Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: The preparation
• Part 2 of 2: Moving the refrigerator
• Tips
• Warnings

When moving house, moving heavy equipment may be the trickiest part. But with a little planning and a little help, you can safely move a refrigerator without harming the appliance or yourself.

To step

Part 1 of 2: The preparation

1. Empty the refrigerator. Before moving a refrigerator, all items must be removed from the refrigerator. Both the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment must be empty, so remove all food, bottles, ice cubes and other things that may move when moving. Also remove everything from the fridge on the outside, such as magnets.
   • Eat or give away perishables. If you're in the middle of a big move, you might want to get rid of the stuff if you can't clean it up now.
   • If you want to move the fridge a little bit in the same room to clean behind it or rearrange the kitchen, take everything out of the fridge and set it on a counter. Then you can move the refrigerator more easily.
2. Remove the shelves. Everything that is loose in the refrigerator is best removed, so that applies to shelves, drawers and other removable parts. Wrap the shelves in towels to protect them, then stack them carefully.
   • You can also choose to leave the shelves and drawers in place and tape them, but it is recommended to remove them completely. If everything is already reasonably fixed, you can choose to stick everything.
3. Remove the plug from the wall socket. Roll up the cord securely and make a nice bundle with strong tape so that it cannot move during the move. If you have a refrigerator with an ice maker, you will also need to disconnect the water supply.
4. Defrost the freezer if necessary. If there is a lot of ice in the freezer, you must defrost the freezer before you can continue. This usually takes about 6 to 8 hours, so make sure you start on time. It is best to start thawing the night before moving, so you can mop up the water first thing in the morning.
   • Now that the refrigerator is empty, you can immediately clean it before you start the move. Make soapy water and wipe all parts and the walls well inside.
5. Close and secure the door (s). Refrigerator and freezer doors must be secured with a strong rope or elastic. If you have a refrigerator with a double door, you can also tie the handles together. Don't tie it too tight or you could damage the doors. It is not recommended to use adhesive tape, as this can damage the paint or leave adhesive residue.
   • If the move will take longer than a day, it is better to leave the doors open so that there is air circulation and no mold can form.
6. Call in auxiliaries. Since a refrigerator must be transported upright, preferably on a hand truck, you may think you can do it on your own. Don't do that, it's always safer to lift and maneuver heavy objects with several people. Moving a refrigerator is a job for at least two people.

Part 2 of 2: Moving the refrigerator

1. Use a hand truck. The best way to move a refrigerator is to use a refrigerator hand truck, especially if you have to descend stairs.
   • A normal hand truck with straps will also work well, but make sure that the base is large enough to support the bottom of the refrigerator and that the straps are long enough to secure the refrigerator. The bottom must be large enough because the refrigerator must remain upright during the move to prevent coolant from leaking.
   • If you don't have a hand truck you have to rent one. Never try to move a refrigerator without a hand truck.
2. Slide the refrigerator off the wall and put the sack truck underneath. In most cases you can slide the hand truck under the refrigerator, sometimes the refrigerator has to be tilted slightly. Secure the refrigerator to the hand truck with lashing straps or elastic straps. Keep the tilting to a minimum when you put the refrigerator on the hand truck. Keep the refrigerator upright to prevent oil from flowing into the cooling tubes.
   • Never move the refrigerator on its side or back. The oil then ends up in the cooling system.If the refrigerator is then placed upright again, not all the oil will flow back and therefore the cooling function will decrease.
   • If there is no other option, place the refrigerator at an angle. Place a box or large piece of furniture under the top of the refrigerator so that it remains slightly upright.
3. Carefully tilt the refrigerator. When the refrigerator is securely attached to the hand truck, you can slowly roll it to the truck. The safest way is to push the hand truck, so forward. Have someone else walk on the other side to keep an eye on everything, he or she can remove obstacles and check if the refrigerator is still properly secured.
   • If you need to move the refrigerator down a flight of stairs, do it step by step, the person helping you can help move it to the next step each time. It is best to have two people in the front and one in the back. Communicate clearly and don't go too fast.
4. Put the refrigerator in the moving van. Carefully lift the refrigerator into the moving van or use the tailgate if there is one.
   • To lift a refrigerator upright in the moving van, it is best to leave it standing on the hand truck. You can then stand in the valve, two helpers can lift the hand truck up while you keep the handles of the hand truck straight.
   • Secure the refrigerator in the truck. You can leave the hand truck attached to it, but otherwise you can secure the refrigerator with other furniture or you can secure it to the walls of the moving van with ropes or straps.
5. Move the refrigerator to its new location. Remove the refrigerator from the truck and move it as you did before. Let the refrigerator rest for three hours before plugging it in. This allows the liquid to return to the compressor, which prevents damage to the refrigerator. It takes about three days for the refrigerator to work as usual again.

Tips

• Read the instructions for use of the refrigerator before you start moving. It contains all kinds of instructions and tips that you should pay attention to while moving.
• If you are afraid that it will not work, it is better to hire a moving company.

Warnings

• Never try to move a refrigerator on your own. Make sure you have at least two other (strong) people available to help you, especially if the refrigerator has to go down or up a flight of stairs.