’t forget to defrost the freezer before you start cleaning the freezer compartment.
With a bit of planning, you can freeze enough ice to keep your items cool during the move. Ask a friend to store some extra ice for you. If your move is long and you fear that perishable items will get spoiled then you should consume them before moving.
You can defrost your fridge with a hairdryer as well or by letting it sit switched off for a few hours. This way you can be sure that all the ice has melted and there won’t be any accidental water leaks.
Start by disconnecting the power cord, roll it, and secure it with a cable tie.
In the owner’s manual, you should check whether the refrigerator doors can be removed or not. If they cannot be removed you can use bungee cords to keep the doors from opening on the move.
You can use packing paper and bubble wrap to protect the exterior of your fridge. Also, remember to remove any loosely fitted glass shelves or refrigerator drawers so they do not break when the fridge moves.
With rising innovation, refrigerators have become increasingly sophisticated. The latest models include inbuilt Wifi, Digital Interface Screens, and Dispensers. If your fridge has an ice dispenser or a water dispenser then you should first begin by disconnecting its water supply.
After disconnecting the water source you will have to remove the water lines to ensure there is no water left in the dispenser. You have to be extra careful with water lines because they are very unreliable.
Moving companies do not remove them for you so it is recommended to call an expert from the manufacturing company.
Additional Tip: Some refrigerators have a drainage tray, check if your fridge has one. Remove it and empty any drain water that was deposited.
Depending on the size of your fridge, you will have to devise a plan of action to move it across your house, to the pickup truck.
If you have a single-door fridge then it will be an easy task to get it through the doorways. However, a large fridge or a double-door fridge might require you to remove the doors in your house.
You can use a tape measure to evaluate the dimensions of your fridge and the openings of your doorways. Compare them and check if the fridge can go through before you start moving the fridge. If the doorways are narrower than your fridge then you can remove the doors from your house to move the fridge.
When moving your fridge through your house, there might be things that will get in the way. You can remove furniture and any other permanent fittings. Use furniture sliders to move heavy items easily and quickly.
If your fridge has wheels, it would become really easy for you to move it across your home but if it does not then you can use furniture sliders. You will have to place the furniture sliders underneath the leveling legs.
Once you have placed the furniture sliders under the fridge you can then move it side to side. Make sure you are moving forward in the desired direction with your knees bent and back straight.
Once you reach a point such as a flight of stairs you can load the fridge onto the appliance dolly. You should lift it from one side and another person should slide the dolly underneath the fridge. Once the fridge is on the dolly, secure it with the dolly straps.
When going down the flight of stairs it is important to ensure that your fridge remains in an upright position on the dolly. You can tip the fridge up to a 45-degree angle, further tilting can cause damage to the fridge’s internal workings.
When moving the dolly down the stairs you should take extra precautions because one small mistake will not only damage the fridge but can also result in an injury. Keep the fridge tilted and keep a pulling force on the dolly so it doesn’t fall due to its weight. This way you will have full control.
The person assisting you should push the fridge back to keep it from falling forward. Also, make sure that the fridge is secured on the dolly with straps all the time.
Ask your truck rental company if they have a dedicated ramp for moving dollies up to the truck. If they do not have that then you can use a plank to guide the fridge up on the truck.
Secure the refrigerator during transit with ratchet straps that are attached to the truck. Once inside the truck use packing tape to secure the fridge doors just to be on the safe side.
Although it is up to your discretion, you can keep the fridge attached to the dolly so it is easier for you to move it when you reach the new location. You can use additional straps to secure the dolly and fridge for extra protection.
Once you move the fridge inside your new home attach the components such as removed freezer doors, water filter, and shelves. Remember to use a floor protector on the area where you will be keeping your fridge to avoid floor damage.
We can understand that not everyone is into DIY moving or it can be difficult for some people to move on their own. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned mover, Bin-It has everything you need to ensure your moving experience goes smoothly. Bin-It offers all types of moving services in North Bergen, NJ, and surrounding areas.