Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: How to Prepare Your Refrigerator
• Part 2 of 2: How to move your refrigerator
• Tips
• Warnings

If you are moving, then one of the most difficult tasks will be transporting heavy household appliances. However, with a little preparation and assistance, the refrigerator can be transported safely and reliably without harm to people or the appliance itself.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: How to Prepare Your Refrigerator

1. 1 Remove all contents from the refrigerator. Remove all contents from the refrigerator prior to transport. The refrigerator and freezer must be free of food, seasonings, ice cube trays, and other items that can rumble inside and move weight. Also remember to remove everything outside, including the magnets.
   • All perishable foods should be eaten or given away. During a big move, it is better to just throw away all excess perishable food.
   • If the refrigerator needs to be moved a short distance in the same room for cleaning or rearranging in the kitchen, then it should still be emptied and the food placed on the table. This will make transportation safer and the refrigerator will not tip over. Use the transport casters, which should be placed under the feet of the refrigerator. Unplug the power cord and move the refrigerator to the desired location.
2. 2 Remove the shelves. Remove all removable components inside the refrigerator, including shelves, trays and other free-standing or movable items, drawers and dividers. Wrap towels around all shelves for protection, label and fold neatly.
   • You can also leave the shelves inside and secure them with tape, but it is still recommended to remove the shelves and transport them separately. Much depends on the design of the refrigerator. If the shelves are quite secure, then fix them with tape to reduce the number of items.
3. 3 Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet. Gently twist and tape the power cord so that it does not move. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, disconnect it from the water supply for shipping.
4. 4 Defrost the freezer if necessary. If the freezer has accumulated a large amount of ice and snow, then it should be thawed before transport. The whole process usually takes 6-8 hours, so make sure you have enough time. It is best to defrost the freezer the night before transport, so that it has time to defrost, and in the morning you can wipe the inside of the refrigerator.
   • You don't need to waste valuable time trying to clean the refrigerator perfectly, but do it before plugging into a new location. While the freezer is defrosting, wash all drawers and interior surfaces with disinfectant.
5. 5 Close and secure the doors. Fridge and freezer doors should be tied with strong rope or rubber cord. If the doors are double, remember to tie the handles as well. Do not pull the ropes too tight or the refrigerator doors may bend over. It is also not recommended to seal the doors with tape, as it can damage the finish and leave sticky streaks.
   • If the move will take more than one day, then it is recommended to keep the doors slightly ajar so that air gets into the refrigerator and mold does not appear inside.
6. 6 Find helpers. Since the refrigerator must be transported upright and transported on a trolley, it is easy to figure out that you can handle it alone, but it is always safer to lift heavy objects, carry through doors, around corners, up stairs and load into the vehicle with the assistance of an assistant. At least two people are required to transport the refrigerator.

Part 2 of 2: How to move your refrigerator

1. 1 Use a transport cart. In such a situation, it is best to use a trolley for transporting the refrigerator, which can support a lot of weight and also provide ease of transport, especially if the refrigerator needs to be lowered down the stairs.
   • Any cart with straps will work, but make sure the split base is large enough to accommodate the bottom of the refrigerator and the straps allow you to securely hold your load. The size of the base of the cart is very important as the refrigerator must be kept upright to prevent refrigerant leaks.
   • If you do not have a transport cart, you can rent one. There are also straps that theoretically allow you to fix the refrigerator on the back, but buying a strap would be more expensive and much more dangerous than renting a cart. It is best not to transport the refrigerator without a cart.
2. 2 Place the refrigerator away from the wall and secure it to the cart. In most cases, the cart can be pushed directly under the refrigerator (it will need to be raised slightly if necessary). Secure it to the cart with the transport straps or rubber cords. It is important to remember that the refrigerator should not be tilted during climbs. In an upright position, oil will not seep into the cooling tubes.
   • Never try to transport the refrigerator on its side or on the back. Compressor oil can enter the cooling tubes.Already after re-installing it in the vertical position, oil may remain in the cooling system and the refrigerator will not work well.
   • If you just need to put the refrigerator on its side, then try to do it at a right angle. Place a box or large piece of furniture underneath so that it is relatively upright.
3. 3 Tilt the refrigerator slightly. Once it's secured to the cart, begin transporting the refrigerator to the truck in front of you. It is important to drive in the opposite direction of the incline to ensure maximum safety. Tell your assistant to hold the other side of the refrigerator and avoid obstacles.
   • To descend a ladder, you need to go down one step at a time, and the assistant needs to not allow the cart to pick up speed. It is best if there are two people in front of the cart and one on the other side to hold and slowly lower the load. Communicate loudly and take your time.
4. 4 Submerge the refrigerator in the vehicle. If you are transporting things by car, then for loading you need to lower the side and roll the cart to the body. Ideally, a loading ramp should be used where the refrigerator cart can be rolled. Otherwise, more effort will be needed.
   • To lift the refrigerator into the car body in an upright position, you need to climb into the body yourself, and leave two assistants below. Coordinate each action and lift at the same time. You should pull the handles of the cart up, and the assistants at the bottom lift it by the base and push it into the body. It is best to have another assistant in the back, so that all the load does not fall on you.
   • Fasten the refrigerator upright in the box. Leaving the refrigerator on the cart will help ensure stability and safety. Otherwise, secure it to the furniture or fix it in the body with rubber cords.
5. 5 Bring the refrigerator to your new home. Remove and bring the refrigerator into the house by following the same steps in reverse order. Do not plug it in for at least three hours. During this time, oil and liquid will drain back into the compressor and will not affect the normal operation of the appliance. After three days, the refrigerator will reach the required operating temperature and will be ready for use in the new location.

Tips

• Before transporting, read the operating instructions for your refrigerator for additional instructions and recommendations for safe transport that you need to take into account.
• If you are not confident in your abilities, you can always turn to professional loaders for help.

Warnings

• Never attempt to transport the refrigerator yourself, as the heavy weight of the appliance can cause serious injury if dropped. In this situation, you cannot do without the help of at least two strong assistants, especially if you need to lower or raise the refrigerator up the stairs.